How do I know if my equipment needs bushings?
The most important thing to keep your exercise machines in top working order is to have good bushings installed. Here is an easy and simple way to test the bushings in your machines.
Go to the Hip Abductor. Stand in front of the machine and pull both leg holders to the front. Grab the end of one leg holder and try to raise it straight up. Move it up and down several times checking for how much vertical movement there is. A machine with good bushings will have little to no up and down vertical movement. Machines with a 1/4 inch (.635 cm) or more movement need the bushings replaced. The more vertical sloppy movement, the worst the bushings are. Sloppiness in the machines makes them feel loose and members perceive that they are not getting a good workout. If worn bushings are not replaced, the machine will eventually become inoperable.
All machine bushings can be tested in a similar manner. In each case, try to move the moving part of the machine perpendicular to the normal way it would move. In all cases with good bushings, there will be little to no side to side sloppy movement.
If the original delrin plastic bushings are on the machines, it is recommended that they are replaced at least once a year. If machines are used frequently, the bushings should be replaced every 3-6 months. If the bushings are converted to the Bronze Self-Lubricating Bushings, they will be good for the life of the machine and should never need to be replaced or lubricated with any grease or oil! The lubrication is built in and will last for the life of the bushing.
