The TIME DH 8 [paid link] pedals are engineered for riders who demand maximum control, power transfer, and durability on demanding downhill and enduro terrain. To ensure these pedals perform flawlessly for years, routine maintenance and precise setup are essential. This guide covers every aspect of maintaining your TIME DH 8 [paid link] pedals—from cleaning and lubrication to bearing service and tension adjustment—to help you maintain peak performance and reliability season after season.
Understanding the TIME DH 8 Pedal Design
The TIME DH 8 features a composite body reinforced with steel where needed for impact resistance and stiffness. Its signature ATAC (Auto Tension Adjustment Concept) mechanism ensures consistent engagement even in muddy or gritty conditions. The self-cleaning design is one of its most celebrated features, but even so, regular care is necessary to prevent premature wear on the engagement springs and spindle bearings.
The pedal uses a steel axle housed within dual cartridge bearings and a bushing, providing a solid and smooth spin. Unlike simpler clipless designs, the TIME system relies on precise tolerances. Therefore, maintaining these tolerances through proper cleaning and lubrication is crucial for long-term durability.
Routine Maintenance Frequency
The maintenance interval depends heavily on your riding style and environment:
- After Every Wet or Muddy Ride: Clean and dry the pedals to prevent debris buildup in the ATAC mechanism.
- Every 50 Hours of Riding: Inspect engagement springs and cleat interface for signs of wear.
- Every 100 Hours or Every 6 Months: Fully service the pedal bearings, replace seals if needed, and re-grease internal components.
Regular maintenance not only ensures smooth operation but also extends the lifespan of your bearings and seals.
Tools Required
- 8 mm hex wrench
- Small flathead screwdriver
- Torque wrench [paid link]
- High-quality bicycle grease
- Degreaser or isopropyl alcohol
- Bearing removal and press tools (optional)
- Clean, lint-free cloth
Cleaning and External Care
Begin by removing the pedals from the crank arms using an 8 mm hex wrench. Always clean the crank threads before reinstalling to prevent cross-threading.
Use a soft brush and degreaser to remove mud and grit from the pedal body. Avoid using high-pressure water, as it can force dirt into the bearings and damage seals.
Wipe the pedals dry with a lint-free cloth and apply a light layer of bike-specific lubricant to the ATAC mechanism. This helps maintain smooth engagement and release without attracting excess dirt.
Bearing and Axle Service
Servicing the internal bearings is critical for keeping the TIME DH 8 pedals spinning smoothly.
- Remove the end cap using a small flathead screwdriver.
- Slide out the axle carefully while keeping track of the bearing sequence.
- Inspect the bearings and bushing for signs of corrosion or roughness. Replace if needed.
- Clean the inside of the pedal body with a degreased cloth.
- Apply a small amount of high-quality grease to the new or existing bearings before reassembly.
- Reinstall the axle and tighten the end cap securely, ensuring no lateral play exists.
Over-torquing the end cap can damage threads, while insufficient torque may allow water ingress—use a torque wrench [paid link] for precision.
Tension and Engagement Mechanism Care
The DH 8 uses a self-adjusting ATAC spring system, but it benefits from periodic inspection. Dirt buildup can cause inconsistent release tension or sluggish engagement.
Clean the engagement bars and pivot area carefully, ensuring no debris remains lodged under the retention spring. Apply a thin layer of lubricant to the pivot points but avoid over-lubricating, as this can attract contaminants.
If engagement feels inconsistent or overly stiff, check your cleats as well—worn cleats can mimic the symptoms of a failing spring. Replace cleats once the edges become rounded or the release feels uneven.
Checking for Play and Pedal Tightness
Over time, minor play may develop between the pedal body and spindle. To check for this, hold the pedal and attempt to move it laterally on its spindle.
If you detect play, remove the pedal, disassemble it, and inspect the internal bushings and washers. Replace worn components promptly. Riding with excessive play can accelerate wear and eventually damage the pedal body.
Reinstall the pedal using the proper torque specification (usually 35–40 Nm) to ensure it remains secure on the crank arm.
Lubrication Schedule
Use a water-resistant synthetic grease on the bearings and spindle threads. For the engagement mechanism, a light oil or dry-film lubricant works best. Grease should be reapplied during each full service, while oiling the mechanism can be done every few rides.
Proper lubrication prevents corrosion, reduces friction, and ensures consistent engagement in all weather conditions.
Long-Term Storage and Protection
When storing your bike for extended periods, ensure your TIME DH 8 pedals are clean and fully dry. A light layer of grease on exposed metal surfaces prevents oxidation. Store the bike in a dry, temperature-stable environment, and rotate the pedals periodically to prevent grease from settling unevenly.
Performance Optimization Tips
To maximize performance, pair your TIME DH 8 pedals with genuine TIME cleats, as their interface precision ensures optimal release angles and engagement feel.
Keep your cleat bolts torqued correctly and inspect them for wear. Misaligned or loose cleats can cause uneven pedal engagement or excessive lateral float, affecting both performance and comfort.
For riders who prefer a firmer or looser release feel, experiment with different cleat models (e.g., Easy release vs. Standard ATAC cleats [paid link]). While the DH 8 does not feature external tension adjustment, cleat selection and maintenance have a direct influence on engagement behavior.
Signs Your Pedals Need Servicing
- Creaking or grinding sounds during pedaling
- Uneven or hesitant clip-in behavior
- Noticeable play in the pedal body
- Resistance or tightness when spinning the pedal by hand
- Visible rust or dirt buildup inside the mechanism
If any of these symptoms appear, schedule a service promptly to prevent further damage.
Conclusion
Proper care of your TIME DH 8 pedals ensures long-lasting performance and consistent engagement even in the harshest downhill conditions. By following a structured maintenance plan—cleaning after wet rides, greasing bearings every six months, and inspecting components regularly—you can preserve both the precision and durability that define TIME’s engineering.
A disciplined maintenance routine transforms your DH 8 pedals from a high-performance component into a long-term investment that continues to deliver smooth, confident rides for years.