Overview
It is possible for the crank arm on an Echo Bike to become loose during regular use. This maintenance procedure is designed to secure the bell crank to the main axle, restoring the bike to optimal performance.
Estimated Time: Approximately 20 minutes.
Number of Steps: 4 steps.
Issue: A crank arm that feels loose or unstable during use.
Required Tools: Philips Screwdriver and an 8mm Hex/Allen Key.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Remove the Belt/Linkage Guard: Locate the five mounting screws on the left-hand side guard. Use a Philips screwdriver to remove these screws, carefully noting the position of each screw so they can be replaced in their original locations later.
Position the Crank: Carefully rotate the left-hand pedal until the crank is pointing directly downwards. Once in this position, remove the guard cover and set it aside with the mounting screws.
Optional Crank Removal: Using an 8mm Hex/Allen key, you may remove the bolt securing the crank and slide it off the splined shaft. Note that this step is optional; you only need to remove the crank if you cannot achieve the necessary torque to tighten the bell crank bolt in the next step. If the factory-set bolt is too tight to remove, proceed directly to Step 4 or contact support.
Inspect and Tighten Bell Crank: Locate the bolt securing the bell crank to the main axle. Using your 8mm Hex/Allen key, first loosen this bolt a few turns. Push the bell crank firmly all the way onto the splined shaft. While maintaining pressure to keep the crank on the shaft, tighten the bolt extremely firmly, similar to the tension required for car wheel nuts.
Key Details for Success
Screw Management: The five guard screws must be replaced in the exact same holes they were removed from to ensure a proper fit during reassembly.
High Torque Required: The factory settings and the required maintenance tension for these bolts are extremely high. Ensure you are using high-quality tools to apply sufficient torque without stripping the bolt heads.
Testing: Before replacing the guard, re-attach the pedal and crank arm (if they were removed) and test the bike to ensure the looseness has been resolved.
Once the troubleshooting is complete, re-assemble the linkage guard using the five Philips head screws to protect the internal components from dust and debris. Periodically check for any play or "wiggle" in the crank arms during your pre-workout inspection. Addressing a slightly loose crank immediately prevents damage to the splined shaft, which can occur if the bike is ridden while the components are misaligned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I do if the crank bolt is too tight for me to remove in Step 3? A: Step 3 is optional. If the factory bolt is too tight to move, you can skip to Step 4 to tighten the bell crank directly, or contact Team@roguefitness.com for further assistance.
Q: How tight does the bell crank bolt really need to be? A: It needs to be "cranked pretty tight," similar to the tension used for the wheel nuts on a vehicle.
Q: Do I need to remove both the left and right guards? A: This specific procedure outlines removing the left-hand side guard to access the bell crank and main axle connection.