General Safety Information


Cleat types and using the pedals


Releasing the cleats from the pedals
WARNING
– To avoid serious injuries:
The method of release varies according to the type of cleats you are using.
(Check the model number and color of your cleats to determine the proper 
method of release.)

Pay attention to
SPD pedals are designed so that you release them only when you intend to 
release. They are not designed to release automatically
at times such as when falling off the bicycle.
This is a safety measure to prevent you from losing balance and falling off 
the bicycle as a result of your feet becoming accidentally released from 
the pedals.
Use only SPD shoes with this product. Other types of shoes may not release 
from the pedals, or may release unexpectedly.
Use only Shimano cleats (SM-SH51 / SM-SH56) and tighten the mounting bolts 
securely to the shoes.
Before attempting to ride with these pedals and shoes, make sure
WARNING

Do not use the pedals and cleats in any way other than as described in 
these Service Instructions. The cleats are designed to engage and release 
from the pedals when the cleats and pedals are facing forward.
See below for instructions on how to install the cleats. FAILURE TO FOLLOW 
THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY.


Single release mode cleats (SM-SH51) and multiple

Single release mode cleats:
SM-SH51 (black)

These cleats only release when the heel is twisted outward. They will not 
release if the heel is twisted in any other direction.

You are able to apply upward force to the pedal, since they will not 
release unless the foot is twisted outward.

Multiple release mode cleats:
SM-SH56 (gold / Optional accessory)

The cleats can be released by twisting in any direction.

Because the cleats can also be released by lifting your heel, they may 
become accidentally released when applying upward force on the pedals.
These cleats should not be used for riding style which may involve pulling 
up on the pedals or for activities, such as jumping, in which pulling 
forces are applied to the pedals causing possible release from the pedals.
the mark
R: right pedal
L : left pedal


15 mm spanner

PD-M520







Tightening torque:
35 NВ·m {304 in. lbs.} min.
you understand the operation of the engagement / release
release mode cleats (SM-SH56) are available for use with                    
                                                                            
                             
mechanism for the pedals and cleats (shoes).
Before you attempt to ride with these pedals and shoes, apply the brakes, 
then place one foot on the ground and practice engaging and releasing each 
shoe from its pedal until you can do so naturally and with minimal effort.
Ride on level ground first until you become adept at engaging and releasing 
your shoes from the pedals.
Before riding, adjust the spring tension of the pedals to your liking.
When riding at low speed or when there is a possibility that you might need 
to stop riding, (for example, when doing a U-turn, nearing an intersection, 
riding uphill or turning a blind curve), release your shoes from the pedal 
beforehand so that you can quickly put your feet onto the ground at any 
time.
Use a lighter spring tension for attaching the pedal cleats when riding in 
adverse conditions.
Keep cleats and bindings clear of dirt and debris to ensure engagement and 
release.
If you do not maintain both your shoes and cleats in good
these pedals.
Each type of cleat has its own distinctive features, so be sure to read the 
Service Instructions carefully and select whichever type of cleat best 
suits your riding style and the terrain and riding conditions which you 
will encounter.
Other types of cleats such as single release mode cleats (SM-SH52) and 
multiple release mode cleats (SM-SH55) cannot be used, as they do not 
provide stable enough step-out performance or sufficient holding force.


Engaging the cleats with the pedals

Press the cleats into the pedals with a forward and downward motion.
The cleats will not necessarily release if you lose your balance. 
Accordingly, for places and conditions where it looks as though you may 
lose balance, make sure that you have sufficient time to release the
cleats beforehand.


When you are pedaling vigorously, your heel may inadvertently twist outward 
and this may cause the cleat to release accidentally. If the cleat releases 
by accident, you may fall off the bicycle and serious injury may result.
You can help to prevent this by adjusting the amount of force required to 
release the cleats, and you should practice until you are accustomed to the 
amount of force and the angle required to release the cleats.


Single release mode
Release the cleats from the pedals by twisting your heels outward.

Note:
It is necessary to practice releasing until you become accustomed to
the technique.
Although the cleats can be released by twisting your heels in any direction 
or by lifting, they will not necessarily release if you lose your balance.
Accordingly, for places and conditions where it looks as though you may 
lose balance, make sure that you have sufficient time to release the
cleats beforehand.

If the cleats release by accident, you may fall off the bicycle and serious 
injury may result.
If the features of multiple release mode cleats are not sufficiently 
understood and if they are not used correctly, then they may release 
accidentally with a greater frequency than for single release mode cleats.
You can help to prevent this by adjusting the amount of force required to 
release the cleats in any direction, and you should practice until you are 
accustomed to the amount of force and the angle required to release.

Multiple release mode
Release the cleats from the pedals by twisting your heels in any direction.

Note:
In multiple release mode, it is necessary to practice releasing until you 
become accustomed to

Adjusting the spring tension of the binding

The spring force is adjusted by means of adjustment bolts. The adjustment 
bolts are located behind each of the bindings, and there are two
adjustment bolts on each pedal. Equalize the tensions by referring to the 
adjustment plates and by counting the number of turns of the adjustment 
bolts. The spring tension can be adjusted in four steps for each turn of 
the adjustment bolt.


Adjustment bolt
Adjustment plate


2


1

Adjustment bolt

Decrease                  Increase
condition, release and engagement to the pedals could become
unpredictable or difficult, which could result in severe injury. Remember 
to check the cleats periodically for wear. When the
cleats are worn, replace them.
the technique. Releasing by lifting                                         
                                                               2            
    1
your heel requires particular practice.
Always check the spring tension after replacing the pedal cleats and before 
riding.
Be sure to attach reflectors to the bicycle when riding at night. Do not 
continue riding the bicycle if the reflectors are dirty or damaged, 
otherwise it becomes more difficult for oncoming vehicles to see you.
Obtain and read the service instructions carefully prior to




PD-M970



SI-41R0F



From the bottom of the shoe, position a cleat and then a cleat adapter over 
the cleat holes. The cleats are compatible with both left and right pedals. 
Provisionally tighten the cleat mounting bolts.

Provisional tightening torque



Waterproof seal

Remove the sockliner and attach the waterproof seal.
PD-M970: 2.5 mm Allen key
PD-M540 / PD-M520: 3 mm Allen key

When the adjustment bolt is turned clockwise, the spring tension increases, 
and when it is turned counterclockwise, the spring tension decreases.
installing the parts. Loose, worn, or damaged parts may cause
PD-M540
SPD Pedals

for cleat mounting bolts:

Note:

Waterproof seal
Strongest position          Weakest position
serious injury to the rider.
We strongly recommend only using genuine Shimano replacement parts.
PD-M520
2.5 NВ·m {22 in. lbs.}                                       The waterproof 
seal is
supplied with Shimano shoes which require this step to be

Adjustment bolt
If you have any questions concerning your pedals, contact a professional 
dealer.
Read these Technical Service Instructions carefully, and keep them in a 
safe place for later reference.

BE SURE TO READ AND FOLLOW THE ABOVE WARNINGS CAREFULLY.

Technical Service Instructions

Attaching the cleats

With a pair of pliers or a similar tool, pull off the rubber cover to 
expose the cleat mounting holes.
4 mm Allen key

Cleat mounting bolts

Cleat adapter



Cleat
carried out.

Sockliner


Adjustment plate

If the adjustment plate is at the strongest or the weakest position, do not 
turn the adjustment bolt any further.
If the warnings are not followed, your shoes may not come out of the pedals 
when you intend or they may come out unexpectedly or accidentally, and 
severe injury may result.

Note:
This step may not be necessary depending
Front                                                                       
                                                                            
                                                   Note:
In order to prevent accidental release from occurring, make sure
all the spring tensions are properly adjusted.


NOTE:
Check that there is no looseness in any joints or connections before riding 
the bicycle. (BB-FC, FC-PD)
In addition, if pedaling performance does not feel normal, check this once 
more.
An optional reflector set (SM-PD22) is available. Please contact a 
professional dealer for details.
Parts are not guaranteed against natural wear or deterioration resulting 
from normal use.
For maximum performance we highly recommend Shimano lubricants and 
maintenance products.
on the type of shoes.

Rubber cover for cleat mounting holes


SPD shoe



2. Remove the sockliner and position a cleat nut over the oval holes.
Cleat nut
Note:
This step may not be necessary depending on the type of shoes.
Sockliner
Position the triangular portion
of the cleat toward the front of the shoe.


Adjusting the cleat position

The cleat has an adjustment range of 20 mm front to
back and 5 mm right to left. After provisionally tightening the cleat, 
practice engaging and releasing, one shoe at
a time. Readjust to determine the best cleat position.


After you have determined the best cleat position, firmly tighten the cleat 
mounting bolts with a 4 mm Allen key.

Tightening torque:
5 – 6 N·m {43 – 52 in. lbs.}










SM-SH51
Mounting the pedals on the crank arms

Use an 8 mm Allen key (for PD-M970 / PD-M540 pedals) or a 15 mm spanner 
(for PD-M520 pedals) to mount the pedals on the crank arms. The right pedal 
has a right-hand thread; the left pedal has a left-hand thread.



PD-M970
PD-M540



8 mm Allen key

Tightening torque:
35 NВ·m {304 in. lbs.} min.
The spring tensions should be adjusted equally on both sides of each pedal 
and for both right and left pedals. If they are not adjusted equally, it 
can cause the rider difficulty to engage or release from the pedals.


Cleat replacement

Cleats wear out over time and should be replaced periodically. Cleats 
should be replaced when it becomes difficult to release, or it starts to 
release with much less effort than the when it was in new condition.


Maintenance of the axle units

If you experience any trouble with the rotating parts of the pedal, the 
pedal may require adjustment. Obtain advice from a professional dealer.






One Holland, Irvine, California 92618, U.S.A.  Phone: +1-949-951-5003       
     Industrieweg 24, 8071 CT Nunspeet, The Netherlands  Phone: 
+31-341-272222
3-77 Oimatsu-cho, Sakai-ku, Sakai, Osaka 590-8577, Japan
Please note: Specifications are subject to change for improvement without 
notice. (English)

C   Mar. 2006 by Shimano Inc. PIT. IZM. Printed in Malaysia