The #50 power rod on my Bowflex snapped rather suddenly when I was doing a straight arm press and I had to replace it. I’d been lazy before and never installed the #10 power rod which broke last summer, even though I’d had the replacement for months. I was quite inventive in finding alternatives to the missing ten, like using 30 on one side and 20 on the other when I needed 25 on each side for a leg curl. For my routines the only change was being ten short on a leg press. But now it was time to face my fears and see what was involved.
If you prefer a video, there’s a link at the end of this post.
I ordered a replacement #50 rod after an hour-long phone hold (how do people with no land line or unlimited plan cope with that?) and was told it would take 4-6 weeks. Incidentally, the rods have a lifetime warranty, but unless you register your Bowflex or still have the bill (who keeps a Costco bill for fifteen years?) customer service will be empathetic but unmoveable.
My previous research indicated a need to tip the machine over to expose the bottom of the box of rods, which seemed a bit intimidating. I was going to try to replace them without doing that. However, I did prepare by vacuuming the floor around the exercise area, which was long overdue anyway.
My Bowflex has the extra two #50 rods, which fit in a separate expansion box just behind the #5s. Removing the expansion box is easy. I tapped it up with a rubber mallet, but a sharp pull may have sufficed.
The harder part was getting the rod assembly off the Bowflex. There are three #2 Philips head screws. I just lay on my back on the floor to work on these screws. Two are fairly easy to get off, but the one nearest the frame is a bit awkward because it’s close to the frame. A shorter screwdriver got it started.
Then I used the Velcro strap that keeps the rods straight to tie the rods to the frame upright. As I was working under the power rods, I didn’t want them crushing my head when I removed the last screw. With the inner screw loose, I could pull the assembly out a bit and finish removing it fairly easily.
With the assemblies off the frame, I could work on them more easily on my workbench. However, I must admit it would have been a good idea to sweep up the sawdust first, as the rubber casing attracts dust and doesn’t let go!
On my machine, each rod is secured by a single Phillips head screw. There is no washer, and there doesn’t appear to be anything inside which needs to line up with the slot cut in each rod. So replacement was as simple as removing the screw and the old rod, fitting the new rod, and replacing the screw. The Nautilus agent had told me that the cure for rods twisting was to tighten the screws so I did that on all rods while I was at it.
My plan was to to move the two #50 rods from the expansion up nearest the frame, install the #10 and put the still good #50 back in the expansion box. Then when the new #50 arrived, it would be an easy replacement. Also, in case the new one was “stiffer” than the 15-year -old one, it would be on the expansion box, which only gets put into service for leg presses.
I put the broken #50 in the box as well, mostly so I didn’t lose the tiny screw. (It turned out the new #50 came with a screw, although there was none with the #10.)
Reinstalling the box was the reverse of installation. Slide it under the two tabs at a slight angle, push it all the way back and install the screws. I chose to attach it to the frame again, so I could pull it to and fro to make things easier, with less chance of the box rearranging my facial features.
This part would be considerably easier for anyone who did not feel the need to videotape it for posterity. I found it impossible to hold a camera steady in one hand while engaging the Phillips screwdriver.
Meanwhile, Nautilus was updating me on expected ship dates which were about three weeks out, and shipping estimates were in the 7-10 day range. The very next day, the rod appeared on our doorstep, and, as predicted, installing it in the expansion box was a breeze.
Another fear conquered. I don’t know why I always expect the worst when I go to fix something. Oh, wait, it may be because 80% of the time it does go wrong. All the more reason to embrace success when it’s turn comes around.
YouTube video:
