Give your bike a nice transmission and pedalling upgrade with our step-by-step guide to removing old cranks and fitting new ones
PhD Chemist turned cycling enthusiast, bringing the lab coat to GCN Does Science Bike Tool Set
SRAM is a components manufacturer based in Chicago, Illinois. The company mainly produces drivetrains, for a wide variety of disciplines, alongside many other components. SRAM’s has acquired other brands within the industry such as Zipp, RockShox and Quarq.
The process for removing and installing cranks is different for SRAM GXP and Shimano. In the video above, Ollie gives instructions for both SRAM and Shimano, but in this guide, we'll focus on how to remove and install SRAM GXP cranks.
If you need to access your bottom bracket for cleaning or replacement, or if you want to change your chainrings or cranks, this is an essential part of the process.
With the right tools and knowledge, it's an easy skill to master. We've listed the tools you'll need on the right-hand side.
Read more: The complete guide to road bike groupsets
Check the retaining ring is firmly attached
Remove the non-drive side crank
Rest the chain on the bottom bracket shell and remove the chainset
Clean and grease the spindle
Torque the bolt correctly and refit the chain
SRAM cranks are a two-part system, with a self-extracting crank bolt. It instead uses an internal bolt that holds the non-drive side crank arm onto the spindle and an outer retaining ring. Both are Allen key fittings.
Start by ensuring that the outer retaining ring is firmly attached by tightening it with a 10mm Allen key. This ensures that when you start turning, the self-extracting bolt has a solid connection with the ring.
Insert the 8mm Allen key through the centre of the retaining ring and undo it by turning it anti-clockwise until the cranks come off. Initially, it'll take a lot of force to break the seal, so use the crank arm and Allen key together to increase your leverage.
Before you remove the crank, make sure you note the placement of any washers or spacers.
Click down the gears so your chain is on the inner chainring, then take the chain off and rest it on the bottom bracket shell. As you remove the chainset and crank arm, take note of the position and order of any washers or spacers that might be behind them. You might be able to pull it out by hand, but if not, gently tap the spindle through with your nylon hammer.
Before you install the crank spindle, clean it and apply grease to the spindle. You don't need to smother it in grease, but make sure the part that sits on the bearing is lubricated.
To reassemble, grease the spindle and bolt threads. Insert the spindle through the bottom bracket, ensuring to correctly refit any spacers or washers. Replace the non-drive side arm, making sure it's 180 degrees from the drive side, and tighten the 8mm bolt into the spindle.
Check the cranks or look online for the correct torque rating and then finish things off with the torque wrench. Finally, ensure the outer retaining ring is secure, then fit the chain back in place.
James writes for the GCN editorial team.
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