April 24, 2015

How to maintain an elliptical

How to maintain an elliptical.
How to maintain an elliptical.

The advantages of using an elliptical trainer go beyond the low-impact cardio workout you get. The routine maintenance ellipticals require is minimal, so you can keep your elliptical machine in good shape as easily as you keep yourself in good shape.

Tighten loose nuts and bolts

Even if you did a great job of tightening all the bolts when you put your new elliptical together, fasteners can wiggle loose over time. That's why one of the best things you can do to prevent major elliptical repairs is to periodically check for loose fasteners.

Keep the elliptical machine clean

After each workout, wipe all that sweat from the console, grips and arms with a damp cloth, and then dry. Because fluids can damage the console, don't douse it with sudsy water or spray cleaners.

To keep dust from getting into the elliptical, put rubber mat under it (the mat also protects the floor). When you go on vacation or if you use the machine infrequently (ahem!), cover it keep dust out.

Common adjustments your elliptical might need

Some elliptical machines have a drive belt that creates resistance as you pedal. If your machine has a drive belt and you feel the pedals slipping even when the resistance is at a high setting, it's time to adjust the drive belt. Your owner's manual has the specifics, but it usually requires removing the pedals and shield covers, and then repositioning a shield over a pedal arm.

If the console doesn't display the right speed, you can fix it by adjusting the reed switch. We have step-by-step instructions and a video to show you how.

Symptoms for elliptical machines

Choose a symptom to see related elliptical repairs.

Main causes: leveling feet need to be adjusted, loose frame bolts, unstable flooring…

Main causes: dead batteries, power supply failure, bad wiring connections, faulty control console…

Main causes: loose fastening bolts, damaged handle bars…

Main causes: weak batteries, loose wires, faulty control console…

Main causes: bad resistance motor, faulty control console, wiring failure…

Main causes: faulty reed switch, reed switch needs adjustment, wiring failure, bad control console…

Main cause: lack of lubrication on pivot points…

Main causes: dirty heart rate sensors, wiring failure, bad control console…

Repair guides for elliptical machines

These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your elliptical.

How to replace an elliptical resistance motor

How to replace an elliptical resistance motor

If the resistance motor is not changing the resistance on your elliptical, replace it using these steps.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to adjust an elliptical reed switch

How to adjust an elliptical reed switch

If the console doesn't display the correct speed on your elliptical, adjust the reed switch using these steps.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace an elliptical console

How to replace an elliptical console

If the console on your elliptical doesn't work, replace it by following these 3 easy steps.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less

Articles and videos for elliptical machines

Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your elliptical.

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How to enjoy all the online benefits we offer on our Sears PartsDirect website

Learn about all the convenient features on our Sears PartsDirect website that make your parts purchases easier.…

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