Flat pedals are a simple part but do require simple, infrequent maintenance. Riding flat pedals, you can generally expect to replace pins to maintain traction and service bearings/axles to keep them spinning smoothly.
Some pedals use standard grub screws for pins that you can find at your local hardware store. Others use customized pins that you will need to order from the pedal manufacturer. If you find yourself smacking roots and rocks often, you may want to consider the ease of replacing pins when selecting pedals.
Installing pins is easy – unscrew the old ones and screw in the new ones. Recessed or sunken pin heads can help you avoid needing to remove bent or damaged pins with vise grips and a good brush will help you remove dirt packed into pins. Some pedals come with replacement pins while others do not. Most pins use a small hex key (1 to 3mm) or a Torx head (T10 or T15) for removal/installation. We recommend using a small amount of thread locker when installing pins to ensure they don’t fall out, like Blue Loctite.
When your pedals are not rotating smoothly, it is time to service/replace the bearings/bushings and axle. For most pedals in this test, rebuild kits are sold by the manufacturers and instructions are typically very easy to find online. This is a relatively straightforward process of removing the pin, checking bearings/bushings, and cleaning/regreasing/repacking or replacing as necessary.