How to Replace or Service the Bearings in Your TIME ATAC XC 2 Pedals

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Maintaining the bearings in your TIME ATAC XC 2[paid link] pedals is essential for ensuring long-term performance, smooth engagement, and durability. Over time, exposure to water, dirt, and regular wear can cause the pedal bearings to degrade, leading to play, roughness, or creaking. This guide will walk you through the process of replacing or servicing the bearings in your TIME ATAC XC 2[paid link] pedals with precision and care.

Tools Required

  • 8 mm hex wrench
  • 6 mm hex wrench
  • 10 mm socket wrench
  • Bearing puller or drift punch
  • Grease (water-resistant, high-quality bike grease)
  • Replacement bearings (compatible with TIME ATAC XC 2)
  • Clean cloth or paper towel
  • Small brush or pick tool

Understanding the Bearing System in TIME ATAC XC 2 Pedals

The TIME ATAC XC 2 pedals use a dual-bearing system—a combination of a sealed cartridge bearing and a bushing. This hybrid setup minimizes friction while maintaining low weight and resilience under harsh riding conditions. The sealed bearing handles the primary rotational load, while the inner bushing supports the spindle and helps keep debris out.

TIME’s design allows for straightforward servicing, as the pedal body and spindle can be separated without specialized tools. Regular inspection every 2,000–3,000 km ensures smooth pedal action and prevents premature wear.

Removing the Pedal from the Crank Arm

Before you begin the bearing service, remove the pedals from the bike:
Use an 8 mm hex wrench to unscrew the pedal spindle from the crank arm. Turn counterclockwise for the drive side and clockwise for the non-drive side. It’s best to do this with the crank positioned horizontally for better leverage.

Once removed, wipe off any dirt or grease from the spindle threads. This step prevents contamination during disassembly.

Disassembling the TIME ATAC XC 2 Pedal

With the pedal off the bike, locate the end cap on the outer edge of the pedal body. This cap covers the spindle assembly. Use a 10 mm socket wrench to carefully remove it. Underneath, you’ll see the inner parts of the bearing system.

Next, insert a 6 mm hex wrench into the spindle’s inner end and carefully loosen the spindle from the body. Once removed, take note of the order of the components — the bushing, washer, and bearing orientation must be reinstalled in the same sequence.

Clean all parts thoroughly using a degreaser and a clean cloth. Ensure that no old grease or grit remains, especially inside the bearing seats.

Removing and Inspecting the Bearings

With the spindle removed, you can access the cartridge bearing. Use a bearing puller or drift punch to push the bearing out from the inner side. Apply gentle, even pressure to avoid damaging the pedal body.

Inspect the removed bearing:

  • If it feels gritty, has rust, or doesn’t spin smoothly, replace it.
  • If it spins freely and shows no visible damage, you can clean and re-grease it instead of replacing it.

The internal nylon bushing should also be checked for wear. If it appears deformed or excessively loose, replace it to maintain correct pedal alignment.

Installing the New Bearings

Lightly grease the inside of the bearing seat before installing the new cartridge bearing. Align the new bearing and press it in gently using a socket tool or bearing press[paid link], ensuring it sits flush against the housing.

Next, reinstall the spindle through the bearing and into the pedal body. Add a thin layer of grease to the spindle surface to reduce friction and prevent corrosion. Insert the bushing and washer in the correct order, then tighten the spindle gently with a 6 mm hex wrench until snug.

Do not overtighten — excessive torque can cause premature bearing wear and hinder free rotation.

Reassembling and Greasing

Before closing the end cap, apply a small amount of grease inside the cap and around the spindle threads. This helps to seal out water and dirt during future rides.

Reinstall the end cap with a 10 mm socket wrench, ensuring it’s secure but not over-tightened. Check that the pedal rotates smoothly with minimal resistance and no lateral play.

Testing and Final Inspection

After reassembly, spin the pedal by hand. It should rotate freely and quietly. Any grinding, binding, or noticeable looseness indicates improper installation or a damaged bearing.

Reinstall the pedal onto your crank arm using an 8 mm hex wrench. Apply a thin layer of grease to the pedal threads before tightening. Torque to approximately 30–35 Nm for secure installation.

Once mounted, test ride your bike for a few minutes to confirm that both pedals engage smoothly and feel stable under load.

Maintenance Tips for TIME ATAC XC 2 Bearings

Regular maintenance extends the lifespan of your bearings and enhances performance:

  • Re-grease every 2,000–3,000 km, depending on riding conditions.
  • Avoid high-pressure water when cleaning your bike — this can force dirt into the bearing seals.
  • Inspect the end caps regularly for signs of loosening or corrosion.
  • Replace the cartridge bearing and bushing every 10,000 km or if play develops.

A consistent service routine ensures your TIME ATAC XC 2 pedals continue delivering reliable engagement and power transfer for years to come.

Troubleshooting Common Bearing Issues

If you experience persistent play or roughness even after servicing, check the following:

  • The bearing seat may be slightly worn, causing movement within the pedal body.
  • The spindle may have microscopic wear, which can affect alignment.
  • Incorrect bearing orientation or missing washers can lead to uneven load distribution.

In such cases, replacing both the bearing and bushing together is the most effective solution.

When to Consider Full Pedal Replacement

Although servicing extends lifespan, there comes a point when replacing the entire pedal body becomes more practical. If the bearing seat is cracked, corroded, or stripped, or if the pedal body exhibits excessive play despite new bearings, a full replacement is recommended. The TIME ATAC XC 2 pedal’s affordability makes replacement a cost-effective alternative to repeated bearing repairs.

By following this guide, you can confidently replace or service the bearings in your TIME ATAC XC 2 pedals, restoring their factory-smooth performance and preventing premature wear. Proper bearing care not only enhances pedaling efficiency but also preserves the long-term integrity of your drivetrain system.