Sorry for digging up a month old thread, but I've just replaced my spindles and got similar issues as someone else earlier in the thread.

I picked up a set of Ward Ti spindles and the left pedal/spindle works excellent. However, the right pedal is really quite tight and "gritty" with the Ti spindle installed. I've since switched it back and forth between the Ti and the stock cromo spindle several times, and the issue always goes away with the stock spindles. I've tried regreasing and I have a new set of bearings on the way, but I don't really expect the bearings to fix anything considering there's no issue with the stock spindles.

I've sent Ward an email, but haven't gotten a response yet. Any one have any ideas on what the issue might be/how to fix?

i had the same experience, but got the new bearings, and it fixed the grainy feeling. i needed to replace the o-ring too on the same side, since the old one was stretchy and let too much grease out.

As I posted earlier, if you have many miles on the pedals it would be a good idea to replace the plastic body's, which house the non-replaceable needle bearings. When I replaced my Stainless spindles for Ti, I noticed notching in the stock spindles, and it became apparent that the needle bearings had seized. The replaceable cartridge bearings were fine, even after 20,000 miles.

The pedals have less than 50 miles on them.

When I replaced the stock SS spindles to Ti, with the brand new pedal body's, including the new needle bearings, after installation there was mild grittiness from both pedals, but after around 1000 miles they became smooth. Like you said, I would contact Tispindles.com and see what they say.

Where are the Ward spindles available? I have checked sites mentioned here, and tried Google to no avail. I remember a post about Speedplay stopping others from making products for their pedals. Is that the case?

Tispindle.com

They are not listed on the website, you have to email them requesting them.

I never did receive a response from Ward, but I just tried the new bearings and it did indeed fix the issue. That makes absolutely no sense to me since the original bearings worked fine when I switched back to the stock spindles, but hey if it works, it works. Thanks for the tip on the bearings.

This is quite incorrect... The needle bearings are EASILY replaceable in less than a few minutes, and for less than a few dollars... Unless the pedal has done alot of miles, it's not the needle bearings that usually cause the grainy feel when swapping out spindles. Having said that, given it costs about $6 for a needle bearing, and 2 cartridge bearings, it's would be wise just to spend a few minutes and replace the lot when putting in new spindles...






Just spend 3$ and replace the cartridge bearings... Will fix the problem (as u have seen)... Even with new pedals some of the cartridge bearings will be "mated" to the original spindle, resulting in a grainy feel when put in the ti spindle... Tolerances are precise hence why swapping spindles can result in the grainy feeling .....

Yes, speedplay's documentation on doing an overhaul states to use a solder iron tip in the hole to loosen the loctite. I've seen bearing kits on ebay for speedplay, but not any spindle Ti upgrades. tispindle.com doesn't show any?

I'll PM u...

Where can I find new pedal bodies or other rebuilding parts if you will. I realize I can pick up bearings on ebay but just curious if there is a place that I can basically get anything I need for them (I would think that Speedplay would sell you the stuff but is there somewhere cheaper?)

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09 Pinella w/ Record 10spd
http://1spd.blogspot.com/

I found a bolt kit on ebay for $24 that replaces all 6 bearings (both pedals) but haven't found bodies

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09 Pinella w/ Record 10spd
http://1spd.blogspot.com/

Looks like MSRP, but Excel Sports does sell the body kits as well as just about all the other parts.