😡🔊 Common Noises on Elliptical Machines
Common Elliptical Noises
Elliptical Trainers are usually very quiet in operation. The noise development corresponds approximately to a soft whisper. Neighbors should therefore not be disturbed by your workouts. Watching TV or listening to music during training is usually possible without any problems. However, louder running noises can also occur for various reasons.
Contents
Ellipticals from brand manufacturers are designed in such a way that they can be operated as quietly as possible. Careful workmanship and selection of components are important criteria for smooth and quiet running.
Cheaply manufactured ellipticals from unknown manufacturers are often poorly manufactured and equipped with low-priced components. The parts are often less accurately manufactured and can be joined more difficultly, which either leads to a lot of play or increased friction with strong squeaking or creaking. With very cheap ellipticals there is also more wear and tear in inferior bearings and other moving parts.
Higher-quality equipment is usually more precisely manufactured and equipped with bearings and drive elements which can withstand the stresses of the workout over the long term. Elliptical machines from well-known manufacturers are clearly the better choice in terms of lower noise levels, especially if the equipment is to be used for a longer period of time.
🔊 Causes for noises
Annoying noises on the elliptical can have various causes. Once the cause of the noise has been determined, in many cases it is easy to find a remedy. The type of noise, i.e. whether it is more of a cracking, squeaking, rattling, creaking or buzzing noise, can help to determine the cause more easily.
😡🔊 Creaking
Creaking often occurs when the device is assembled from parts that are too weak and becomes twisted due to the changing loads during training. Loose screws also cause parts that should be firmly connected to each other to move towards each other and make noise. Tightening the screw connections will quickly remedy this.
😡🔊 Crackling
Cracking is sometimes an indication that one of the ball bearings is damaged, the bearing clearance needs to be readjusted or the bearing needs to be re-greased. In such a case, it is best to ask the manufacturer directly how to eliminate the cracking.
😡🔊 Squeaking
Squeaking occurs when moving parts no longer slide or roll smoothly on each other. This can be caused, for example, by dirt such as dust or fluff that accumulates in small cracks and hardens over time. The lack of lubricants on moving parts also leads to unpleasant squeaking noises. Thorough cleaning and subsequent lubrication, preferably with a dry lubricant specially developed for fitness equipment, often works wonders here.
😡🔊 Clatter
If parts are loose, for example because a screw on a cover or in the area of the drive has come loose, a rattling sound can often be heard during operation. If the screw is easily accessible, it can simply be tightened again. If it is under a cover, the removal would invalidate the warranty. In this case, the manufacturer should be contacted first.
😡🔊 Buzz
A too loud, disturbing or uneven buzzing suggests a defect in one of the drive or brake elements. If no non-contact braking system has been installed and the unit has been in operation for some time, the whirring could be caused by braking elements that are already heavily worn. However, an incorrectly adjusted tension of the drive belt could also be responsible. With many devices the tension can be adjusted by yourself. If the flywheel mass is defective, the only thing that usually helps is to replace the unit. If this damage occurs during the warranty period, the manufacturer can be contacted without any problems.
🧹🧼 Regular cleaning and maintenance
Many disturbing noises can easily be prevented by regular cleaning and maintenance. If the moving parts are cleaned of dirt and lubricated from time to time, the cross trainer normally runs quietly and smoothly. Most manufacturers give recommendations in the user manual as to which maintenance work should be carried out how often.
Floor mat
A floor mat placed under the cross trainer can also reduce noise. Without a mat, the vibrations, which inevitably occur during training, are directly transferred to the floor and even intensified. The sound can even be transmitted via the floor to the adjacent rooms. A mat prevents the transmission of vibrations and thus swallows a large part of the disturbing noises. The noise is thus significantly damped.
Watch the video below to learn some pratical tips on how to troubleshoot your elliptical when you start to notice any kind of noises:
