The Shimano PD-5700[paid link] pedals, part of the 105 groupset, are known for their durability, reliable engagement, and consistent power transfer. However, even the most robust pedals can wear prematurely without proper care. This guide explains how to prevent early wear on your PD-5700 pedals through correct installation, regular maintenance, and thoughtful riding habits.
Understanding the Shimano PD-5700 Pedal Design
The PD-5700 is a road clipless pedal featuring a carbon-reinforced resin body with a wide stainless steel contact plate. This combination ensures stiffness and durability while minimizing weight. It uses cartridge bearings and Chromoly steel axles, offering smooth rotation and excellent longevity when maintained correctly.
Premature wear typically occurs due to contamination, lack of lubrication, improper cleat tension, or riding in adverse conditions without maintenance. Understanding the design helps identify which components are most prone to wear—especially the bearings, cleat contact surfaces, and threads.
Tools Required
- 15 mm pedal wrench[paid link] or 8 mm hex key
- Torque wrench[paid link]
- Shimano grease or equivalent waterproof bicycle grease
- Isopropyl alcohol and lint-free cloths
- Light cleaning brush or soft toothbrush
Common Causes of Premature Wear
Several factors can accelerate wear on Shimano PD-5700 pedals. The most common include:
- Contaminated bearings: Dirt and water ingress degrade the grease and cause pitting.
- Improper torque on installation: Over-tightening or under-tightening the pedals stresses the threads.
- Neglected cleat surfaces: Metal-to-metal contact without proper cleaning wears down the contact plates quickly.
- Incorrect tension adjustment: Too loose or too tight tension accelerates wear on the retention mechanism.
- Infrequent servicing: Ignoring routine lubrication leads to friction and bearing deterioration.
Regular Cleaning and Inspection
After every few rides—especially in wet or dusty conditions—wipe your PD-5700 pedals clean. Use isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth to remove grime and salt residue. Check the following areas during each cleaning session:
- Contact plates: Look for scratches or grooves from worn cleats.
- Retention springs: Ensure there’s no corrosion or mud buildup.
- Pedal body: Examine for cracks or chips, particularly around the edges.
- Bearings: Rotate the spindle by hand. It should spin freely and smoothly without grinding.
Avoid using high-pressure water or degreasers directly on the bearings, as these can strip away lubrication and accelerate wear.
Proper Lubrication and Greasing
Lubrication is the most critical factor in preventing premature wear. The PD-5700’s bearings and retention mechanism rely on clean, consistent grease.
- Bearings: Every 3,000–5,000 km, remove the axle using an 8 mm hex key and clean off the old grease. Repack with Shimano’s waterproof grease and reassemble.
- Springs and pivot points: Apply a small amount of light lubricant (like a PTFE-based spray) to the engagement mechanism to prevent corrosion and ensure smooth entry and release.
- Threaded interface: Before installation, apply a thin coat of grease to the pedal threads. This prevents creaking and protects the crank threads from galling.
Over-lubrication can attract dirt, so use sparing amounts and wipe off excess grease after application.
Correct Cleat Maintenance
Shimano SPD-SL cleats are made from a softer composite material to protect pedal surfaces. However, worn cleats can cause premature damage to the pedal contact plate.
Inspect cleats every 1,000–2,000 km or sooner if you frequently walk in your cycling shoes. Replace them if:
- The engagement edges are rounded or uneven.
- You experience inconsistent clipping or disengagement.
- The rubber pads are significantly worn.
Keep cleats clean using a damp cloth and avoid riding with mud or debris lodged in the engagement areas.
Tension Adjustment and Setup
Cleat tension on the PD-5700 can be adjusted using the small screw at the rear of each pedal. Setting it too high can stress the springs, while setting it too low can cause unintentional release.
For most riders, a medium tension setting ensures a secure yet comfortable engagement. Adjust both pedals equally to maintain a balanced feel. Regularly check the screws to ensure they haven’t loosened due to vibration.
Bearing Service and Replacement
The PD-5700 uses a serviceable bearing unit that can be removed and regreased. Servicing these bearings at least once per season—or more frequently if you ride in wet conditions—extends pedal life significantly.
During servicing, inspect for signs of wear such as:
- Play in the axle.
- Gritty or rough bearing rotation.
- Leaking or discolored grease.
If bearings show visible damage or pitting, replace them promptly to avoid axle wear or pedal body deformation.
Storage and Riding Habits
When storing your bike, keep it in a dry, temperature-stable environment. Avoid leaving it outdoors, as moisture causes corrosion inside the bearing housing.
During rides, avoid excessive side loads on the pedals when dismounting or clipping in, as this can damage the retention mechanism. After wet rides, wipe down and dry the pedals before storing your bike.
Comparison to Modern Shimano Pedals
While newer Shimano models like the PD-R7000[paid link] and PD-R8000[paid link] feature lighter materials and improved sealing, the PD-5700 remains highly reliable when properly maintained. The primary difference lies in bearing seal design—modern models have slightly better water resistance. However, regular servicing of the PD-5700 compensates for this difference, ensuring comparable longevity and performance.
Preventive Maintenance Schedule
| Maintenance Task | Frequency | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Clean pedal body and contact plates | Every 300–500 km | Wipe down with alcohol and inspect for wear |
| Lubricate springs and pivot points | Every 500 km | Apply light lubricant sparingly |
| Regrease bearings | Every 3,000–5,000 km | Remove axle, clean, and repack with fresh grease |
| Inspect and replace cleats | Every 1,000–2,000 km | Check wear and replace if edges are rounded |
| Check pedal tension | Every month | Adjust to maintain even tension on both sides |
Conclusion
Preventing premature wear on your Shimano PD-5700 pedals comes down to consistent care, proper lubrication, and timely component inspection. Regular servicing of the bearings, maintaining clean cleat interfaces, and correct tension adjustment will ensure these pedals deliver thousands of kilometers of smooth, efficient performance.
With a disciplined maintenance routine, your PD-5700 pedals can easily match the lifespan and reliability of Shimano’s more advanced models—continuing to perform at their best for years.