Unable to remove pedal to get to tire

[J.T.]

Hi all, I need to change the tire on my wheel, and after researching YouTube videos (e.g. Electric Unicycles EU, Speedy Feet UK), I can't even get past removing the pedal (which would then allow me to remove the case, which would then permit me to get to the tire so that I can change it out).  I'm able to remove the hex screw underneath the pedal just fine, but when I go to try to remove the bushing (or metal rod) for the pedal, it simply does not budge.  I've hammered at it using a hammer and screwdriver for an hour straight to no avail, using WD40 a couple of times to try and loosen it up. See pic attached (note: this pic is taken after that hour).  I've ridden my wheel every day in all kinds of weather for 5 years, so I suspect there's a bunch of dirt, grime, rust within it that's making it so difficult to remove.  This is for a Ninebot One E+, but in looking at similar videos for other brands of wheels (e.g. Inmotion), it seems the procedure for removal of the pedal is the exact same (i.e. remove the bushing / metal rod).  The videos online make it seem so easy, but they also look like new wheels that haven't been through the weather abuse I've given my wheel.  I'm looking for suggestions, ideas, or anything else to help me get past this point.  Anyone have any thoughts?  Thanks in advance

Edited March 29, 2020 by J.T.
Added some words for clarity

[EUC Custom Power-Pads]

Not the same wheel, but actually the same problem. 

Maybe it will help?

 

 

[mrelwood]

14 hours ago, J.T. said:

I've ridden my wheel every day in all kinds of weather for 5 years

Steel, aluminium, water and 5 years is a nasty combo. Your best bet might be to purchase penetrating oil, which is designed to loosen parts that are stuck because of rust. I’d spray it all over the pedal axle/pin several times during the day, and try again the next day. If still no movement, remove the pedal top plate (and anything underneath), wipe off any oil residue, and heat up the pedal at the hinge with a butane torch or a hot air gun for a minute at a time before trying again. Be careful not to make any plastics or rubber too hot!

If either of these won’t help, I don’t think there is a way to take out the pedal in one piece, in which case an angle grinder (and a new pedal + axle/pin) would be needed.

[J.T.]

 

@buell47, extremely helpful thread, thank you for sharing!  I guess I need to have patience and keep at it: WD40, tapping away at the rod, and repeat.  You mentioned using a "spray with a higher creeping effect and better corrosion solving properties" than WD40.  Suggestions?  If I am able to get the pedal off, I like your suggestion to use ceramic spray to coat it beforehand.  Just curious which kind did you use?

Also, I can't believe @Marty Backe used an angle grinder to grind off the pedal rod!  But I guess if I have to do that, I will.

 

On 3/29/2020 at 1:12 PM, buell47 said:

Not the same wheel, but actually the same problem. 

Maybe it will help?

 

 

 

 

[J.T.]

Got it.  Suggestions on penetrating oil?  When I Google it, it comes up with WD40, which I'm currently using.

 

On 3/30/2020 at 3:23 AM, mrelwood said:

Steel, aluminium, water and 5 years is a nasty combo. Your best bet might be to purchase penetrating oil, which is designed to loosen parts that are stuck because of rust. I’d spray it all over the pedal axle/pin several times during the day, and try again the next day. If still no movement, remove the pedal top plate (and anything underneath), wipe off any oil residue, and heat up the pedal at the hinge with a butane torch or a hot air gun for a minute at a time before trying again. Be careful not to make any plastics or rubber too hot!

If either of these won’t help, I don’t think there is a way to take out the pedal in one piece, in which case an angle grinder (and a new pedal + axle/pin) would be needed.

 

 

 

[EUC Custom Power-Pads]

11 minutes ago, J.T. said:

You mentioned using a "spray with a higher creeping effect and better corrosion solving properties" than WD40.  Suggestions? 

e.g. Rost Off Blue Ice from Würth, or any other well-known manufacturers. I have made quite good experiences with these so-called ice rust removers. 

21 minutes ago, J.T. said:

I like your suggestion to use ceramic spray to coat it beforehand.  Just curious which kind did you use?

You can use any brake lube with or without ceramic. All should do there job. I use ceramic spray, because I have it already. 

If Rost Off doesn't work, try heating up the pedal with a torch after remove all stuff from the pedal.