How to Remove Race Face Cranks

With their "self-extracting" design, Race Face cranks eliminate the need for a "crank puller" to dislodge one or both cranks from the spindle. As the crank fixing bolt is loosened, both the bolt and its retaining ring help extract the crank away from the crank spindle. Nevertheless, care and knowledge are still crucial for removing these cranks. Using the proper tools and service methods facilitates removal of the cranks and prevents potentially damaging the fixing bolts or cranks themselves.

Things You'll Need

  • 8 mm hex key
  • Rubber shop mallet (as needed)
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Note the fixing bolt at the center of the right-hand crank. This bolt attaches the right-hand crank to a spindle, which in turn is attached to the left-hand crank. The right-hand crank and chain share the same side of the bicycle.

    • 2

      Fit an 8 mm hex key into the hex-shaped slot in the center of the right-hand crank-fixing bolt.

    • 3

      Hold the crank still with your free hand to prevent it rotating. Meanwhile, rotate the 8 mm hex key counterclockwise to loosen the crank-fixing bolt.

    • 4

      Loosen the fixing bolt fully, and remove it from the side of the Race Face crank. Set the bolt aside.

    • 5

      Pull the right-hand Race Face crank away from the bicycle, detaching it from the spindle. If the crank refuses to budge, use a soft shop mallet to tap the inside of it.

    • 6

      Place yourself in front of the remaining, left-hand Race Face crank.

    • 7

      Pull the left-hand crank away from the bicycle. Since the left-hand crank is permanently attached to the spindle, comparatively little force is required for its removal from the bicycle.