Please need help - replacing crank arm bolts for Shimano LX

[goretro77]

I acquired two of these:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/J-L-Crank-Arm-B ... 416de704c6

My question is, is it as easy as it looks?

I've never loosened a Shimano LX crank arm bolt so hoping to install these bolts for cosmetic reasons - simply loosen and remove the existing crank arm bolts (left and right sides) and insert the new ones I just got? Anything unusual to look out for? thanks!!

 

[Rob H]

Assuming is a Shimano bolt that's on there at the moment, you'll need a special star shaped tool to undo it, they can be had pretty cheaply or you could probably get your friendly LBS to undo for you.

 

[FluffyChicken]

That is a modern HT-II preload tensioning bolt. That is not what you want for anything retro.

 

[gtRTSdh]

The gents bike is here, square taper black LX crank from the 90's.

http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=239530

OP I wouldn't reccomend Aluminium bolts for your cranks, steel is best to hold them on, you could go Ti but steel is still more suitable for the task at hand. And yes, you do just unbolt and rebolt.

These would be ideal and add a bit of bling.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/M8-Crank-Bolt ... 2c5ab5ea97

Ti ones

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RockBros-Tita ... 19d631ed61

The ultimate but will probably go for £50+

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Syncros-Revol ... 2ec5bc4df3

 

[elPedro666]

Re: Please need help - replacing crank arm bolts for Shimano

I acquired two of these:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/J-L-Crank-Arm-B ... 416de704c6

My question is, is it as easy as it looks?

I've never loosened a Shimano LX crank arm bolt so hoping to install these bolts for cosmetic reasons - simply loosen and remove the existing crank arm bolts (left and right sides) and insert the new ones I just got? Anything unusual to look out for? thanks!!

Those are NOT crank bolts and will NOT hold your cranks on!

Like Fuffy said, they're HTII bearing preload things, for modern external cranks.

 

[marc two tone]

and, you only need one. t'other side is tube-end bonded to crank body.

*edit*

VV quite right VV. i was going by the HT2 thing.

O.P stick with what you have mate. at least you can fasten them up tight. i don't have much faith in alloy/alu bolts.

 

[elPedro666]

and, you only need one. t'other side is tube-end bonded to crank body.

Good point, I'd assumed they're square taper cranks that are fitted...

Pic or model number please!

 

[goretro77]

Thanks all for the great advice, I think I will just leave them alone!

I appreciate all of the informative posts!

 

[elPedro666]

There's nothing too scary about cranks; if you do decide to bling up a bit just pop a pic or two up and a note of your intentions and there are innumerate people on here who'll be able to help. Let's be honest, ... we love it!

 

[goretro77]

The gents bike is here, square taper black LX crank from the 90's.

http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=239530

OP I wouldn't reccomend Aluminium bolts for your cranks, steel is best to hold them on, you could go Ti but steel is still more suitable for the task at hand. And yes, you do just unbolt and rebolt.

These would be ideal and add a bit of bling.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/M8-Crank-Bolt ... 2c5ab5ea97

Ti ones

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RockBros-Tita ... 19d631ed61

The ultimate but will probably go for £50+

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Syncros-Revol ... 2ec5bc4df3

Thank you for the very helpful advice, I just purchased a pair of these in blue
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/M8-Crank-Bolt ... 2c5ab5ea97


Both sides, left and right are turn counterclockwise to remove, correct? I checked and I have two 8mm allen bits that I can attach to the end of my ratchets so I'm ready to unbolt and rebolt but want to be sure I'm not going to be turning these bolts the wrong way!

Thank you all!