How to Troubleshoot and Remove a Schwinn Crank

The Schwinn bicycle company uses components from other companies to hang on the bicycle frames and complete the bicycle. In most Schwinn bicycles, Shimano cranks are put on the bike. These cranks attach to a spline in the center of the bicycle frame. When the cranks are turned, the spline spins and allows the power transfer to take place. When you hear a clunking noise or feel lateral slide off the cranks, it is time to diagnose and repair the problem.

Things You'll Need

  • Two 8-millimeter Allen wrenches
  • Bike work stand
  • Chain tool
  • Link pin
  • Bottom bracket
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Instructions

    • 1

      Put the bicycle into the bike work stand. Move the chain onto the largest chainring and the smallest gear on the cassette. Slide the chain tool onto a link of the chain. The chain tool is a special device that looks like a small vise. Align the chain tool pin over a link pin and turn the handle clockwise to push the pin out and separate the chain. Remove the chain.

    • 2

      Place one of the 8-millimeter Allen wrenches into the center hex screw on the cranks. Put the other wrench onto the hex screw on the opposite side and use opposing force to unscrew the hex screw, thus allowing the cranks to come off the bicycle.

    • 3

      Push the spline on the bottom bracket and feel for loose movements or clunks. If present, the bracket must be replaced. Push the bottom bracket tool onto the spline, twist and pull out to remove the bottom bracket.

    • 4

      Insert the new bottom bracket using the bottom bracket tool. Twist to lock the bracket into the frame. Place the cranks back onto the spline, making sure that they are at 180-degree angles to each other and that the chainring crank is on the right side of the bicycle.

    • 5

      Use the 8-millimeter wrenches to tighten the cranks back to the bottom bracket spline. Thread the chain around the chainrings and cassette, and push the chain tool onto the chain at the broken link. Slide the replacement link pin into the link, and turn the chain tool handle clockwise to push the new link pin into the chain, thus closing the chain around the drivetrain.