seat sits at middle of rail

[left coaster]

So, lately the seat on my erg has started settling in the middle of the rail and not sliding all the way forward when I'm not using it.

I clean the rail all the time -- just threw a level on the floor and if anything the floor slopes in a way that should see the seat slide forward a bit faster i.e. it slopes every so slightly down towards the fan.

I'm thinking the wheels may need some lube, I've had it now for well over a year and get after it a few times each week or more.

Question: is lubricating the wheels possible? if so, do I need to get in there with a wrench and pull everything apart or can I just start spraying willy nilly with a can of WD-40 and hope for the best?

[jamesg]

Sticking at a particular position suggests something touching there, especially if the seat moves freely elsewhere. Close inspection will show it. Standing the machine on end might help.

In any case, make sure fastenings are tight, all seat parts clean and dry, check for play in all directions. The bearings below and the rollers must all spin freely, checking one by one, in particular at the sticking point.

Surface contacts in the seat are rolling only, so lubrication will make things worse by collecting dirt. Only the chain has sliding surfaces.

[left coaster]

Actually, the seat will stop pretty much anywhere I set it on the rail.

It seems there is friction in the rollers and that they don't roll as freely as before. If I'm on the seat it rolls forward quickly, just not on its own.

Is there a way to lubricate the bearings in the rollers?

[Anth_F]

I would just change the rollers and see if that solves the problem... for what little amount a set of rollers cost.

[Cyclist2]

If it's a fairly new machine, as you indicated, the clearances on the top and bottom seat rollers might be a little tight. As mentioned, wiggle the seat up and down to see if it has any play (mine has 2-3 mm play, approximately). There are holes in the seat frame for the bottom set of rollers that allow the overall clearance to be tightened or loosened. You might have to choose a different set of holes until things get further worked in with use.

[left coaster]

Well, when I lay down beside it I can see about 1-2mm of clearance above the lower wheels across the length of the slide as I move it.

So -- I think Anf may be on the right path, I'll order myself a pair of rollers and just swap them out. There's definitely a bit of resistance going on so they may already be pooched. I have well over a million meters on it, although it doesn't seem like much when I read about he durability of the machines.

[Anth_F]

I have now rowed over 1 million meters on my model E machine, and the seat slides/returns back to the front of the slide as perfect now as the day i got the machine, so that shouldn't really be the reason. Seems to me this seat issue is model D related, and a lot more common than i would have ever imagined. Even brand new model D's out the box have been plagued with the same problem.

I hope the new rollers sort out your problem.

[left coaster]

Finally received and replaced the rollers.

It actually makes a difference!! I was starting to think it was all in my head, but the new rollers are smoother and slightly faster. Not a lot, like 1-2 seconds on a 500m split across 5-10K, but enough that it is noticeable.

One of he biggest subjective changes is how the seat now disappears from my attention again during a row -- my focus naturally shifts back to the handle and my feet. It is a LOT smoother.

For what it's worth, the seat now slides forward like it should a well.

I'm happy with the decision, thanks for the suggestion ANTH_F

hmmm..... placing this post didn't bump the thread to the top -- unusual glitch -- OH! I see, it was moved to a different section.

[Anth_F]

Great news, and a cheap fix! I'm glad it solved your issue. I can imagine it must have been a bit irritating for you at the time, losing focus on your rowing all because of the seat acting up. A nice silky smooth action is just how it should be