Solutions for your exercise equipment problems!

What to do if the Stepper looses its 'step'?


If the Stepper in your club looses its 'step', (which means, the foot peddles don’t raise up as high as they should, or the foot peddles are flat on the floor and oil is leaking), the problem is solved by either adding oil or replacing the seals.

Don't spend $400 to purchase a new cylinder assembly.  Repair the Stepper cylinders!

Below are links to the written instructions and videos that will put the 'step' back in your stepper!

How do I know if the Stepper peddles don't raise up as high as they should?

Step on one peddle and hold it down.  Grab the end of the other peddle and try and raise it up.  Notice in this picture the one peddle is not high enough.  There should be about 1 inch or so of free movement up until it stops.  If there are several inches of vertical movement then the oil is low in your stepper.  The more free vertical movement, the lower the oil level is in the stepper.  View the video below for a demonstration. 

There is no visible oil leaking out around the top of the cylinder.  
In this case all that is needed is to add some oil to the cylinder assembly.  First gather up the following items:
Plastic drop cloth (you will spill oil and don’t want it to get on the carpets)
Allen wrench set
Small funnel VERY IMPORTANT - must fit between the reservoir and the machine frame
One quart cheap automatic transmission oil - buy at any Walmart or auto parts place. 
Large screwdriver
Hammer
The peddles are flat on the floor
Visible oil leaking from top of cylinder
Puddle of oil on the floor
In this case the seals inside of the cylinders will need to be replaced and then add oil.  You will need all of the above materials plus the following:
Wrenches to remove the cylinders
Bolt that is 1/4 inch by 5 inches
Ice pick
Cloth rags
Old clean towel that is used to lay parts on while repairing
See detailed instructions in the seal install section in this document. 

 

 

 

A)  Stepper needs oil if:  

  • The peddles don't raise up as high as they should - but they work and 
  • There is no visible oil leaking out around the top of the cylinder.  

Click here to view the video and written instructions for Adding Oil to Stepper!

B)  Stepper needs seals if:

  • The peddles are flat on the floor, and
  • There is visible oil leaking from the top of the cylinder, or 
  • There is a puddle of oil on the floor.

Click here to view the video and written instructions for Stepper Seals Replacement!