ProForm Whirlwind Bike: Bearing Replacement
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- Опубліковано 8 вер 2024
- ProForm Whirlwind Dual Action Stationary Exercise Bike.
This is a "how to" video on the ProForm Whirlwind Bike, specifically, how to replace faulty bearings or belt.
This bike was made in 2003. I acquired this Bike from a thrift shop and I have no history on it.
This exercise bike uses a pulley and belt that drives a fan. The pulley is mounted on a set of caged ball bearings. If the bearing wear out, the pulley and pedals will develop play. If the bearing are severely damaged, it will also damage the axel.
There was a lot of sloppy play in the pedals and the drive belt fell off the pulley. It was apparent there was a problem with the bearing.
This video is a step by step tutorial in how to disassemble the bike and replace the bearings. In this case, the bearings were destroyed. As a result, the axel was also severely damaged and had to be replaced. Hopefully you will only need to replace the bearings. I suspect someone had attempted to repair this bike the past and actually ended up making it worse.
I was able to purchase a new pulley and bearing set on Amazon and restore the bike to good working order.
This video is made for someone with minimal knowledge. More advance uses may find it a bit slow. You can always skip ahead if you want. The video has been sped up in some spots, where appropriate.
User manual: www.manualslib...
If you just need to replace the caged bearings. These are the specs: outer diameter 44mm (1.74 inch), inner diameter 32mm (1.26 inch), 9 balls that are 5/16 inch diameter. Available from many vendors on Amazon and eBay.
If you need a complete bearing set, including races: You can get if on Amazon. "Alta Bike Bottom Bracket Set". On that page, select "Ball Retainer: 5/16 x9". $13 on Amazon. The same bearings are available under other names as well.
If you need to replace the pulley, the part number: 266534. Search online for ProForm 266534. The best price I found was on Amazon for $39. Prices elsewhere were much higher.
Thank you very much! I have done lots of automotive bearing replacements so this should be easy. NOT ! First I did not have the crank removal tool but pulled the right side crank with a three jaw puller, never could get the left side crank. So I sawed a slot to get that side cover off. Then I tried to remove the first outer bearing race, then the trouble began. The race did not have a but built in, just two slots. Left-hand threads messed with my mine during removal. I thought I had stripped the shaft threads, but I was able to finally get it out. New bearings should arrive today.
This video was VERY helpful. Jerry H
This video was extremely helpful! I really appreciated the part numbers and ordering information you provided, spot on! You made this a very simple repair and I am grateful.
Thank you for the positive feedback.
I ordered the bearing kit along with the pulley and wahlah! fixed it with the help of your video. Thanks David!
Thank you! What an awesome video. While my bike is different (an exerpeutic recumbent bike) the bearing cage on one side shredded just like yours. I purchased new bearing cages and while it is a different bike the similarities of the inner workings were close enough that your video should be enough to help me get the new caged bearings in, greased, and belt back on. The tip on the belt adjuster was extremely helpful as well. Cant wait to get started and get my wife back cycling every morning again with brand new caged bearings! Thanks again David!
THANK YOU very much for your superb video! I purchased one of these from a used fitness equipment place, and after 15 months of moderately intense daily exercise, the belt fell off. I discovered the same problems: destroyed bearings and axle threads. I wonder if this is a design flaw.
Anyway, a couple of notes. The $39 replacement pulley/axle comes with 2 (small cylindrical) magnets installed; the original only had one. So unless you remove one of the magnets, the bike will show you going twice as fast and twice as far in the same amount of time. It also doesn't have a rim around the outside diameter; so far, this has not made a difference. It seems to be a rebuilt unit, since the axle isn't perfectly perpendicular to the pulley--also hasn't made any difference, just a slight wobble to the pulley.
Also, the bearing kit comes with only one 1.25 inch axle retaining nut; when you re-assembled, you only used the one; I think it would be better to use two, as on the original bike. Just use one of the old ones.
Thanks again!
My replacement pulley only had one magnet. It did not appear to be re-built item, but I can not be sure.
I think using a jam-nut is the design flaw. Eventually they get lose and unscrew. That causes play and eventual bearing failure. It would have been better to use a cotter pin and castle nut.
Thank you for posting this!!! 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼
Found it. Its thecpeddle scrapping against the side of the panel.if i can back the paddle out some i can tightn the nut to lock it in.
You are the best.very well explained. Thanks 😊
FOR anybody needing to replace the BELT but don't want to bother / spend money / can't find the crank removal tool ( 7:10 ) I have technique/ procedure to replace belt without removing crank... still a bit of a headache job but doable, and no waiting around for crank tool to ship to you, if you can even find the correct one. Post reply and I'll post back with procedure.
Followed your video. Repaired my pro form. Exactly same bike. Everything nice and tight , but i hear a knocking sound with every peddle rotation. Same spot ever revolution. Sounds like the fly wheel knocking on the right side of the bike. Any suggestions?
I have the exact same bike. Its 2024, do you think its worth fixing compared to buying a used exercise bike that have out today ?
What size crank puller did you use? I have this same bike that needs this service. Thanks!
This is the crank puller on eBay.
www.ebay.com/itm/274413359848
@@c.davidgraves4848 Thanks David!!!
This video is wonderful! I'm having troubles getting the right side inner bearing race off of my bike. It does not have a hex nut built into it but instead has the 2 slots like the new one you put on. How can I get this type off of the bike?
You could try a large screwdriver. Place the tip into one of the slots at an angle. Remember it is reverse treaded, so you are trying to turn it clockwise. Hit the back of the screw driver with a mallet several times. A rubber mallet would be best to start with, it does less damage. One it starts to turn, you can probably turn it the rest of the way by hand.
@@c.davidgraves4848 This worked! My husband died last year. He is the one who would be fixing my bike. Without your video, I would not have been able to do this by myself. I am so very grateful!
I haven't been able to find a bearing kit for my bike. I tried Amazon and a couple of bike sellers but no luck. Can anyone help me out? Thanks
What are the parts number for outer bearings and the bearings with the rounds balls in them? Trying to fix my moms bike .
Alta Bike Bottom Bracket Set
Here is the Amazon page. Make sure to order "ball retainer: 5/16 x 9". I bought the "chrome" color.
www.amazon.com/Alta-Bottom-Bracket-Multiple-Retainer/dp/B07BY4PWY7/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3JGU68UCAGC9T&keywords=alta%2Bbike%2Bbottom%2Bbracket%2Bset&qid=1648960277&sprefix=alta%2Bbike%2Bbottom%2Bbracket%2Bset%2Caps%2C58&sr=8-2&th=1&psc=1
got mine second hand from my parents. i am "that guy".
Where can I find the belt for purchase David or anyone???
Have a look at this item on Amazon:
www.amazon.com/WALKINGBELTS-Walking-Belts-LLC-PFCCEX25122/dp/B07JQCXVRY
If your belt is slipping, try removing some slack in the belt by moving the fan wheel foreword. This is done by adjusting nuts on either side of the Fan-wheel.
How do I know if the belt needs replacing ?
With my problem the pedals were pretty sloppy and inconsistant/noisy. I guess you could look at the belt through the front fan guards and measure the play per Davids video.
Dry rot and cracking. Slipping that can not be corrected, even after adjusting out excess slack.