Reconditioning a Lifefitness Lifecycle - Page 2

10. Lifecycles are powered by an alternator similar to the ones used in automobiles. The control panel and an alternator control board changes the load on the alternator using a large resistor. Many of these alternators have worn brushes or bearings. We remove the alternator brushes and inspect them for wear.

11. The alternator is cleaned by blowing out all of the dust that results from brush wear.

12. This picture shows a set of good brushes, on the left, and a set of worn brushes, the ones on the right. The worn brushes will be replaced with a new set of brushes.

13. On some models, the crank sprocket and other areas on the bike may be rusty. These are reconditioned in a similar way to the stabilizer bar.

14. Now all components inside the bike are cleaned with an industrial cleaner, such as Mean Green. We are now ready to do the mechanical reconditioning. We will first check the crank bearings.

15. Not all bikes require new bearings, but we check each one carefully and replace them whenever necessary. The next few pictures will show the process of replacing the bearings. First, the left pedal is removed with a 15mm wrench. Note that left hand pedals have reverse threads.

16. Some bikes have a cover plate over the bearing assembly, which requires removal.

17. The bearings retaining blocks are removed next. This is done by using a hex wrench.

18. A nut, a tabbed washer, and the left bearing assembly are removed next. The washer tabs must be bent out in order to remove the nut.

19. The nut is removed using a 32mm wrench. It has reverse threads. Then the washer slides out and the bearing assembly is also removed with the same wrench.

20. This picture shows the crank after the left bearing and nut are removed.

21. We gently tap out the right bearing and crank together. Then we use the wrench to loosen the right bearing from the crank. This has right hand threads.

22. Here is a new set of bearings and hardware.

23. The new right bearing is installed on the crank in the bench vise.

24. The crank assembly is reinstalled by sliding it through the frame and the left bearing, washer, and retaining nut are replaced. If they are over-tightened, then the crank will not spin freely. After this, the two tabs on the washer are bent over the bearing nut and the retaining nut. The bearing retaining blocks and plate are reinstalled and this part of the work is now finished.

<Back Page 1 -------- Next Page 3>