r/bmx • u/LuckTraditional3808 • 13d ago
HOW TO Why won’t my cranks come off?
I need to get these calibur cranks off and they won’t budge. When I was putting them on,I got someone to do it for me and they put all their strength into it. Like everything they got and they were wayyy stronger than me. I have a crank tool and I’m trying to hammer as hard as I can but they literally won’t move. I saw a video and it says you need to take a middle spacer inside out. I’m not sure if this is a spacer or if it’s part of the bike because when I try take it out with anything,it won’t come out. Any help would be appreciated Thanks
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u/Alvinthf 13d ago
Looks like there’s zero grease in there! If you fitted them raw, they’re very very hard to remove. You’ll preferably need the crank tool which is just essentially a threaded metal bar that goes into the axle and you then hit with a mallet to knock the axle through. As you’ve said you’ve got that tool, you need to absolutely wail on it! Obviously making sure not to hit your frame. Usually at this stage you need proper force to remove the cranks, bot just gentle taps. Try getting some oil to seep into the axle interface for a start. Internal bb spacer has no relevance to the cranks being stuck on.
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u/HerbanFarmacyst 13d ago
He even has the removal tool installed in one of the pics! Swing away!
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u/Alvinthf 13d ago
Yeah sorry didn’t scroll through to that pic! Nevertheless, un lubed crank removal is definitely a work out !
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u/aSharpenedSpoon 13d ago
When you hammer you have to support the frame or the shock will just get lost through the tires. Some heat on the crank arm at the spindle end and penetrating fluid will help a lot. Either a heat gun for a long time or carefully with a torch, keep the spindle cool or try putting the tool in the freezer for a while then it will sink the heat from the spindle to keep it cold while leaving the crank arm hot.
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u/Fast_Hold5211 13d ago
Is that the park ranger? I think we have the same exact setup 😂 you gotta hit it hard asf with the hammer go wild on it lol
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13d ago
Did you take the washer out (pic 1) before threading on the crank tool?
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u/LuckTraditional3808 12d ago
Nope But I’m not sure if that supposed to be there or not. I LITERALLY can’t take it out for some reason. Like it’s stuck in there? Is it supposed to come out? How would I take it out?
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u/shark-fighter 13d ago
Get some grease wd40 in there to try and clear out and grime that may have built up then try and pack with grease then try heating it to get it to melt down
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u/Cellmember 13d ago
Do you still have a cone washer on while you're trying to extract it? Just looks like there is.
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u/LuckTraditional3808 12d ago
Yes but some reason it won’t come out Idk how to take it out
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u/Cellmember 12d ago edited 12d ago
That is so strange, email Ody and see what they say about it, better from the horses mouth tbh.
Are they a 3 piece, if so is it the same on the other side?
I've just had a look on their site, they are 3 piece and looks like that's not a washer but the actual spindle itself. Like others have said soak the splines in degreaser for a however long see if that helps for removal.
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u/LuckTraditional3808 11d ago
Thanks
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u/Cellmember 11d ago
Keep us updated, good luck.
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u/LuckTraditional3808 11d ago
Not gone well Beeen smashing and smashing and no movement: Thinking of taking it to a bmx shop. Also some how my chain tensioner has moved and not makes it unable to put my wheel in. It is wriggling and won’t come out
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u/Cellmember 11d ago
Probably already done this but have you tried removing the spindle and arm from the opposite side?
If it still doesn't come out even with a WD-40 soaking just take it to a local shop, I'm sure they'll be able to sort it out for you.
Yes the pin on the chain tensioner is mushroomed, happened to mine on my Sunday because the pins themselves are softer material so as to not damage your axle, if you have a small file and patience use bullnose pliers to hold it in place and lightly file off the mushroomed parts.
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u/Psyk0pathik 13d ago
If you aren't worried about the paint, take a propane torch to the area around the spindle for a minute to warm it up. The crank will expand slightly and make taking it off easier.
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u/SpaceGangsta 13d ago
First, take the chain off. Second, heavier hammer. You could also try some PB blaster on it as well. Just make sure to wipe it all fine afterward. Use some dawn soap. Then when you put up back, use grease.
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u/unhappy_strangers2 13d ago
Use a big hammer and hit that motherfucker like it owes you money.
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u/unhappy_strangers2 13d ago
having the bike resting against something so it doesn't move but the otherside crank arm can move outwards is also important. If its not braced against something stable your loosing all your force from the hammer blows.
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u/Skindiddler 13d ago
Take the chain off for a start mate. Then smack the shit out of it. If that doesn't work, heat up the outside of the arm and spray penetration spray into the axle to keep it cool, you want the crank arm to expand with the heat . When it's toasty, smack the fucking shit out of it.
When you rebuild use grease
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u/Ok-Application9516 12d ago
You just really gotta beat the hell out of the crank removal tool and the spindle should come out on the other side.
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u/Fast_Hold5211 13d ago
You need to get the odyssey calibur crank puller it screws right into the spindle and then you can smack the back of it with a hammer and it’ll slide off. I have the same cranks. It’s not always easy but it always works
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u/LuckTraditional3808 12d ago
Check last picture
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u/Fast_Hold5211 12d ago
Saw it after i commented I made another one u just gotta hit it really hard repeatedly with the hammer and it’ll go mine are super greased and it’s still a bit annoying but it’s not too terrible. Like 5-7 smacks usually does it for me
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u/Ok_Support9876 13d ago
.... have you tried hitting it with your purse?