'Tube spanners' for pedal adjustment in the USA?
12-21-16, 11:39 AM
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'Tube spanners' for pedal adjustment in the USA?
Wondering what the appropriate tool is for adjusting pedal bearing locknuts and cones, when they are deep down a shaft? I have a new set of Wellgo MG-5 pedals and due to the design (see below) a very long and narrow socket will be needed to get at the nuts.
I've seen 'tube spanners' mentioned, which seem like the ideal tools for the job, but this seems to be a UK thing only? I do not see any US sellers of these...
What do people use to service pedals like this?
BTW - the reason I want to serivce brand new pedals is to adjust the bearings as they are a bit tight and stiff, and also to add extra grease since these will be used on a winter commuter in cold/wet/salty conditions.
I've seen 'tube spanners' mentioned, which seem like the ideal tools for the job, but this seems to be a UK thing only? I do not see any US sellers of these...
What do people use to service pedals like this?
BTW - the reason I want to serivce brand new pedals is to adjust the bearings as they are a bit tight and stiff, and also to add extra grease since these will be used on a winter commuter in cold/wet/salty conditions.
Last edited by robo; 12-21-16 at 11:44 AM.
12-21-16, 11:41 AM
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deep sockets are easily attainable at any decent home improvement store, hardware store, etc.
12-21-16, 12:03 PM
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What you know as "tube spanners" are called "deepwell sockets" here and are available for use with 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2"- square drive ratchets and drive tools. Any home center, hardware store and most big-box department stores will have them.
12-21-16, 12:10 PM
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Beware, you may be opening a can of worms. I haven't had a Wellgo open in some time, but I seem to remember that the axle is not keyed--so they are more or less impossible to adjust properly without the [very expensive] Shimano pedal tools. This isn't a problem if you have a cartridge bearing/bushing setup, though...then, you'll just need to replace those parts if there is any play.
NB, if you remove the cap and see a cartridge, stop. It's normal for them to be quite draggy when new.
NB, if you remove the cap and see a cartridge, stop. It's normal for them to be quite draggy when new.
12-21-16, 12:45 PM
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I use such set for service pedal/
12-21-16, 01:17 PM
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Beware, you may be opening a can of worms. I haven't had a Wellgo open in some time, but I seem to remember that the axle is not keyed--so they are more or less impossible to adjust properly without the [very expensive] Shimano pedal tools. This isn't a problem if you have a cartridge bearing/bushing setup, though...then, you'll just need to replace those parts if there is any play.
NB, if you remove the cap and see a cartridge, stop. It's normal for them to be quite draggy when new.
NB, if you remove the cap and see a cartridge, stop. It's normal for them to be quite draggy when new.
12-21-16, 01:26 PM
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Ah, thanks! These look a lot more robust than tube spanners as well.
12-21-16, 06:19 PM
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If memory serves me, you need a flat blade screwdriver to adjust the lower or first nut after the bearings. you'll see when you get the top nut undone with socket.
12-21-16, 06:43 PM
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This ^^ is what I often need to do on pedals. Beware deep well sockets come in different wall thicknesses and you may have to search various brands for the thinnest wall or do some grinding on the OD of the socket. usually 12 pt are thinner than 6 pt. and 1/4 drive are thinner than 3/8 drive
12-21-16, 06:58 PM
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Not unusual for some Wellgo pedals to be tight out of the box.
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12-21-16, 07:51 PM
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01-08-17, 03:49 PM
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Figured I'd post an update: I finally bought a set of deep sockets at Harbor Freight for about $10. They just barely fit, and I was able to loosen the bolt in the pedals.
Unfortunately, i discovered that these pedals are not in fact adjustable!
They have a bushing on the crank side, and a small cartridge bearing on the outside, and just a single bolt holding it all together (no locknuts).
So, the whole exercise was pointless! Oh well. At least I changed the grease on the one I opened, so i can compare it with the one I didn't to see if my grease is less stiff in the cold. The pedals did get very stiff in below freezing temps.
Unfortunately, i discovered that these pedals are not in fact adjustable!
They have a bushing on the crank side, and a small cartridge bearing on the outside, and just a single bolt holding it all together (no locknuts).
So, the whole exercise was pointless! Oh well. At least I changed the grease on the one I opened, so i can compare it with the one I didn't to see if my grease is less stiff in the cold. The pedals did get very stiff in below freezing temps.
