How to Remove a Schwinn Crankset

The crankset on a Schwinn bicycle connects the pedals to the bottom bracket spindle. Because the cranks must be designed to withstand a lot of force, they can be difficult to remove. Removing a crank arm from your bicycle is a somewhat difficult maneuver that requires a special tool called a crank arm extractor. If you don't have much bike maintenance experience, it might be better to take your Schwinn to a shop; doing it yourself might not be worth the cost of the tools.

Things You'll Need

  • Flathead screwdriver
  • Chain tool
  • Crank arm extractor
  • 14 or 15-millimeter socket and driver
  • Adjustable wrench
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take the chain off the chain rings. If your chain has a master link, it should be easy to unlatch it and remove the chain. If it doesn't, put one link of the chain inside your chain tool and push out the pin by twisting the lever on the tool. Twist until the pin is almost, but not quite, out. Then ease the links apart and remove the chain.

    • 2

      Remove the dust cap over the crank arm bolt. Many Schwinn bicycles have these, and you should be able to remove it with a flathead screwdriver or an allen wrench, depending on what model bike you have. Put the tool into the slot or hole in the middle of the dust cap and twist it off.

    • 3

      Before you remove the bolt, put yourself in a safe position from which there's no danger of slipping and banging your arm or hand on the chain rings. Removing the bolt will take some force, and the chain rings can hurt if you slip.

    • 4

      Affix the 14-millimeter socket to the bolt underneath the dust cap. Attach the driver to the socket and loosen the bolt on the outside of the crank arm by twisting the wrench to the left. Hold the other crank arm to gain torque. Continue until the bolt comes off, or until you can twist it off with your hand. Remove any washers.

    • 5

      Twist the movable part of the crank arm extractor to its outermost position. Then thread the other end gently into the crank, making sure the threads are aligned with those inside the crank arm. Put your wrench on the wrench flats of the crank arm extractor and slowly turn the inner rod of the tool forward. This puts pressure on the axle and pushes the crank arm away from the bike. Once you've gone far enough, it should come off in your hand.

    • 6

      Repeat steps 1 through 5 for the crank on the other side. You can now repair the crank arms or work on the bottom bracket. Whatever repairs you make to the crank arms or spindle, make sure you use parts that are compatible with your Schwinn bicycle.