How To Service Favero Assioma Pro: Complete Maintenance And Overhaul Guide
Servicing the Favero Assioma Pro power meter pedals requires proper specialized tools, careful handling of delicate internal electronics and lithium-ion battery compartments, and precise torque management during reassembly to ensure continuous telemetry accuracy. This comprehensive guide outlines the exact workbench protocols needed to maintain, diagnose, and rebuild your cycling power meters to factory standards.
Pre-Operation & Equipment Checklist
Maintaining power meter pedals demands high precision to avoid stripping proprietary alloy threads, damaging internal strain gauges, or compromising environmental seals. Before beginning any disassembly or maintenance on your Favero Assioma Pro pedals, you must assemble a dedicated workspace equipped with the correct metric tooling and cleaning agents.
Essential Gear & Tools:
- 8mm and 3mm Allen wrenches (hex keys)
- 15mm pedal wrench (for crank removal)
- Precision torque wrench capable of reading in Newton-meters (Nm)
- Isopropyl alcohol (99% concentration)
- Lint-free microfiber shop towels
- High-performance, waterproof bicycle bearing grease (synthetic lithium-complex or marine grade)
- Replacement Favero bearing and seal kit (if performing a full mechanical overhaul)
Prerequisite Knowledge & Standards:
- Familiarity with left-hand reverse threading on non-drive-side pedal spindles.
- Understanding of electrostatic discharge (ESD) safety when handling exposed electronic pods.
- Clean, dust-free indoor workbench environment with adequate lighting.
Benchmarks:
- Estimated duration: 45 to 60 minutes for a complete service and bearing refresh.
- Recommended maintenance interval: Every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers or immediately after prolonged riding in severe, wet, or muddy conditions.
Step-by-Step Favero Assioma Pro Overhaul Workflow
Step 1: Removal and Exterior Cleaning
Begin by removing the pedals from your crank arms using a 15mm pedal wrench or an 8mm Allen key inserted into the back of the spindle. Remember that the left (non-drive side) pedal features a standard left-hand reverse thread, meaning you must turn it clockwise to remove it, while the right (drive side) pedal uses a standard right-hand thread requiring a counter-clockwise turn. Once removed, use a soft brush and warm soapy water to clean exterior grit from the pedal body and electronic pod shell. Dry the assemblies thoroughly with a microfiber towel, then wipe down the spindle shafts with 99% isopropyl alcohol to strip away old grease and road contaminants.
Warning: Never submerge the electronic pods in harsh solvents, degreasers, or ultrasonic baths, as chemical ingress can permanently damage the internal battery management system and strain gauge circuits.
Step 2: Disassembling the Spindle and Bearing Assembly
Secure the pedal spindle safely in a soft-jawed bench vise, orienting it vertically with the pedal body pointing upward. Locate the end cap or retaining nut at the outer edge of the pedal body. Using the appropriate hex key or specialized spanner socket supplied by Favero, carefully unscrew the end cap in a counter-clockwise direction. Slide the pedal body off the steel spindle shaft, taking note of the internal needle bearings, cartridge bearings, and rubber o-ring seals as they slide free. Place all removed components in an organized parts tray in the exact order of disassembly to ensure correct orientation during reassembly.
Step 3: Inspecting Internal Components and Seals
Inspect the removed internal bearings by spinning them manually on your finger; any noticeable roughness, gritty feedback, or lateral play indicates that the bearings must be replaced. Examine the rubber weather seals and o-rings for cracking, flattening, or tears, as compromised seals will allow moisture and sweat to enter the electronic chamber. Inspect the main steel spindle for any signs of scoring, bending, or thread damage. Finally, visually check the outer shell of the electronic pod for impact damage or hairline cracks around the charging contact area.
Pro-Tip: Always replace the rubber o-rings and internal seals during an annual service, even if they appear visually intact, to maintain the IP67 waterproof rating of the Assioma Pro system.
Step 4: Repacking Bearings and Reassembly
Clean the interior bore of the pedal body and the exterior surface of the spindle using isopropyl alcohol and fresh lint-free wipes until completely free of old grease and debris. Apply a generous, uniform layer of high-performance waterproof bicycle bearing grease to the needle bearings, cartridge bearings, and spindle race surfaces. Carefully slide the pedal body back over the spindle assembly, ensuring that the internal seals seat properly without pinching or folding. Thread the outer end cap back into place by hand to prevent cross-threading, then tighten it securely according to Favero torque specifications, typically between 5 Nm and 7 Nm.
Step 5: Post-Service Calibration and Firmware Verification
Reinstall the serviced pedals onto your crank arms, applying a light coating of fresh grease to the spindle threads to prevent galvanic corrosion between the steel spindle and aluminum crank inserts. Tighten both pedals to the manufacturer-recommended torque of 35 Nm to 40 Nm using a calibrated torque wrench. Spin the cranks backward for several rotations to verify smooth bearing movement and check that the LED indicators on the pods flash correctly. Open the Favero Assioma smartphone application, connect to the pedals, check for available firmware updates, and perform a mandatory manual zero-offset calibration before your next ride.
Favero Assioma Pro RS-2 - Cycling News | off-road.cc
Technical Specifications & Component Matrix
| Component Parameter | Factory Specification / Threshold | Maintenance Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Spindle Tightening Torque | 35 Nm - 40 Nm | Clean threads, grease lightly, torque with calibrated wrench |
| End Cap Torque | 5 Nm - 7 Nm | Hand-thread first, use precise hex key to prevent stripping |
| Waterproof Rating | IP67 Standard | Inspect and replace rubber o-rings annually |
| Operating Temperature | -10°C to +60°C (14°F to 140°F) | Store pedals indoors away from extreme thermal shifts |
| Recommended Grease | Synthetic Waterproof Marine Grade | Clean old residue completely before applying fresh layer |
Common Site Failures & Field Fixes
Symptom: Power data drops intermittently or reads zero watts during high-torque efforts.
- Root Cause: Micro-motion in the spindle interface or low battery voltage in the internal lithium-ion cell causing Bluetooth/ANT+ packet loss.
- Actionable Fix: Remove the pedal, clean and re-grease the crank threads, torque to exact specifications, and fully charge the pods using the magnetic charging cable.
Symptom: Audible clicking or grinding noise emanating from the pedal body while pedaling under load.
- Root Cause: Contamination of the internal needle bearings with fine grit, or a dry bearing race lacking sufficient grease.
- Actionable Fix: Disassemble the pedal, thoroughly flush the bearings with isopropyl alcohol, inspect for wear, and repack with fresh waterproof bearing grease.
Symptom: The Favero app fails to recognize one or both pedals during pairing.
- Root Cause: Pedals are stuck in deep sleep mode, or the internal charging contacts are fouled with road grime and oxidation.
- Actionable Fix: Plug the magnetic charger into the affected pedal for 10 seconds to wake the system from shipping/sleep mode, and clean the metal contact ring with an alcohol swab.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace the rechargeable internal battery on the Favero Assioma Pro myself?
The internal lithium-ion rechargeable battery is integrated into the electronic spindle pod assembly and is not designed for routine consumer replacement. Attempting to pry open the sealed electronic pod will destroy the waterproof housing and void the manufacturer warranty. If battery health degrades significantly over years of heavy use, contact Favero customer support for a professional spindle and electronic pod replacement.
How often should I perform a zero-offset calibration after servicing?
You should perform a zero-offset calibration immediately after reinstalling the serviced pedals on your bike, and then prior to your first three or four rides. Afterward, it is best practice to run a zero-offset calibration via your head unit or the Favero smartphone app every couple of weeks or whenever the bike experiences significant ambient temperature changes.
What kind of grease is safe to use inside the Favero Assioma Pro pedal body?
You should use a high-viscosity, synthetic, waterproof bicycle bearing grease that does not degrade rubber seals or attract excessive dirt. Avoid using thick automotive greases or solvent-heavy lubricants that can break down the internal nylon and rubber components of the pedal assembly.
Why do my left and right pedals require different threading directions during removal?
Pedal spindles are engineered with directional threading to prevent the natural biomechanical forces of pedaling from unscrewing the pedals while you ride. Precession causes the left pedal to use a left-hand reverse thread and the right pedal to use a standard right-hand thread, which tightens the pedals into the crank arms under load.
Is it safe to ride my Favero Assioma Pro pedals in heavy rain or snow?
The pedals feature an IP67 certified waterproof construction designed to withstand heavy downpours, road spray, and deep puddle splashes without water ingress. However, you should avoid pressure washing the bike directly near the spindle seals, as high-pressure water streams can force moisture past the rubber o-rings and into the electronic pod.
