How to Remove the Pedal Arm on a Schwinn Cruiser

A Schwinn Cruiser is a comfortable bike with a stylish frame. You may perform many repairs on a Cruiser. If you must repair the bottom bracket or replace the chainring, you must first remove the pedal arm, which connects a pedal to the bottom bracket spindle. Removing a pedal arm requires a few tools, including a crankarm extractor. If you don't already have the tools, it might be better to take your Cruiser to a bicycle repair shop. The cost of the tool might negate the savings realized by doing the work yourself.

Things You'll Need

  • Flathead screwdriver
  • Chain tool
  • Crankarm extractor
  • 14-millimeter socket and driver
  • Adjustable wrench
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the chain first. Some chains have master links that you may easily unlatch to take off the chain. If your chain has no master link, you'll need a chain tool. To use the chain tool, put a link of the chain inside it and twist the lever on the tool until the pin in the link is almost, but not quite out. Ease the links apart and take the chain off the bike.

    • 2

      Remove the dust cap over the pedal arm bolt. Dust caps are common on Schwinn bicycles. Depending on your model, you may remove it with an Allen wrench or a flathead screwdriver. Insert the tool into the slot or hole in the dust cap and twist it off.

    • 3

      Attach the 14-millimeter socket to the bolt underneath the dust cap. Affix the driver to the socket. Start by holding the other pedal arm to gain torque, then crank the wrench to your left to loosen the bolt on the outside of the pedal arm. Loosen it until it comes off or may be easily removed with your fingers. Remove any washers beneath the bolt.

    • 4

      Turn the movable part of the crankarm extractor to its outermost position. Thread the other end gently into the crank, making sure the threads are aligned with those inside the crank arm.

    • 5

      Position your wrench on the wrench flats of the crankarm extractor and slowly twist the inner rod of the tool forward. The tool will push the pedal arm off of the bicycle by putting pressure on the axle. It will loosen and eventually fall off.

    • 6

      Repeat Steps 2 through 5 for the other pedal arm. You can now replace the pedal arms or chainrings, or you can work on the bottom bracket.