Tips for removing seized crank?

[buffallodan]

My lbs couldn't extract my driveside M952 XTR crank. They were able to remove non-drive side so I hope that is a good sign. I was going to attempt to remove rings and try to spray some penetrant in there over time hoping it would break it loose. As a last resort I was thinking of using a gear puller. Anyone have any suggestions to save my crank and avoid an darwinian mistake?

[keen]

My lbs couldn't extract my driveside M952 XTR crank. They were able to remove non-drive side so I hope that is a good sign. I was going to attempt to remove rings and try to spray some penetrant in there over time hoping it would break it loose. As a last resort I was thinking of using a gear puller. Anyone have any suggestions to save my crank and avoid an darwinian mistake?

Last resort a little heat from a propane torch.

[buffallodan]

Would that weaken the crank?

[Steve Austin]

keep the propane away for now. unless you want to replace your bike

gear puller should do it....

[Vance in AK.]

A gear puller should work fine, but be sure you put a bolt of the right diamater with a small head(so the crank can come past it) like an allen head in the spindle for the puller to push against so you don't bugger the threads. You also might try the old trick of riding it around the neighborhood a bit with the crank bolt loosened up a bit. Often they come loose when you do. Just don'r ride it far at all afterwords.

[buffallodan]

Does the crank bolt come out by removing the washer first? Can I get replacement bolts for them? My lbs may have cracked mine not sure yet until I get a tool for removing it.

[@dam]

I'm having some trouble removing a pivot shaft on my Blur. I am spraying it with "PB Blaster" penetrating oil, but if that doesn't work I was thinking of laying the bike on its side, removing one of the bolts, filling it with liquid nitrogen, capping it off, and then try tapping it out. Hopefully that won't make it too brittle though.