Elliptical machines are common home exercise equipment because they offer the ideal running alternative without putting additional strain on the body. Elliptical machines, however, need to be regularly oiled to prevent wear and tear over time.
To ensure that you can use your elliptical machine for many more years to come, our guide will show you how to lubricate one.
Why Lubricate Your Elliptical Machine?
You should regularly lube your elliptical trainer. Lubricating your elliptical prevents the machine from deteriorating over time and can keep your exercise equipment operating at its peak performance. Also, lubricating your elliptical will reduce noise and stop the jerkiness that more-seasoned ellipticals can develop.
To prevent dirt and dust buildup and to ensure proper lubrication, you should make sure the equipment is thoroughly cleaned. Every “joint” is kept moving smoothly by lubrication.
Every six months, you should oil the handlebars, foot pedals, and other moving parts of your elliptical machine.
Your elliptical machine may require costly maintenance or break down completely years before it should if you don’t oil it.
Two Types Of Elliptical Machines
Front-wheel drive for an elliptical machine
A flywheel is located at the front of the front-wheel-drive elliptical machine. Depending on the equipment, articulating pedals may or may not be included. Because many front-wheel-drive elliptical machines lack the pedals that produce various angles for smooth movement, they are less pleasant than back-wheel-drive models.
These machines may seem constrained without that articulating pedal component. Moreover, the front-wheel-drive elliptical machine is more challenging to maintain. In contrast to rear-wheel-drive vehicles, front-wheel-drive vehicles have extra rollers and tracks. Every week, and every six months, the rollers and tracks need to be greased.
Drive for elliptical machines using a wheel
When it comes to elliptical machines, a back-wheel drive model is considered the best. Because of the articulating pedals, these machines are the most comfortable and simulate movement more closely.
Also, because these machines have fewer rollers and tracks, maintenance is simpler. Every month and every six months, the back-wheel drive elliptical machines require cleaning and lubrication.
How To Lubricate (Step-By-Step Guide)
You will need oil, a grease gun, two soft towels, and a screwdriver to start the lubrication process. As not all ellipticals are constructed the same, we also advise consulting the user handbook for your specific machine.
Start by thoroughly dusting the machine with one of your soft clothes. Next, take a small bit of your lubricant and apply it to the second soft towel. Use this cloth to work the lubrication into the elliptical’s rails.
To ensure that the lubricant covers both the wheels and the entire rail, move the elliptical carefully (like you would if you were actually using it).
It’s time to move on to the flywheel at this point. We advise applying lubricant to the ball bearings with a grease gun. It’s also time to locate the elevation screw and oil it. Before you can apply the lubrication with your soft cloth, you might need to use a screwdriver to remove this screw, which may be located inside the housing of the front or rear wheel. Repeat this procedure at least once every six months (on average).
Does the elliptical machine need to be disassembled in order to be lubricated? Absolutely, we advise disassembling your elliptical before lubricating it. But, you do not have to take out every component if you are having trouble reaching the handle screws or the foot pedals.
What Kind Of Lubricant Should You Use
You can use silicone or grease as the two main types of lubricants on an elliptical machine. Both lubricants must be bought from a fitness merchant and must be designed especially for workout gear. You can use a lubricant for treadmill belts. Our preferred lubricants include white lithium grease lubricant, silicone treadmill lubricant, and treadmill belt lubricant.
For optimum machine operation, we advise lubricating your elliptical every six months. Use of WD40 or other lubricant substitutes is not advised. Using the incorrect lubrication for your elliptical might lead to major issues. Use only silicone sprays that are made for workout equipment; never use oil sprays.
Why is the NordicTrack Elliptical Making a Noise?
You have probably been neglecting to properly maintain your NordicTrack elliptical, which is why it is squeaking. Friction can be produced when moving parts brush against one another. The squeaking sound is caused by this friction, which is fortunately simple to eliminate using lubrication.
As previously stated, silicone lubrication should be used for this. The main reason is that petroleum-based lubricants might harm non-metallic elliptical parts, which might cause more serious issues than just a little squeaking.
People Also Ask
Can you use any silicone lubricant on an elliptical?
No, it is not recommended to use silicone lubricant on an elliptical. Most ellipticals require a specific type of lubricant, usually a non-silicone-based lubricant that is specifically designed for fitness equipment.
Using silicone lubricant on an elliptical can cause damage to the machine and potentially void the warranty.
It’s important to always consult the user manual or contact the manufacturer for recommended lubricants and maintenance procedures for your specific elliptical model.
Do I need to grease my elliptical?
Yes, it is recommended to grease your elliptical regularly as part of its maintenance routine. The moving parts of an elliptical, such as the pedals, crank arms, and joints, require lubrication to function properly and smoothly.
This helps to prevent wear and tear, reduce noise, and extend the lifespan of the machine. The frequency of greasing depends on the specific model of the elliptical and how often it is used.
It’s important to consult the user manual or contact the manufacturer for recommended maintenance procedures for your specific elliptical.
How can I make my elliptical less squeaky?
If your elliptical is squeaking, there are a few things you can try to make it less noisy:
- Tighten all bolts and screws: Over time, the constant use of an elliptical can cause bolts and screws to loosen, which can contribute to squeaking. Check all bolts and screws on the machine and tighten them as necessary.
- Lubricate moving parts: The moving parts of an elliptical, such as the pedals, crank arms, and joints, require lubrication to function properly and smoothly. Apply lubricant to these areas as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Check the pedal bearings: If the squeaking is coming from the pedal area, check the pedal bearings to see if they are worn out or damaged. If so, replace them.
- Adjust the tension: A loose or uneven tension can also cause squeaking. Adjust the tension as per the manufacturer’s instructions to see if this helps to reduce the noise.
- Check for worn parts: Over time, parts of the elliptical may become worn out and need to be replaced. Check for any worn parts and replace them as needed.
If these steps do not resolve the squeaking, it may be necessary to contact the manufacturer or a professional technician for further assistance.
Final Words
You should now be equipped with all the knowledge necessary to properly lubricate your NordicTrack elliptical. Due to the fact that you don’t even need to disassemble the machine, the method is really simple.
Lack of maintenance is most likely to blame if your elliptical trainer has reached the point where it is squeaking. But if that doesn’t work, be careful to contact a skilled specialist because it might be an indication of a more serious issue.