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 WARNING the markintend to release. They are not designed to release automatically Single release mode cleats: Multiple release mode cleats:  R: right pedalPD-M520 
Do not use the pedals and cleats in any way other than as SM-SH51 (black)SM-SH56 (gold/Optional accessory) 
at times such as when falling off the bicycle. 
 L: left pedal 
This is a safety measure to prevent you from losing balance and described in these Service Instructions. The cleats are 
These cleats only release when the heel is twisted outward. The cleats can be released by twisting in any direction.falling off the bicycle as a result of your feet becoming designed to engage and release from the pedals when the They will not release if the heel is twisted in any other direction.
accidentally released from the pedals.	cleats and pedals are facing forward. 
15 mm spanner
See below for instructions on how to install the cleats. 
You are able to apply upward force to the pedal, since they will not Because the cleats can also be released by lifting your heel, they may
Use only SPD shoes with this product. Other types of shoes may FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY 
release unless the foot is twisted outward.	become accidentally released when applying upward force on the
not release from the pedals, or may release unexpectedly.	RESULT IN SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY. 
pedals. 
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 Single release mode cleats (SM-SH51) and multiple 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). these pedals. 
Each type of cleat has its own distinctive features, so be
Before you attempt to ride with these pedals and shoes, apply the sure to read the Service Instructions carefully and selectbrakes, then place one foot on the ground and practice engaging whichever type of cleat best suits your riding style andand releasing each shoe from its pedal until you can do so the terrain and riding conditions which you willnaturally and with minimal effort. encounter. 
Ride on level ground first until you become adept at engaging and Other types of cleats such as single release mode cleats releasing your shoes from the pedals. (SM-SH52) and multiple release mode cleats (SM-SH55) cannot be used, as they do not provide stable enough
Before riding, adjust the spring tension of the pedals to your step-out performance or sufficient holding force.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), Engaging the cleats with the pedals release your shoes from the pedal beforehand so that you can 
quickly put your feet onto the ground at any time.	Press the cleats into the pedals with a forward and downward motion. 
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 
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. 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 SI-41R0Fdamaged, otherwise it becomes more difficult for oncoming 
vehicles to see you.	PD-M970 
Obtain and read the service instructions carefully prior to installing the parts. Loose, worn, or damaged parts may cause PD-M540 SPD Pedals serious injury to the rider. We strongly recommend only using genuine Shimano PD-M520 replacement parts. 
If you have any questions concerning your pedals, contact a professional dealer. Technical Service Instructions Read these Technical Service Instructions carefully, and keep them in a safe place for later reference. 

Attaching the cleats 
BE SURE TO READ AND FOLLOW THE ABOVE WARNINGS 
With a pair of pliers or a similar tool, pull off the rubber cover to exposeCAREFULLY. 1. the cleat mounting holes. 
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.

3. 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 for cleat mounting bolts: 
2.5 N·m {22 in. lbs.} 
4 mm Allen key 
Cleat mounting bolts 
Cleat adapter Cleat 
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. 
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 
the technique. Releasing by lifting 
your heel requires particular 
practice.

Waterproof seal 
Remove the sockliner and attach the waterproof seal. 
Note: Waterproof sealThe waterproof seal is supplied with Shimano shoes which require this step to be carried out.
Sockliner 
Tightening torque: 35 N·m {304 in. lbs.} min. 

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
21

PD-M970: 2.5 mm Allen keyPD-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. 
Strongest position Weakest position 
Adjustment 
bolt

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 
Front
Note: 
SM-SH51
Note: 
In order to prevent accidental release from occurring, make sure all the spring tensions are properly adjusted. 
The spring tensions should be adjusted equally on both sides of 
each pedal and for both right and left pedals. If they are not 
unexpectedly or accidentally, and severe injury may result.	This step may not be necessary depending on the type of shoes. Position the triangular portion Mounting the pedals on the crank arms
of the cleat toward the front 
of the shoe. 
NOTE:	Rubber cover for cleat 
Use an 8 mm Allen key (for PD-M970/PD-M540 pedals) or a 15 mm adjusted equally, it can cause the rider difficulty to engage or 
mounting holes	spanner (for PD-M520 pedals) to mount the pedals on the crank arms. release from the pedals. 
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.

The right pedal has a right-hand thread; the left pedal has a left-hand 

Adjusting the cleat position	thread. 
SPD shoe 

Cleat replacement
1. The cleat has an adjustment range of 20 mm front to 
back and 5 mm right to left. After provisionally tightening Cleats wear out over time and should be replaced periodically. Cleatsthe cleat, practice engaging and releasing, one shoe at PD-M970 should be replaced when it becomes difficult to release, or it starts to 
2. Remove the sockliner and position a cleat nut over the oval holes. a time. Readjust to determine the best cleat position.	PD-M540 release with much less effort than the when it was in new condition. 
Cleat nut 
Note: After you have determined the best cleat position,
This step may not be necessary 2. firmly tighten the cleat mounting bolts with a 4 mm Maintenance of the axle units

depending on the type of shoes. Allen key.	8 mm Allen key 
Sockliner If you experience any trouble with the rotating parts of the pedal, the pedal Tightening torque: Tightening torque: may require adjustment. Obtain advice from a professional dealer. 
5 – 6 N·m {43 – 52 in. lbs.}35 N·m {304 in. lbs.} min. 
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