Replace seat ball bearings on your C2

[otorower]

I recently bought a used Model C in good condition with 1600 km on it. After a week or two, I became annoyed with the seat making a squeaking sound and it felt lumpy. I checked the Concept 2 site to check out what it would cost to replace the two top rollers and it was going to be $22 + $6 shipping. (Which is actually not a bad deal) I looked at the rollers and they looked ok, and then took them off and found the bearings were extensively rusted. I ordered 4 new bearings off ebay of the same type (R6Z) for $12 with shipping. They fit perfectly and I am riding smooth and quiet again! The bad part was waiting for the bearings, and I didn't want to put the bad ones back on.

So this is an FYI - if you are having seat issues and are cheap, just order the R6Z bearings and you can keep rowing until you get them to change them out.

[johnlvs2run]

That's great! Thanks.

[stuart]

Did you replace just the bearings or both the bearing and the rollers?
I notice black flakes on the monorail after rowing, I suspect it is from the roller. The ride sounds a little bit bumpy, but it has been since it was new. Does anyone else find this? Is this normal? Is it time for new rollers? Thanks.

[c2jonw]

Stuart- It's pretty hard for an individual to wear out the seat rollers or bearings on a C,D or E. The black crud on the monorail is typically a slurry of perspiration, dust kicked up by the flywheel, oil "sweating" out of the roller material and a very small amount of plastic from the roller. Wipe the stainless track that the seat rollers run on after each use with a rag or paper towel and a household cleanser like windex or 409. Buffing the stainless with a small amount of the C2 chain oil (this is a mineral oil) is also a good idea. For stubborn lumps of crud on the rail or the seat rollers a fine grade Scotch brite pad is recommended along with the cleaning fluid. C2JonW

[Bob S.]

Stuart- It's pretty hard for an individual to wear out the seat rollers or bearings on a C,D or E. The black crud on the monorail is typically a slurry of perspiration, dust kicked up by the flywheel, oil "sweating" out of the roller material and a very small amount of plastic from the roller. Wipe the stainless track that the seat rollers run on after each use with a rag or paper towel and a household cleanser like windex or 409. Buffing the stainless with a small amount of the C2 chain oil (this is a mineral oil) is also a good idea. For stubborn lumps of crud on the rail or the seat rollers a fine grade Scotch brite pad is recommended along with the cleaning fluid. C2JonW

One of the rollers on my old model B eventually developed some pits, but they could easily be seen. I would think that any significant damage to the rollers would be visible. It might be necessary to clean them up first, which isn't easy on the rower. However, if the seat is taken apart, it would be fairly eay to clean them. The bearings are a different matter, but it might be possible to tell whether or not a bearing is going bad by removing it and feeling the action.

Bob S.

[otorower]

Clarification for Stuart - All I replaced were the bearings. I reused the rollers and the hardware.

My point was that a lumpy squeaky ride does not have to be from worn rollers, but could be from worn bearings. So, if your rollers look ok, you probably have worn bearings that can be replaced for less $$$ than replacing both rollers.

[stuart]

Thanks fellows for all your responses.
There is no major "bumping" of the rollers only an even "Tick-Tick-Tick" sound and the black residue. It has always done this since it was new. Just wondering if this is normal operation for the machine. I don't want to replace parts and still end up with Tick-Tick-Tick and black flakes. Just curious if all the machines do this.

[johnlvs2run]

The black flakes are dirt.

I wipe the railing with a few drops of mineral oil and a napkin.

Roll the seat back and forth, then wipe it again.

Then I leave a few drops on each side of the railling while I'm rowing.

My rollers have more then 35 million meters and still fine.

[vo2max]

Was fitness director for a medium size health club and in charge of overseeing equipment upkeep. The C2's would gain a build-up on the track and/or rollers from sweat-dirt- ... (as was stated in above posts) We would wipe down the tracks and rollers twice per week and that kept it in check - most any mild solvent or mineral oil should work.

Ordering my C2 for home in the morning

[Snail Space]

The black flakes are dirt.

I wipe the railing with a few drops of mineral oil and a napkin.

I use a disposible *** DELETE - SPAM *** wipe moistened by sweat (which I have in abundance after a 10k!). The dirt wipes off easily and the rail is left looking shiney.

Cheers

Dave

[DavidA]

I also use sweat for the same reason, but I keep a nice, soft, cotton diaper handy to use rather than a disposable wipe.

David