How to Replace the Left Crank on a Huffy Cruiser

Remove the pedal before removing the crank. Pedals are threaded in opposite directions, so the left side pedal is a left-hand thread. It loosens when turned clockwise. Put the bike on the floor, and lean the left side up against a wall or have a friend hold it. Stand on the right side of the bike. Turn the crank horizontal, with the left side pointing toward the front. Put the pedal wrench onto the pedal parallel to the arm, with your right hand near the bottom bracket. Hold the left pedal in your left hand. Simultaneously, push down with the right hand while pulling up with the left. The pedal should come out with some effort.

Remove the dust cap from the crank. Under it, a bolt threads into the crank spindle. Some cranks have threaded ends rather than a bolt. Use a socket wrench to remove the bolt or nut, and be sure to remove the washer under it.

Turn the center bolt of the crank extractor counter-clockwise and see that it is fully retracted. A crank extractor has two parts: an outer body that threads into the crank, and an inner push-bolt that pushes the crank off the tapered end of the crank spindle. Back the push-bolt out so the body will fully thread into the crank. Turn the body clockwise to engage the crank threads and see that it is fully inserted. It should be seated firmly with a wrench, but the push bolt should still be loose.

Rotate the push-bolt clockwise by hand until it touches the end of the spindle. Use a wrench to turn it once resistance is encountered. The crank should come free of the spindle with only one or two turns. When it's off the spindle, use the wrench to remove the extractor from the crank. Wipe off any accumulated grease or dirt on the spindle.