VT Biker

First of all - I did a search, and nothing from what I can tell covers this issue.

The problem:

I have Speedplay Zeros -Stainless, and have lubricated them once already using Pedro's Bio-Grease, about 3 months ago. However, last night, I noticed my left pedal was very difficult to turn, and my right pedal, showed some difficulty (as compared to a new set of Chro-Mo pedals which were in the box).

So I went to regrease them as instructed, but the grease will not go through the pedal. It actually forced out the dust cap rather than push through pedal.

Has anyone experienced something like this, and if so, did it require a complete dismantling of the pedal?

Also - if the pedal will not turn as easily, is this pretty much a sign that the bearings are shot and I will need to order replacement bearings from Speedplay? Or can it be that all it needs is new grease to rotate more efficiently.

AEO

sounds like the grease dried out.

rogerstg

Possibly caked up due to incompatible soaps (thickeners) in the grease. It's not uncommon.

jwible

Take them apart. It's easy.

brian416

My pedals start to spin really easy when they need to be regreased, sounds like maybe the bearings are going bad.

I've found the grease tries to push the dust cap off too, I just have to the grease port tight to the pedal and rotate is back and forth a bit to help the grease get in easier

DScott

Yeah, push harder on the grease gun, or it'll back the cap out. It should force the old grease out through the spindle side. Pedals with well-greased speedplay bearings are actually harder to turn than when the grease is worn or absent.

VT Biker

thanks guys. I am going to take the pedal apart at this point. Whether the bearings are bad or the grease is caked solid, the grease will not go through, no matter how hard I press on the pedal with the gun.

travkat

Don't forget that speedplay pedals shouldn't spin freely when properly lubed. I am not entirely sure that is what you are talking about but hope that helps. When I lube them up and try and spin the pedal I usually don't get an entire revolution of the pedal.

VT Biker

When I say difficult to spin, I am not referring to the standard smooth rotation of the pedal, that due to the lube, will not just spin away. Similar issue as well with external bearings, where the lube creates enough drag when not under force, that it does not just spin freely. With my pedal, it will not even turn using my hand without significant effort.