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Loose crank
#1
The crank on one of my bikes is loose and wobbly. How do i tighten it? Will this take care of the problem?
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#2
Well you should tighten the crank bolts. They are usually in the center of the chain ring at the start of the crank arm.
  Reply
#3
Do you have a bolt that you can see in the middle of the crank like this one

[Image: P1120614+(Large).JPG]


or 2 bolts like this...

[Image: 01inspectzz.jpg]
  Reply
#4
(01-01-2011, 10:40 PM)bobtravers Wrote:  Do you have a bolt that you can see in the middle of the crank like this one

[Image: P1120614+(Large).JPG]


or 2 bolts like this...

[Image: 01inspectzz.jpg]

no, there is a pin in crank arm. see pic.
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#5
You have a "Cottered Crank", my friend. Here is more...
http://sheldonbrown.com/cotters.html
Wheelies don't pop themselves. (from a QBP fortune cookie)
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#6
OH wow I did not see this until now so sorry! There should be a nut on one side of the "pin" aka Cotter! Try tightening it up ,BUT not too much or you will strip it out. If this does not do it then you will need to pull it and replace it. If it wobbly and loose then removal should be pretty easy.
Good maintenance to your Bike, can make it like the wheels are, true and smooth!
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#7
Hey guys, is it possible to remove, clean, grease & re-install this type of crank without the use of a crank puller? Only money is a bit tight at the moment but I want to do it this weekend really.


[Image: P1120614+(Large).JPG]
  Reply
#8
first, Dalton, this is the service instruction for octalink;
http://techdocs.shimano.com/media/techdocs/content/cycle/SI/Dura-Ace/SI_1TG0H_001/SI_1TG0H_001_En_v1_m56577569830646804.pdf
are you sure you want to do this?
if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Now back to the original q.
cotter pins come in 2 sizes, 3/8" UK and US, 10mm. EU, not very common and difficult to find, but check size before ordering.
Get new ones before removing old ones as it is very difficult to get them out without damaging thread if very tight.
When fitting, it is common to have to file the angled face to finalize the fit.
Make sure you refit them opposite to each other or the crank arms will be out of line.
Your LBS should have these in stock, in the UK they are about £1/ pair.
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#9
Bearings or crank arm? 2 problems are possible.
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#10
hey guys, sorry to intervene in this thread, but I in fact just joined to make a post about this, but I see there is already one, Im having the same problem but how would I tighten the bolt, there is not enough leeway for the spanner inside the center, would I have to take the cogs off ? Thanks Smile
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#11
Of the three pictured with one do you have?
Good maintenance to your Bike, can make it like the wheels are, true and smooth!
  Reply
#12
(04-23-2011, 01:08 PM)Bill Wrote:  Of the three pictured with one do you have?

Hey again, sorry for the delay, but I have taken some pictures of my own crank as I wasn't sure if they might be different.. How would I tighten this?

Here are the pictures...
http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss247/cogman12345/DSC00575-1.jpg
http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss247/cogman12345/DSC00574.jpg
http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss247/cogman12345/DSC00573.jpg
  Reply
#13
(04-26-2011, 01:49 PM)cogman Wrote:  
(04-23-2011, 01:08 PM)Bill Wrote:  Of the three pictured with one do you have?

Hey again, sorry for the delay, but I have taken some pictures of my own crank as I wasn't sure if they might be different.. How would I tighten this?

Here are the pictures...
http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss247/cogman12345/DSC00575-1.jpg
http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss247/cogman12345/DSC00574.jpg
http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss247/cogman12345/DSC00573.jpg


Hi and welcome,
I have the same crank as yourself, I use a 14mm socket set to remove the bolt and washer, then a crank puller is required to get the crank off. Be careful with the crank puller as they can strip the threads if not seated properly, as I have found out to my cost, this week.
  Reply
#14
(04-26-2011, 02:51 PM)doctordee Wrote:  
(04-26-2011, 01:49 PM)cogman Wrote:  
(04-23-2011, 01:08 PM)Bill Wrote:  Of the three pictured with one do you have?

Hey again, sorry for the delay, but I have taken some pictures of my own crank as I wasn't sure if they might be different.. How would I tighten this?

Here are the pictures...
http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss247/cogman12345/DSC00575-1.jpg
http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss247/cogman12345/DSC00574.jpg
http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss247/cogman12345/DSC00573.jpg


Hi and welcome,
I have the same crank as yourself, I use a 14mm socket set to remove the bolt and washer, then a crank puller is required to get the crank off. Be careful with the crank puller as they can strip the threads if not seated properly, as I have found out to my cost, this week.

Does this mean I have to replace it?
  Reply


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