Common BMX Repairs

Next video: • 4 BMX Skills to Learn ...
One of the many great things about bmx bikes is that they're really easy to work on. For the vast majority of repairs you'll need only allen keys and a ratchet with 15mm and 17mm sockets. If you have pegs you’ll need an extension, and it’s also good to have a pedal wrench. As is the case with any bike, I recommend investing $3 on a lifetime supply of general purpose grease.
Let's talk about a few repairs which are needed most often on BMX bikes.
Even on a new bmx you may have issues with your bars moving when you land. To fix this, first remove the bolts clamping them to your stem. Then, clean all the areas that make contact as good as you can, which will prevent any debris or loose paint from allowing the bars to move. Before you put everything back together, grease the threads on the bolts so that you can get them really tight without any issues. When reinstalling the handlebars, most riders make them about parallel with the fork, but this can be tweaked to your liking. Tighten each bolt a little at a time, so that everything sits flat and even. You’ll want to use a calibrated torque wrench to apply exactly 8 newton meters of force to each bolt. I’m kidding, it’s a BMX, so tighten the crap out of them.
Next is the headset, which consists of the bearings in the head tube. A loose headset is common in BMX because the bike is subject to hard landings and crashes. A loose headset can cause an annoying rattle and even result in damage to your frame and bearings. To test for a loose headset, you can stand in front of your bike and apply force to your bars in different directions. If you feel anything besides steering, it’s probably your headset.
To correct this, loosen the pinch bolts on the stem evenly until your bars can move independently of the fork. Then tighten the bolt on the stem cap slightly and test your headset again. Don't over-tighten this bolt, as it could make it hard to steer, or crush your bearings. You should be able to steer easily and freely. Once the headset feels right you can line up your bars and tighten the pinch bolts again.
With all the abuse that BMX cranks take it's common for them to develop a creaking sound. This usually means the spindle wasn't greased properly during installation. Unlike road and mountain bikes, BMX cranks don't usually need a crank puller for removal. On these cranks we’ll loosen the pinch bolt and remove the cap at the base of the crank. Getting the crank off the spindle may take some effort if you've been running them without grease for a while, but these ones come off pretty easily. Make sure there's a light coating of grease on the spindle and reinstall the crank arm by tightening the cap first, and then the pinch bolt. Do this for both crank arms, and the annoying creaking should be gone. Any other sounds, like popping or grinding are probably your bottom bracket, and we won’t be going over that in this video.
Like most single speed bikes, the chain tension on a BMX is set by positioning the rear wheel in the slotted dropouts. Some people have trouble getting the chain tension right, and the rear wheel lined up properly, but it's actually pretty simple. First, let's talk about chain tension.
When you turn the cranks and observe the chain on a BMX you'll notice that the drivetrain will have a "tight spot" and a loose spot. The better your parts, the less the disparity between these two extremes. We'll get back to this in a minute.
To adjust your chain tension, loosen the axle nuts and move the wheel within the dropout. When you get it to a good spot, tighten just the drive side lightly. Now turn the cranks and check the tension. If it's harder to turn the crank when you get to the tight spot, the chain may be too tight. This can stretch and weaken the chain, plus make it harder to pedal. To correct this, keep the crank on the tight spot and loosen the nut on the drive side a little. The tension on the chain should cause the wheel to move inwards slightly, and then you can retighten the nut.
Now it's time to line up your wheel. Usually the wheel will be almost perfect at this point, but if not, apply some pressure with your thumb to get the wheel into the right spot, and tighten the other nut until it stays in place. Now test your chain again and you're done. You should also grease the threads on the inner part of the rear axle so the nuts can be tightened more easily.
So those are a few of the most common repairs you should be able to perform on your BMX. Most others require the same tools and some common sense. Bmx bikes can handle all sorts of abuse, as long as you’re willing to tweak things back into place every now and then.
In the next video, we’re going to learn the first BMX techniques you’ll need to know.

[@btmb1933]

hey Seth i'm an 11 year old about to get a BMX for Christmas. this video will defiantly help me maintain my bike. thanks

[@btmb1933]

Hi the person who liked my comment thankyou

[@vvvvvv66666]

Do you still bike

[@Cheesicle_]

You still bmx?

[@CooperBMX]

You still ride duuuuude 🤙🤙

[@delt444]

damn bro ur my age now

[@Killershark217]

Even though ive never ridden bmx nor i plan to, i still watch your videos seth. Just too damn good

[@fabitsok]

This was great, I have been researching "where can i learn bicycle repair" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Have you ever come across - Viyackson Yenacob Review - (just google it ) ? Ive heard some incredible things about it and my cousin got great results with it.

[@danp8067]

try it

[@ivanvolkov4469]

Get one don't mess wid mountain bikes tho bmx 20inch is tuff af and fun to just Cruz there is nothing to rideing a bmx i been rideing since I was 4 I'm 39 now I don't even bother owning a car anymore lol just go to Walmart start wid a cheap one ok trust me you won't regret it once you know wat U want out of a bmx go upgrade ok all it takes is 80 to 100 dollars

[@connorvogt4520]

@@ivanvolkov4469 U FUCKING HILLEIBAILLY

[@karlovuja]

@@ivanvolkov4469 damn your really fucking stupid...

[@vernonvideos]

Tighten the stem in an x pattern Seth, cmon

[@jW-kr5xn]

Yeah, this is very important

[@nickf.2871]

And keeping the plate flush with the stem on both sides and dont overtighten or strip the bolts by not fully inserting the allen key or applying crooked tension

[@frost3318]

R/woooooosh

[@morallygrey4071]

@@frost3318 there was like, no joke here

[@adamsevcik8779]

@@frost3318 what are you talking about

[@GGorman177]

It can also help to lightly sand down the stem and handlebars where they clamp and if they have any burs from the bars moving previously then a file may be needed to get rid of them.

[@JBr-xw4xt]

M

[@stuartcarson9378]

I never knew about the tight spot on the chain, thanks.

[@markmoore2089]

Neither did I, I recently got a bike and it had this problem...I looked around for help and came across this video so I done as he said and now my chain is perfect....saved me money on replacing parts.

[@ToombzOfficial]

thnk god thats Normal , i thought my sprocket was broken

[@techstro8434]

+Stuart Carson i knew about the tight spot but he knows more of a advanced technique. for me the tighter it was, its good to go

[@aidansumner2123]

cameron Callahan do I know you

[@mxrider2strokebraaap54]

It is caused by a not 100% straight shaft or sprocket. A imperfection. My Hoffman has it a little bit.

[@martoftw6115]

I was having problems with the wheel alignment until watching this video. I followed every step and got it first time. Thanks Seth!

[@tskorka1000]

Thanks Seth for making these videos. I am a female and just order my first ever bmx, at 44 years old!

[@Bizquik1980]

I am 38 and just got back into it! Good for you!

[@westcoastnorth1116]

It’s never too late

[@sarahhughes8621]

04 am too Me

[@Wipeyourmouth]

50 and still riding BMX.

[@cuervowebdesign9356]

"A calibrated whatever to apply 8nm of force..." "Oh, crap. I thought I was done with physiques" "I'm kidding" "Oh, Thank you jesus!!!"

[@SpMoose]

I'm a new subscriber Seth. Love the straight forward approach to your channel.

[@joshisaket8232]

you still here? i hope your not a beginner now!

[@SpMoose]

@@joshisaket8232 what a weird and wonderful reply mate! Yeh I'm still here no longer a beginner but I never stop learning! How about yourself?

[@joshisaket8232]

@@SpMoose im kinda an amateur now...started mtb 3 years ago but me being a 15 year old i dont have the money to buy a full squish or a trail hardtail and also there arent many good trails here in pune india.what bike do you have?

[@CobraSlammer]

Started out watching your newer videos and enjoyed it so much I went all the way back to watch from the beginning of your channel. Its great to see how much carries over between the years and you include stuff that shows us you're human too, like the wheel hitting your chin. Not funny for you then, but you knew we'd get a chuckle. Its great!

[@markmoore2089]

hi back again, I done as you showed with the chain tension problem and it worked a treat....Thanks for the video ;)

[@benmayock7782]

Thank you so much this video helped me fix that creaking in my cranks and please make a 180 vid please

[@VivianWabbit]

You saved my assss bro my bars were wiggling despite everything being tightened thank you 😭🙏🏽

[@rickyhsu146]

Thanks this helped a lot my bike doesnt squeak anymore!

[@tommytopgearReloaded]

I am pretty new to cycling and I stumbled on this channel by accident. I am extremely glad I did, the videos are great!

[@domdef100]

Yo it’s great too see a mtb dude that respects n rides Bmx.

[@Larojaquepudo]

Hello just got a new BMX bike like a few weeks ago and the pedal kept coming off and this video helped me thank you I hope you respond. 😁

[@grippedskateboarding5997]

Just cleaned my stem and bars of grease, did a couple of tricks. The bars did not moved, but we will see at the park!

[@Doty6String]

GREASE!!!! also to check the headset put the front tire up against a wall and push the bike forward to feel any looseness, you can get it perfect this way.

[@matthewabt2545]

The greasing the cranks part really helped me , I bought a used set of primo powerbite cranks and they creaked like hell. Took them off and added some grease and now they're silent.

[@average4474]

Matthew Abt is it ok to use spray grease ?

[@sdy0108]

To test for loosens in the headset I hold on the front brake and go back and forth 👍

[@matthewharris4667]

What if no front brake

[@project4stroke876]

holy crap dude i remember watching this in 2015 not having my own bike but wanting one now i googled this and saw it again i got my own bike now its was about $300 from saving up now i watch this video cause the cranck keaps squeeking ty

[@diegol2364]

Thank youuuuuu I didn’t know if that tension was normal or not

[@slimjim5392]

Someone dumped a bmx on my grandmother's land. She said it was there for a week and said she wanted to get rid of it. So at 30, I rode a BMX for the first time and took it home. I think the chain is loose as I kept coming off. I will give it some TLC tomorrow, maybe even a new paint job 😊👍 most exciting thing to happen to me all quarantine!

[@alfredozapata7663]

You have a nice bike. I like the colors

[@joeycollins185]

Please make a video on bottom brackets for bmx say how to get rid of wiggling or how to tighten

[@iceland4593]

Played this on my 1977 Thunderbird tape deck, cranked it up full blast and started revving my 351 Cleveland motor to the MAX!!! Started doing a wicked burn-out and then laid a giant patch of rubber down the road, didn't see a single car behind for at least 2 miles!!! I love heavy metal. !!!!!!

[@HulluJanne]

I took a rotary tool with cylindrical diamond end and lightly removed material on the chainring to minimize the amount of tight spot. I measured each of the teeth valleys with a caliper and then proceeded to remove material where the valleys were more shallow. I noticed that even a 0,1 to 0,2 mm difference is enough to cause a tight spot.

[@haydenwilliams7134]

i use a long stick or broom to alighn an tighten

[@techstro8434]

very informative just bought a bike today a haro its 4 getting to work on time

[@martinmilev611]

what do you think are the strongest bmx brands

[@ayymlyaa3438]

Thank you i had this creaking sound on my se bmx too and didnt now what it was

[@m4aw3sum]

Pro tip always examine the enite drivetrian when doing repairs around the cranks/backwheel its common on entry bmx bikes to have a loose driver in the hub hell ur chain could just be a little rusted or dirty

[@evisonbmx7589]

oh dear :') you don't grease bolts... that makes them come loose XD that's why thread lock was made

[@sil3nt777]

How to avoid any loose nut from any movement don't use grease, use locktight blue. I work on cars and I tired this on my road bike and mountain bike, the lock tight is not a permanent thing it's just a tighter fit when liquid is dry. Try it out and I bet you won't get the issue of bars loosening up or any bike part in that matter.

[@CZ05320]

you can laugh at me but from my experience grease is a no in my book unless it's for bearings. my bike shop greased up my handlebars, cranks, and wheel nuts, they would slip and loosen ALOT. ever since I removed the grease, started thread locking the bolts and did a modification to my head stem to keep my bars from slipping. I no longer have problems, I didn't have to make any adjustments. I ride everyday for 2 years with this bike.

[@adamsifford4448]

You are pretty good at bmx was you pro?

[@btmb1933]

Instead of a ratchet can you use a wrench/spanner.(don’t know which one is which I’m a begginet

[@dimitripolitis5048]

you can fix the tight spot by losening the sprocket bolt and applying even tention by squeezing the chain together with your index finger and thumb then holding it as you soon the cranks... soul them a couple times tighten the sprocket bolt and bam you're ready to roll

[@prometheusproject4217]

Thank you

[@erospicone8858]

Someone help me, every time I go at a moderate speed my bmx chain or something around that area is making a rattling noise, but it's when I pedal so I'm assuming it's the chain because it sounds that way. I have videos showing the sound. Please help me

[@SethsBikeHacks]

+King Eros v1 Your chain was tightened too much and now it's stretched. You need a new one.

[@erospicone8858]

Seth's Bike Hacks thank yo for replying, I took it to my local bike shop for a pinch flat and they replaced it. I brought it them today and showed them the noise and they said i didn't lube it. So now it's lubed.

[@dannycooper4642]

it could've also been the bottom bracket g

[@Eutsy]

Eros Picone my bike has that to it makes a noise like if something broke off when you pedal hard?

[@m4aw3sum]

I've had that same noise man you need to tighten the cone nut on your hubs your hub driver isn't being properly compressed giving it room to pop out if you pedal too hard idk sounds like its the back wheel couldn't tell u for sure unless i rode it

[@jellikelly7]

I'm kidding - tighten the crap out of it 😂😂

[@Andres26B]

What would happen if a bolt in the cranks is rounded , hiw would you take the crank arms off ?

[@thomasanderson509]

Thaxs man u help fix my bike

[@britishrcplayground4929]

That was funny at the end of the video, but the video was good...

[@geordielopez2581]

Omfg so helpful feels like 100 pound of my shoulders 👌🏻🙏🏻

[@N7ShepardSR]

Off*

[@Enemiesexposed]

I have a wobble in the bottom bracket area.

[@Johnsmith-kk2jz]

Wait,you put grease on threads?

[@Ryangtavo]

I love my $60 BMX from CL. I don’t bother doing anything legit so my front wheel is hand-tighten

[@hunterjg777]

What can I do if the crank cap has snapped (the screw)? How do I get it out?

[@lauriesherman5415]

I have a BMX bike for my grandson for some reason the pedals are just spinning frontwards and backwards but not moving the tire. What could be wrong?

[@brianmyers1468]

What type of spindal/cranks are they? I have the same i think but cannot remove sproket

[@justinmcmahon381]

i just took off my pegs and rear axle washer is missing what should i do

[@PG5Booka]

If there's a 33 tooth sprocket in the front and a 9 tooth rear sprocket in the back Will it be harder to pedal?

[@yushirro]

easier

[@allisongray3358]

Hay Seth what sprocket do you use on your bmx

[@ethanvang4628]

thanks alot. my squeaky crank was soooo damn annoying

[@ethanvang4628]

funny thing is that i have the same exact bmx as you

[@alexicalie]

From where did you bought it?

[@pepsicocoyt6498]

Can I get the size of the tool you need to loosen up the seat

[@airviator9194]

Don't know why they recommended this video at 2019

[@daylightsensor8695]

It's good

[@zaccariah6]

Well they recomended it to me in 2020 lol

[@AfroGaming88]

You only have tight spots when your sprocket is bend or not instalt propely

[@meganc.walker1182]

how do I fix a loose headset if the Allen socket you mentioned is not there (it's like a little circle)

[@oakman9075]

Seth it worked!!!

[@mikaguitars1477]

My topcap is stuck it wont move at all...any tips?

[@storylinecreates8442]

What size are the pinch bults on top of a bmx crank arm ?

[@MotoJMoore]

watching all berm peak vids

[@jamesgaddy3218]

How to take off crank arms on a mountain bike?

[@lotide2000]

Hey Seth, I got a kink bike with cranks the same as yours and I have a problem. I don’t know how this started or happened but I would tighten the bolt on the crank axle to the max and whenever I hop on to ride it again it would go loose, the drive side is fine and never came loose. I’m tryna see if you know what I can do to fix it

[@speeddevil8763]

did u tighten the nut on the crank as well? usually i tighten the compression nut then the crank nut.

[@OFFICIALKRAB724]

What is the crank start popping out when you're riding and you tight it to the normal spec

[@iambilly610]

I bought a new bottom bracket but my spindle won't come out. I tried a rubber malet and a giant c clamp. Nothing works. Any tips?

[@truckerjay8568]

Billy Celli use a metal object

[@cablety]

The end 😍

[@tybmir_3715]

It was the brake pads they where stuck on the tire my SE bike does that to some times

[@tyronevincelinazan3054]

If i use 9t cassette, then how many t in sprocket should I use?

[@andrewbrooks4487]

how about the barring's if I may ask

[@lewispaul5893]

could you teach me how to replace a BMX brake cable because there arent very many videos on them

[@Whaiesh3827]

Yes, take em off! You don’t need brakes 😉

[@ronanhumphrey286]

What grease should I use

[@suprav7586]

hey, I just bought a brand new fit bike & I had it for weeks, & when I pedal or when im about to do a trick it makes a clicking sound.

[@voltag3man]

Fit bikes are known for sound. Just take your bike apart every once in a while and clean it out and re grease your bearings

[@DON-ze5kz]

How big The Allen key must be??

[@hdjsjhdhdh9167]

what kind of bottom bracket goes for SE bikes

[@burgerzz09s51]

My crank caps will not come off. Any ideas

[@biggay9526]

This would work (if I had a bike to repair)

[@blackstarcreator6968]

If ur chain is like that ur missing a spacer that centres ur sprocket

[@blackstarcreator6968]

I should know cause i work on a bmx like atleast once a day cause iv got a couple of them and iv never had some of these problems because I actually have all the parts and i only ride bmx and i ride everyday

[@jadensonichsen6141]

My sprocket is the same amount of tension

[@ivanhernandez9101]

What can I do because my bottom bracket on my bmx it's an American bottom bracket keeps getting loose

[@marnikdekemele1646]

ive been having an anoying sound come out of my rear cassete like its got dirt and stuf stuck in it ive cleaned my drivetrain multiple times and greased it but stil has that sound shoud i take my rear wheel apart and clean my cassete inside as well or coud it be something else cousing this anoying sound and it only hapons when i peddle

[@keaton7943]

What's wrong with my BMX, the back sprocket thing that's on the back wheel is messed up I think. When I'm gliding without pedaling I sometimes here a grinding noise, and sometimes the pedals are dragged with the wheel when it isn't supposed to and causes me to almost fall. How can I fix

[@ducac-0457]

get a new rear hub

[@TheDoodoo42]

so i guess its normal to have a loose and tight spot?? Thats why im here.

[@lalo0686]

Where did you get that bike?

[@simonwayman7069]

How do you know what size the pedal is

[@michaelsaunders610]

What would be the popping sound in my bottom bracket? Dirt?

[@matthewabt2545]

Yes and take it apart and clean and grease it stat. My old bike had this problem and it resulted in the cranks jamming up and breaking a chain

[@SinisterArsonist]

So why is it so damn hard for me to pedal on my bike I’ve only had for 2 days? It was my first time riding and I was trying to do a wheelie but then my chain popped. It’s still on the sprocket but when I try to pedal it doesn’t want to unless I use a lot of force.

[@speeddevil8763]

chain tension to hard perhaprs

[@martinmilev611]

whats the type of your pedals

[@thatbmx2404]

My crank bolt is stuck and idk how to take it off

[@theedxnny]

There is something in the bottom tube of my frame that rattles... any idea what it might be?

[@marissedlenieks5570]

rolling fireball dirt?

[@marissedlenieks5570]

rolling fireball or it might be your bearings. check those aswell.

[@cameronmartens1809]

to anyone with a BMX, I recommend the Shadow Multi Tool. it's only $60 with everything you need!

[@flawlessbutdysfunctional7787]

Mike Pence it’s overpriced imo

[@garypickopr1566]

Dead Faces “ It’s only 60 dollars, it has everything you need”

[@jadensonichsen6141]

Is that good or bad and sorry for 2 comments accidentally hit post

[@buckmorris8835]

got any recomendations

[@castnight0299]

Ok so, I'm trying to learn tailwhips and when I whip it my pedals will spin will the bike is going around making it harder to land on the pedals, so does making the chain tighter help the pedals to not spin as much?

[@SethsBikeHacks]

+Castnight02 If you're having trouble with your pedals, you can actually pop the little caps off on the ends and tighten the bearings.

[@castnight0299]

no sorry, I meant like the cranks they are really loose and they keep spinning when I take my feet off so if I tighten the chain like in the video will that stop the cranks from spinning or at least slow them down when I take my feet off?

[@SethsBikeHacks]

+Castnight02 Yeah I've known some people who kept their chain tight for that very reason. Although I never did tailwhips, I understand the reasoning fully. If you're a rider good enough to be doing tailwhips you're likely breaking or wearing stuff quicker than a tight chain could anyway. So yes, keeping your chain real tight would hold the cranks still, but also prevent you from doing other things like crankflips.

[@castnight0299]

+Seth's Bike Hacks OK thanks this helps a lot

[@anextremeandactivelife2909]

Why don’t you have the set slammed

[@carlosanaya7814]

My spindal keeps loosening what do I do to fix it ? I can’t ride more than a mile before having to read bolt it in

[@liamrankin1263]

Carlos Anaya It’s not your spine but your crank arm, Just tighten every once in a while and if that doesn’t work you may need new crank bolts which are about $10.

[@mariusbartolome7109]

what is the color of your bmx

[@paulvasiliou1613]

i love it wean you say its a bmx tighten the shit out of it . just me 1000% i have broke most of my threads and crushed my bars from tightening my frame to much