Removing seized M540 pedal

[nandystam]

Hi all

Just after some advice on the best plan of attack for removing an M540 pedal (drive side) that's seemingly seized to the crank arm, and the allen key head has been somewhat stripped. I've managed to get the pedal body off, leaving only the spindle/axle behind. From this point most people suggest a pipe wrench should do the business, but the axle is largely tapered, and the only consistent surface is the threaded end which is also the narrowest (in diameter). I'm guessing this is the recommended spot to use a pipe wrench on ?

Worse case scenario is to remove the crank arm, attach it to a vice (which i don't have, I do have quick-grip clamps instead) and try and remove it that way?

You can probably tell I haven't attempted this before, so just want to check everything off first so I get it right

Thanks

[JPB]

I have just had to do this.
In the end it was crank off the bike and then soak the end of the pedal spindle in kero for a week.
Then clamp a good quality 15mm spanner in a vice (to try and stop the jaws from opening up) and use a heat gun to get the crank just too hot to touch and then with the flats of the spindle in the aforementioned spanner use all my strength and weight to turn the crank (in the correct direction).

[nandystam]

I wish mine had flats, I'd be a fighting chance then

[road_warrior]

Maybe weld some flat surfaces onto the spindle so you can get a grip on the spindle?

The last time I had a stuck pedal, I used a heat gun. Just remember to put the chain the chain ring, or cover the chain ring. For me when the pedal let go, I gashed my arm open on the exposed chain ring

[nandystam]

No welder I'm afraid. If I had one, I'm guessing my best bet would be to weld an M4 nut after threading it on to the exposed shaft. Not sure if maybe high strength loctite might do enough to keep that nut in place long enough to remove the entire pedal with the right ring spanner?

[Calvin27]

I used the vice method before and it came off on the first shot. This was after at least 1 hours of 'tricks'.

[queequeg]

What cranks do you have? Sometimes it's easier just to toss the cranks. I recently had to hacksaw a crank arm off because it got stuck, and no manner of bashing or heating would pry it loose.

[nandystam]

It's a Sora (3500 from memory), so not top end stuff.. Tossing it might not a bad idea.

[Calvin27]

Surely you'd give it a crack with some serious leverage before tossing it haha.

[nandystam]

I plan to, it's just about using the leverage in the right way so I don't walk away swearing or with numerous cuts/gashes

[rowdyflat]

Use a Stillson shifter with a extension pipe over the handle it will grip round surfaces .
Make sure you turn it anticlockwise if the drive side.

[JPB]

Are you sure there are no flats for a spanner? My M540 have them.

[Duck!]

M540s don't have flats.

Try this. Remove the crank from the bike, then remove the chainrings. Clamp the pedal spindle in a bench vice, and then use every bit of leverage you can muster to unscrew the crank from the spindle.

[piledhigher]

M540s don't have flats.

I'd write 1000 words

[Thoglette]

M540s don't have flats.

Try this. Remove the crank from the bike, then remove the chainrings. Clamp the pedal spindle in a bench vice, and then use every bit of leverage you can muster to unscrew the crank from the spindle.

Plus heat. Heat up that aluminium crank arm before you lean on it. Use a blow heater or hair dryer.

If you can find some pipe that will fit over the crank arm (old bit of exhaust pipe) then you can get a bit more welly happening. Once you're leaning on it, have your gorgeous (or otherwise) assistant give the arm a tap with a hammer.

[JPB]

M540s don't have flats.

I'd write 1000 words

Understood. I have M520 but thought I had M540

[queequeg]

M540s don't have flats.

I'd write 1000 words

Understood. I have M520 but thought I had M540

If you have the M520 and not the M540, is there any reason you can't just use a standard pedal wrench? You mentioned an allen key, which the M520 can also use, but it has the 15mm pedal wrench nut as well. The M540 only has the 8mm Key

[nandystam]

In the end, I couldn't get it off. I don't have a bench vise (I wish I did), so I decided to get a new chainset instead. So onto the next topic