Stuck crankset

[turbodog]

Penetrating oil, vibration and time work well together. PBblaster is better than WD40, but it stinks. I definitely would NOT use it indoors. Although I was recently told that now, they make PBblaster that doesn't smell too bad. Mine is probably ten years old, so it is certainly the older version.

I'm not familiar with the parts you are trying to remove. Is there a keyway? Could it be that there is a tapered keyway that tightens more as the crank is pulled out?

No keyway. Cranks & bottom brackets might be left for 10+ years or more. They are in the bottom of the frame, so _any_ water that gets inside the frame ends up down there. Additionally, they are TIGHT and almost always take a special tool.

He posted he is using locking pliers... so that is a BIG limiting factor right there. Sometimes, you can put the took in a vise, and turn the entire bike frame to gain leverage.

 

[jtr1962]

Just to update, I haven't done anything more since I last posted. My mom had to go the hospital last Wednesday. She's back home now. She had UTI and septic shock. At this point we're doing home hospice care. She could in theory still make a full recovery but given her age and condition at best she would have a few years, probably a lot less. Anyway, needless to say she's my first priority. I'll worry about the bike if/when I have the time.

 

[Poppy]

No keyway. Cranks & bottom brackets might be left for 10+ years or more. They are in the bottom of the frame, so _any_ water that gets inside the frame ends up down there. Additionally, they are TIGHT and almost always take a special tool.

He posted he is using locking pliers... so that is a BIG limiting factor right there. Sometimes, you can put the took in a vise, and turn the entire bike frame to gain leverage.

Yes, I noted that he is using locking plyers. Commonly I'll do a job myself, and if it requires a specialty tool, I'll get it. I justify its expense by the money I saved by doing the job myself. The next time I need that specialty tool I'll have it.

Of course, sometimes I'll take the job to a shop, who already has the necessary tools.

 

[electrolyte]

I am not so familiar with most modern designs so I am not going to try to understand your crankset or pedal design. Have you been to the Park Tool web site? I very much feel like your problems might be solved by a special tool for your equipment and likely Park has it if it exists. In my experience, the right tool for the job with this specialized equipment is very much worth having. Park has a great how-to section too.

There used to be a bike tool catalog company called "The Third Hand and Loose Screws". (They had little parts too, like the adjuster screws, cable ends, bearings,....) Too bad they don't exist anymore.

 

[KITROBASKIN]

City of Albuquerque Parks and Recreation, runs an Esperanza bike oriented program and facility:

"Our focus is on bicycle education, with the goal of increasing the safety, self-sufficiency, and comfort of recreational, fitness, and utility riders alike.

To meet our goal, Esperanza provides classes and programs of varied types and topics, including bicycle safety, road use and traffic law, mechanics, and riding skills.

Esperanza accepts donations of bikes, bike parts, and other bicycle related items from the community. Donated bikes are refurbished and used in our many programs.

There are several ways that someone needing a bike can earn a bike to fit their transportation needs or get their existing bike back into serviceable condition."

Perhaps there is something like this in your area?

Positive thoughts and hopes regarding the difficult situation with your mother.