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Hot Topic (More than 10 Replies) Repairing stripped pedal thread on crank arm (Read 2855 times)
Sierra_bravo
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Repairing stripped pedal thread on crank arm
03/31/17 at 5:18pm
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As the​ title states, I stripped the threads on the pedal inserts on my left crank arm. I know the best thing to do would be replacing the whole crank set and I might just buy the Shimano acera M361 to do that, but I wanted to know if there is anyway to permanently fix my current crank arm?

Thanks
-Sam
  
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Re: Repairing stripped pedal thread on crank arm
Reply #1 - 03/31/17 at 6:53pm
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You can ream out the insert, tap new threads, and thread in a new bushing. But the tools to do it are expensive. Cheapest option is probably to just replace the left crank arm. Just make sure you get the correct length and crank interface.

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Always remember, left pedal is left hand thread (CCW=tighten), right pedal is right hand thread (CW=tighten).

What cranks are on the bike?
« Last Edit: 03/31/17 at 6:55pm by BudLeach »  
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Sierra_bravo
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Re: Repairing stripped pedal thread on crank arm
Reply #2 - 03/31/17 at 7:26pm
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Yea, between getting the 9/16 20tpi tap and those threaded inserts buying a new set makes more sense, supprisingly.

As for the crank, right now I'm running the stock generic SBC son of strongarm 22-32-42. Not sure of the BB specs though, nor what i would measure.
-Sam
  
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Tom F
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Re: Repairing stripped pedal thread on crank arm
Reply #3 - 03/31/17 at 8:50pm
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Sierra_bravo wrote on 03/31/17 at 7:26pm:
Yea, between getting the 9/16 20tpi tap and those threaded inserts buying a new set makes more sense, supprisingly.

As for the crank, right now I'm running the stock generic SBC son of strongarm 22-32-42. Not sure of the BB specs though, nor what i would measure.
-Sam

I have the tap if you need to borrow it.
  
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Re: Repairing stripped pedal thread on crank arm
Reply #4 - 03/31/17 at 9:30pm
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Depends on how badly the threads are boogered up.  If just a little cross threaded then a tap should clean it up enough to reuse.  If we're talking full on "I rode with the pedal loose for 10 miles at USNWC" galled then you'll need to ream, thread and install a thread insert.  Those tools and parts look like this....

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$10 for the part and $15 for the labor will get you back on the trail without having to add to the landfill. Smiley
  
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Sierra_bravo
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Re: Repairing stripped pedal thread on crank arm
Reply #5 - 03/31/17 at 10:48pm
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I recognize those little inserts, aren't they sold under the brand name helicoil by Stanley. 

As for the damage of the threads, I wouldn't say 10 miles at usnwc, maybe 3/4.

Also, thanks Tom but I'm not gonna bother you for a tap, I'm sure a store​ here with a very good return policy sells one  Wink
-Sam
« Last Edit: 04/01/17 at 12:12am by Sierra_bravo »  
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Re: Repairing stripped pedal thread on crank arm
Reply #6 - 04/01/17 at 12:38am
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Just remember which direction to run the tap. I cannot remember which side is RH thread and which is LH. If I remember right the LH side has to be tapped from the inside of the crank arm.

MARK ?
  
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Re: Repairing stripped pedal thread on crank arm
Reply #7 - 04/01/17 at 12:50am
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Left side is reverse thread
  
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Re: Repairing stripped pedal thread on crank arm
Reply #8 - 04/01/17 at 1:21am
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Good point on the thread pattern, I don't understand why left loosy right tighty doesn't apply the the (from above)RH crank but there's probably a good reason.

On a side note​, I realize what I said before, but does anyone around Sherman have a square taper crank puller I could borrow for all of 5 minutes to remove the crank. I'm thinking I'll need to stick the arm in a flat jaw vice with a towel around it to have a chance of getting the threads straight.

Btw, quick crappy photo of the few threads left
Thanks for the help everyone 
-Sam
  
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Re: Repairing stripped pedal thread on crank arm
Reply #9 - 04/01/17 at 1:49am
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So it is the right crank arm. Those threads look pretty jacked up. I doubt chasing them will help any. Probably best to just take it to Cycle Path and let them put those fancy tools to work! 

  
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Re: Repairing stripped pedal thread on crank arm
Reply #10 - 04/01/17 at 2:10am
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It is the right one isn't it, there's my keen sense of direction. And yea, threads are ​pretty screwed, or really it would be unscrewed.  The pedal slides in with a 1/16" of space on each side and only grips one row of the few threads left. 

I'm debating whether to get the the arms fixed or just get  that m361 I mentioned. The actual rings are somewhat worn and probably deserve a retirement. Also, I understand how the repair thread is installed but how is it kept from unscrewing? I don't think they're soldered and I can't see the labor involved with milling out a key way/seat on the arm/pedals costing $15, even with that Modelo added to the payment
-Sam
  
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Re: Repairing stripped pedal thread on crank arm
Reply #11 - 04/01/17 at 3:10pm
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The tools in the picture are a reamer and tap combined on one tool. One for right hand thread, one for left hand thread. They have tapered reamers on the end which ream out the old threads and open the hole up enough to cut new threads. The bushing works just like a helicoil. Not sure what keeps the bushing from unthreading, im guessing just some type of thread locker (i.e. loctite). 

For as cheap as the whole new crankset is, its hard to argue with the replacement option. Just get that bike back out on the trails  Cheesy
  
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Re: Repairing stripped pedal thread on crank arm
Reply #12 - 04/02/17 at 6:22am
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A liberal coat of Red Thread lock holds the insert in.  The left side crank arm threads are backwards because if they weren't the pedal would have a tendency to unscrew.  Ask anyone with an Italian road bike with and Italian bottom bracket and they'll tell you why they have to always tighten and/or thread lock their bottom brackets.   

BTW that reverse thread tap is bike industry specific.  You will not find that at an auto parts or hardware store.   

If the rings are worn than it's probably cheaper just getting a new crank set.  Make sure to check bottom bracket spindle length compatibility.  Smiley

The inserts are made by Unior and are similar but not the same as a Heli-Coil (which coming from an automotive background I'm all too familiar with. )
  
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Re: Repairing stripped pedal thread on crank arm
Reply #13 - 04/02/17 at 6:24am
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I'll post pictures of a pedal thread insert and a heli-coil later so you can see the difference.
  
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Re: Repairing stripped pedal thread on crank arm
Reply #14 - 04/03/17 at 2:16am
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Seems to be a no brainer for just buying a new and complete crankset.

ciao
Santana
  
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Re: Repairing stripped pedal thread on crank arm
Reply #15 - 04/03/17 at 11:15am
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Well, I did actually end up buying that Shimano m361 crank and installed/tuned it yesterday. Works great and has slightly longer arms. Also figured out why the first crankarm got stripped, apperntly when I bought my used shimano m520s the guy I bought them from sent me two left pedals. Yea, work the rest out.

Anyways, just wanted to give a quick thanks to everyone who helped out. Really nice having such a active community here.
-Sam

Photo's of the bike with the new crank, not the best but hey. Also, realize it doesn't match the stem, bar, and seat post but hopefully that'll change soon. At least in relation to the bar/stem
  
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Re: Repairing stripped pedal thread on crank arm
Reply #16 - 04/03/17 at 11:36am
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That bike's a classic!  Don't ever get rid of it!
  
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Re: Repairing stripped pedal thread on crank arm
Reply #17 - 04/03/17 at 12:26pm
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Sweet ride!

Just a suggestion here, you may want to orient the QR axle levers such that they point straight back. It is also acceptable to have the front one pointing up parallel to the fork. Whichever position seems least likely to get snagged on a rogue branch or vine. That is one fastener that you DO NOT want coming loose when bombing down hill.
  
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Re: Repairing stripped pedal thread on crank arm
Reply #18 - 04/03/17 at 12:59pm
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Thanks for the compliments on the bike. I'm absolutely loving it. Although I'm kinda modernizing it slightly, i still want to keep it semi-stock. 

Might have to eventually fix the original crank though, just to stick it back on and show it off as a display bike.
  
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Re: Repairing stripped pedal thread on crank arm
Reply #19 - 04/03/17 at 6:26pm
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Hey Sam,
Glad you're enjoying the bike (and sorry to hear about stripping out the crank).  I wouldn't go crazy updating that old classic.  Especially if you get any taller.... you're almost too tall for that frame as it is now.  You'd be better off saving the cost of upgrades and putting that toward your next bike.  I had 2 other offers on CL before I took the ad down, so you should easily get the $140 back in the sale of this classic and move onto something larger and newer.  (Your choice, but just an observation)

While I'm e-mailing you... My wife just found the original manual and I just found the original pedals (SPD type) and cleats.  Let me know if you want them?

Happy Trails!
Brian
  
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Re: Repairing stripped pedal thread on crank arm
Reply #20 - 04/03/17 at 7:56pm
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Hi Brian, The crank was all my fault. After all should of noticed that one was a lot harder to install. Good lesson for the future though. As for upgrades, unless I absolutely need to change something, I'm planning at stopping at the bar/stem. After all I could also move it over to a compatible future frame and save a good $60 or more. 

Don't worry about the original cleats, pedals, and manual, unless your ever at Sherman or Purser or just near there. If you ever are let me know and I'll try to pick them up.
-Sam
  
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