Fix Resistance Issues on Recumbent Bike or Elliptical | Replace External Brake Cable!!

[@jyothikannampuzha9844]

Thank you so much for sharing this very informative video. I have a problem with my recumbent bike/Cardio Gym. Even when the resistance cable is completely loose the bike is not at the maximum resistance.

[@hydrafitnessexchange]

Thanks for the comment! There might be something wrong with your resistance motor. The cam might not be adjusting when switching levels on the console. In any case, we'd recommend calling a technician for further investigation. Here's our tech database to find a tech near your area:www.hydrafitnessexchange.com/technicians Hope this helps!

[@surojiniehoffman5061]

Thank you so much. I’ll be using these instructions to try to fix my bike.

[@hydrafitnessexchange]

No problem! Glad to hear it!

[@Babikini]

Thank you so much for the video. I'm trying to fix a Freemotion recumbent bike. The problem is, on the easiest setting it is harder than I want. On the harder settings it is difficult to even peddle. I want to set it so there is less resistance overall. Would love your thoughts on how to fix this. Thanks

[@hydrafitnessexchange]

In theory you could remove the cam and set it to a different position on the resistance motor that would cause the cable to be pulled more so there is even less resistance. But of course this is in theory, and we would not recommend altering the original setup of the machine unless the machine came not setup right by the previous owner or manufacturer. There are actually numbers on some resistance motors that look like a clock which locate what position the cam is in. If yours has this, that may be helpful with adjusting the position and testing resistance.

[@MNNocete]

Thank you so much for sharing this very informative video. I have a problem with my recumbent bike. Even if the resistance is set to 1, the resistance is still too hard for me. Now I know how to adjust the resistance with the information given in this video.

[@hydrafitnessexchange]

Anytime! 😁 Glad we were of help to your problem!

[@ambm_4]

Excellent video. Thank you

[@hydrafitnessexchange]

Appreciate the comment! 😁

[@ambm_4]

@@hydrafitnessexchange even though my machine is different, you gave me the confidence to open mine up and figured out my resistance motor was just going haywire and randomly turning by itself. By Thursday hopefully I'll have the part and it fixed and working out again!

[@hydrafitnessexchange]

@@ambm_4 Wow! Very touching. Super happy you gained confidence from our content. Let us know how it goes with the repair! We would like to know if that indeed solved your issue. Other people may be going through the same weird issue and could benefit from reading this.

[@ToddAubuchon]

We just got the Proform 400R recumbent bike and on 0 or 10, the reaistance is the same-max. We took it apart to look at the cable and motor. Both are fine. It appears that, with NO tension on the cable, the lever/ magnets default to max. We can push the lever forward, the magnets separate and theres no resistance. Then, it springs back, the magnets join, super resistance. Its like the motor would have to PUSH the cable to push the lever that separates the magnets. Is there a spring we are missing that would pull the lever forward and put the default setting to 0- magnets pulled apart?

[@hydrafitnessexchange]

If your resistance motor works fine and the external brake cable is fine (Set to the appropriate level on the cam and not frayed) then you may have broken internal brake cables within the brake itself. We did a video on this and link is in the description. If the internal brake cables are broken, those magnets will not move even if the external brake cable is pulling or pushing the lever, thus causing the max resistance issue you are facing. This is either the issue or it is the wrapping issue as described in the video above. Have you checked the internal brake cables or are you able to visually see the magnets in your eddy brake to see if they move upon switching levels in the machine?

[@PJPTHE2ND]

Great video. I have this same bike. My issue with the resistance is that at the lowest setting, 1, its kinda hard. Not as easy as the schwinn 270 that we had to replace. It increases as it should but it starts off harder than we would like. Is there was to decrease the resistance at level 1? Thanks!

[@hydrafitnessexchange]

In theory you could remove the cam and set it to a different position on the resistance motor that would cause the cable to be pulled more so there is even less resistance. But of course this is in theory, and we would not recommend altering the original setup of the machine unless the machine came not setup right by the previous owner or manufacturer. There are actually numbers on some resistance motors that look like a clock which locate what position the cam is in. If yours has this, that may be helpful with adjusting the position and testing resistance.

[@RicardoAsencio]

Quick recommendation, you don't need to take out the cable from the part that is n the wheel, you just need to push down that lever and you'll have enough cable to put the one in the motor in place

[@hydrafitnessexchange]

Thanks for the feedback! We may have tried that already but were facing difficulties. Been a while since worked on that machine so don't remember at the moment. Also we wanted to show the actual removal of the cable for those that may have a damaged or worn external brake cable. Appreciate you looking out! 😁

[@RicardoAsencio]

@@hydrafitnessexchange your video is awesome, it's just in my case it wasn't accessible so i had to find s workaround without removing it hehe. I've got one question, I've got a Nordictrack elliptical at home. The motor works (if i put power it turns in both directions). But when i change the resistance in the console, the motor makes some noise but it doesn't move. Couldn't it be the potentiometer in the motor? Have you replace those? If you've got any suggestion it'd be great :)

[@hydrafitnessexchange]

@@RicardoAsencio Sounds more like a mechanical issue. Unfortunately we have not replaced potentiometers and don't have a video on it. But we do recommend hiring a technician to take a look at it. Here's our technician database where you can find a tech near your area: www.hydrafitnessexchange.com/technicians Hope this helps!

[@muhammedk470]

Hi. Thanks for the informative video. I've been using my elliptical for a few years. The tension cable is in good shape and is tied correctly. Recently, I am getting a 'motor error' message when I try to increase resistance. The motor moves the cable only slightly, then the error message appears.

[@hydrafitnessexchange]

You may need a new motor. What is the model of your machine?

[@kiranchoudhury5042]

Thank you so much ❤

[@hydrafitnessexchange]

No Problem!

[@barneygordon2585]

You explain very thotough. just bought a sole R92 used recumbent, not getting any tension so IM trying to take off the cover to access the wheel, but having hard time getting the pedal shaft off

[@hydrafitnessexchange]

That can be difficult sometimes. What you can do is just take the pedal itself off and leave the metal crank arm. The plastic should be able to slide off that crank arm if you angle it correctly.

[@MNNocete]

It maybe because the right and left pedal have opposite threads. To remove the right pedal, you must turn the wrench clockwise. To remove the left pedal, turn the wrench clockwise. I hope this helps.

[@seanwatkins7239]

​@@MNNocete you said clockwise vor both pedals

[@matthewdaum8165]

Thank you so much for the video! I have an elliptical with no resistance. It has the same type of resistance mechanism except the magnets are on the outside. I replaced the resistance motor, adjusted the cables but when the magnets are all the way fully engaged with the flywheel, or whatever you call it, there is still no resistance. What could be causing this? Please help!

[@hydrafitnessexchange]

Strange, if the magnet is engaged or pushing on the brake then there should be resistance. Are the magnets pressing against the brake or are they pulled down? We did another video that goes over other things that may cause resistance issues but it is done to an elliptical, not a bike. This may be of help to you:kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJ_deqh_qbSYiKM&ab_channel=HydraFitnessExchange

[@hydrafitnessexchange]

Just incase, because there's only so much we can do ourselves, here's our database of technicians. You can find someone in your area by putting in your area code. A technician would have more insight on this issue. www.hydrafitnessexchange.com/technicians

[@hunterofhomes]

Great video! My physio cycle XT-800 Recumbent Bike tension is super hard to pedal even on lowest setting and even when unplugged too. Should I try to fix it? And how do you recommend to do so? I was gonna chuck it but you gave me hope!

[@hydrafitnessexchange]

Definitely worth a try! You can start by removing the shrouds covering the brake and resistance motor. It's just a couple of screws. Take a look at your resistance motor, external brake cable, wiring throughout the machine, and your eddy brake to see if anything looks off or broken. Sometimes wires not being seated properly can cause issues. Then turn on your machine. Bump the levels on the machine up and down while monitoring the cam of the resistance motor to see if it even turns at all. If not, then you might need a new resistance motor. If it does move, as explained in the video, see if the cable is aligned properly for it to create resistance. If so, then you want to look at your eddy brake. Some eddy brakes you can peak into to see if the internal brake cables are working and good. We have another video looking into that here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJ_deqh_qbSYiKM

[@HowardPearse-lg2us]

I have an Octane Q47e elliptical whose maximum resistance has been slowly decreasing over time, making it too easy to pedal, even at level 20. Is there a way to adjust the brake cable to make it more difficult to pedal the elliptical when using levels 15-20?

[@hydrafitnessexchange]

Sounds like a part may need to be replaced if it is gradually weakening. The last thing you want is a warn cable breaking or the resistance motor giving out. We have not worked on resistance issues with octanes as of yet. So not quite sure if adjusting the cable would work, but too be honest we suggest calling a technician to properly handle the issue. Here is our technician database where you can find a tech near your area: www.hydrafitnessexchange.com/technicians

[@sharondonnelly6902]

I have an older model Nordic Track elliptical machine vintage 2011. It is called stowaway model but part number and s/n got painted over no longer available . The control panel is mounted in the front with the drum wheel behind the user. I feel like the tensioner motor or cable is the problem . I guess I need to take the cladding off the rear of this unit to find the problem.

[@hydrafitnessexchange]

If it's resistance issue related, then the resistance motor or the external brake cable may be the issue. It could also be the internal brake cable. If you want to see that where we work on an elliptical instead of a bike you can watch our video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJ_deqh_qbSYiKM

[@teresastorms3774]

I have the bike all put together, and now when I pedal there's a rubbing sound, but not constant. Like there is something crooked and rubbing inside the housing. Also, the resistance knob I got mostly fixed, but it won't stay on the 1 setting. It tries to pull toward setting 2 a little. I sure hope I can get this dang thing going soon. This has been extremely frustrating! Thanks again. 😊

[@hydrafitnessexchange]

If the rubbing is coming from within the housing, I'd remove the shroud covering the internal parts to see where the rubbing is coming from. You could remove the outer shroud and pedal to see how it all is functioning.

[@teresastorms3774]

@hydrafitnessexchange thank you! I took the pedals off, removed the housing and adjusted a screw that was not straight and the wheel was grinding on the magnet. Tha fixed it, and now it's smooth as silk. ☺️

[@ajd7772]

Can you do one for Life FItness please?

[@hydrafitnessexchange]

The setup should be practically the same process. Though, the resistance motor may be located somewhere else at a different angle, maybe even upside down. Regardless, setting up the cable so it's pulled MORE when bumping down the levels from 1 to 20 should fix resistance issues. Of course we'll take note of trying this also on a life fitness machine sometime in the future.🙂

[@robkozuch5770]

Can you tell me where your video is for changing the resistance on an elliptical? Thank you.

[@hydrafitnessexchange]

We put a link in the description and top corner of the video when I mentioned it. But here is the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJ_deqh_qbSYiKM hope this helps!

[@teresastorms3774]

Hi, this was helpful information. I know how the resistance works now. My brand new Merach S08 recumbent exercise bike (still not fully assembled) has something wrong with the resistance cable. I finally figured out how to adjust the screw to attach the cable, but now I can't change resistance with the manual know. What would you suggest looking at in orer to fix this? Thanks in advance!

[@hydrafitnessexchange]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/amTTXpiYn7iZgKs&ab_channel=Merachfit this video is helpful with proper assembly. From 2:10 to 2:35 shows how the resistance cable needs to be attached. I'd first look at this if your resistance knob is having issues. Something might also be wrong with the knob itself.

[@amateurgardener9300]

Do you have video on how to fix the Lemond G Force RT? My bike doesn’t have any resistance at all. And the digital board is not really showing any RPM when I tested the bike. Thank you

[@hydrafitnessexchange]

As for the RPM not showing, that may just be a misaligned reed switch or defective reed switch. Make sure to align the switch properly. Here is a video we did to diagnose resistance issues on ellipticals and bikes. Hope this helps:kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJ_deqh_qbSYiKM&ab_channel=HydraFitnessExchange

[@hydrafitnessexchange]

Here is also a link to our technician database to see if there are any in your location you can call:www.hydrafitnessexchange.com/technicians

[@amateurgardener9300]

@@hydrafitnessexchange I’m going to get in touch with someone close to me. I am in Fountain Valley. Do you have a contact person? I can take it apart but I am not sure I can put it back together. The machine is really in good condition. It could be something easy for a technician but for me it could me easy or a mess. Thank you

[@hydrafitnessexchange]

If your referring to a local tech, please use the link we provided. It is a database of techs and you can search for any in your area. @@amateurgardener9300

[@amateurgardener9300]

Where are you located? Do you service area in Orange County, CA?

[@JinHu-s4q]

I installed a new resistance motor according the way you instructed to connect cable. But in setting 1, the motor was not able to pull the cable down and it snapped back. I turned the power off to avoid damage the motor . This is for NordicTrack e6.7 elliptical. Any advice? Thanks!

[@hydrafitnessexchange]

We recommend at this point calling a technician. If you need help finding one, here is a database you can use to find one in your area: www.hydrafitnessexchange.com/technicians

[@danieldixon5760]

How to fix life fitness Lifecycle bike recumbent activate series model OSR-XX pedal arms slip when pedaling on higher resistance levels?

[@hydrafitnessexchange]

Things you can check: the drive belt if its worn or loose, the brake assembly to see if bearings are in good shape. In any case you can hire a local tech to further diagnose the issue. Here is our database where you can find a tech near you: www.hydrafitnessexchange.com/technicians Hope this helps!

[@mark30217]

Thanks bro.

[@hydrafitnessexchange]

No Problem! 😁

[@VodShod]

I have the opposite problem, it has no resistance no matter what level I put it on.

[@hydrafitnessexchange]

Sounds like an electrical connection issue. Console may not be sending a signal to the resistance motor to move. This can be caused by a damaged console, broken wire, or even the resistance motor could be shot. We recommend seeking out a tech to diagnose the issue. Here is out tech database to find a tech near you: www.hydrafitnessexchange.com/technicians

[@LGK40Patch]

that was worthless thanks for wasting my time..

[@hydrafitnessexchange]

If the information given here was not of help to your specific issue, then I'm sorry to say man, but this video was not meant for you. And you have no obligation to continue watching. That is entirely your choice 😊 I'm sure there are probably more videos out there that can target your specific problem to your machine and be more worth your time watching. Sometimes it takes a hunt before a find 👍 Hope you find what your looking for.😁