Can You Replace Brompton Folding Pedal Bearings?

ByThe Answerlode Editorial Team

Can You Replace Brompton Folding Pedal Bearings?

Yes, but Brompton doesn’t officially support it. The company says the bearing is not user-serviceable, yet cyclists have been replacing them for years. It’s feasible if you’re comfortable with basic tools and a couple of hours’ work, but buying a new pedal (around £25–35) is often simpler.

Why This Question Comes Up

Brompton folding pedals use a single 62032RS cartridge bearing. This bearing carries all the stress of pedaling—side loads, leverage, and constant rotation. Over thousands of miles, the factory grease breaks down. Moisture gets in. The pedal becomes notchy, develops play around the pivot, or stops spinning freely. At that point, you have two paths forward.

Path 1: DIY Bearing Replacement

The bearing itself is standard—a £4–10 part you can order online. The tricky bit is getting it out and back in. Brompton peens the aluminum plate edges over the bearing to secure it, so you can’t just tap it out. Here’s the process:

  • File off the retaining lip on the aluminum plate.
  • Use a socket as a drift to tap the old bearing out from behind.
  • Clean both the bore and the new bearing with methylated spirits.
  • Apply a thin coat of Loctite 271 (retaining compound) to the bore.
  • Press the bearing in using a wooden block. Let the adhesive cure overnight.

You need a socket set, fine abrasive paper, a rubber mallet, and patience. The whole job takes two to three hours if you’re methodical. One upside: you’ll understand the pedal inside out afterward.

Path 2: New Pedal

Brompton folding pedals retail for around £25–35. You can order one from most Brompton retailers or the official Brompton shop and be done in five minutes. Unscrew, unthread the old pedal from the crank, thread on the new one, tighten. A new pedal comes fresh with proper grease and a warranty.

Which One Should You Choose?

Repair makes sense if you already have the tools, enjoy working on your bike, and want to keep an old friend on the road. Replacement makes sense if you value your time or want zero risk of reassembly errors. Both are valid.

Maintenance Between Replacements

Keep the bearing alive longer by cleaning off grit after wet rides and applying a drop of light machine oil to the pivot every few months. Don’t flood it with grease—excess just attracts dirt. A tiny amount does the job.

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