Removing a stuck crank?

RF said:

Hi Experts,

I want to clean out and regrease the crank bearings of my bike. However,
one crank is really stuck. I forced a steel wedge in behind the hub of
the crank with a hammer but it won't budge.

It might be possible to whack the axle that joins the cranks, but I
doubt that the ball bearings would like it.

Is there a puller for these, just like a pulley puller?

yes:

http://parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=103

RF said:

Hi Experts,

I want to clean out and regrease the crank bearings of my bike. However,
one crank is really stuck. I forced a steel wedge in behind the hub of
the crank with a hammer but it won't budge.

It might be possible to whack the axle that joins the cranks, but I
doubt that the ball bearings would like it.

Is there a puller for these, just like a pulley puller?

If it is a right with a classic loose-ball BB, yes, it is possible to
remove the left crank and left cup then screw in a scrap m8x1 bolt and
smack the spindle out while the crank rests on the right cup. Watch for
chainring on chainstay if you try that.

A left may be removed with cup and spindle complete and similarly bashed
apart over a vise. A heat gun may be helpful.

I'd consider that a 'last option' when nothing else has moved it and as
noted on many setups it cannot be done at all.

Have you tried a good crank puller firmly mounted in clean threads and
with oil on the puller's bolt? A heat gun and/or tapping the side of the
arm while the crank puller is tight may help.

Wedging an arm off with a auto tie rod 'fork' can be done. We find the
tool's slope is to steep as delivered, lower (file, disc grinder) the
angle if you can.
--
Andrew Muzi
www.yellowjersey.org
Open every day since 1 April, 1971

Quoted message said:

RF said:

I want to clean out and regrease the crank bearings of my bike. However,
one crank is really stuck. I forced a steel wedge in behind the hub of
the crank with a hammer but it won't budge.
It might be possible to whack the axle that joins the cranks, but I
doubt that the ball bearings would like it.
Is there a puller for these, just like a pulley puller?

landotter said:

yes:
http://parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=103

I was impressed that a Campagnolo ACH is shown as the archetype! Cool!
--
Andrew Muzi
www.yellowjersey.org
Open every day since 1 April, 1971

A Muzi said:

Quoted message said:

RF said:

I want to clean out and regrease the crank bearings of my bike. However,
one crank is really stuck. I forced a steel wedge in behind the hub of
the crank with a hammer but it won't budge.
It might be possible to whack the axle that joins the cranks, but I
doubt that the ball bearings would like it.
Is there a puller for these, just like a pulley puller?

landotter said:

yes:!!
http://parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=103

I was impressed that a Campagnolo ACH is shown as the archetype! Cool!

Stronglight was also represented. I suggest a pirouette!

A Muzi said:

RF said:

Hi Experts,

I want to clean out and regrease the crank bearings of my bike.
However, one crank is really stuck. I forced a steel wedge in behind
the hub of the crank with a hammer but it won't budge.

It might be possible to whack the axle that joins the cranks, but I
doubt that the ball bearings would like it.

Is there a puller for these, just like a pulley puller?

If it is a right with a classic loose-ball BB, yes, it is possible to
remove the left crank and left cup then screw in a scrap m8x1 bolt and
smack the spindle out while the crank rests on the right cup. Watch for
chainring on chainstay if you try that.

A left may be removed with cup and spindle complete and similarly bashed
apart over a vise. A heat gun may be helpful.

I'd consider that a 'last option' when nothing else has moved it and as
noted on many setups it cannot be done at all.

Have you tried a good crank puller firmly mounted in clean threads and
with oil on the puller's bolt? A heat gun and/or tapping the side of the
arm while the crank puller is tight may help.

Wedging an arm off with a auto tie rod 'fork' can be done. We find the
tool's slope is to steep as delivered, lower (file, disc grinder) the
angle if you can.

My thanks to everyone for their inputs.

Landotter, those were very good pictures and, while viewing them, I
vaguely remembered having bought a puller. I rooted through my bike
drawer and sure enough I unearthed one. It has the brand " Sugino, Chain
Wheel" and it worked extremely well. I had both cranks off in less than
10 mins. What the right tools can do! :-)

Thanks again.

RF