Hello,
I always wanted to own a Concept 2 rower, but my wallet didn't allow me to do so... until today.
The model E I just bought comes from a gym and is 10 years old. It had a few marks and plenty of dust inside, but after a complete teardown for cleaning, It's in good shape for the price. The chain went through WD40 baths to get some rust out of it, and 3in1 oil was then used as lubricant.
However, I still get the noise It made before cleaning. This can be heard during the drive but not during the whole sequence. Nothing similar happens at recovery. I thought a short length of the chain could be the problem, but I can't visually detect any obvious damage. I will try to attach the sound I recorded this afternoon and a picture of the sprocket if it helps. The more powerful is the drive, the louder is the noise.
What kind of solution would you suggest? Chain replacement ? sprocket replacement? or both?
Thank you very much for your help and for this forum full of precious informations.
I can't wait to fix my new C2!
Noise identification
Re: Noise identification
The noise comes just after the catch where there's maximum effort, so could be something loose; if you've already tightened all nuts bolts screws and the plastic D frame lock (if that's what you have), you could just keep going and wait for something to fall off.
Otherwise you may have to look at the chain-shockcord system:
https://www.concept2.com/service/manuals
Otherwise you may have to look at the chain-shockcord system:
https://www.concept2.com/service/manuals
08-1940, 179cm, 75kg post-op (3 bp January 2025).
Re: Noise identification
Thanks James.
I double checked and everything seems to be tightened. I will try to replace the chain as it could be really slightly "twisted" at some points. Unfortunately,I can't show this in photos, the depth of field of my camera being too shallow.
Nothing really blatant but we we'll see if a new one solves the problem.
Would you also replace the sprocket even if the teeth do not seem to be worn out on my pictures ?
Thank you.
I double checked and everything seems to be tightened. I will try to replace the chain as it could be really slightly "twisted" at some points. Unfortunately,I can't show this in photos, the depth of field of my camera being too shallow.
Nothing really blatant but we we'll see if a new one solves the problem.
Would you also replace the sprocket even if the teeth do not seem to be worn out on my pictures ?
Thank you.
Re: Noise identification
It's a general rule for transmission systems that parts always be changed together, so that the job's done once only and because any part, if worn, can damage the others. However if the sprocket's not worn, there's no point in replacing it.
Before taking it all apart it'll be best to inspect as much as you can. The chain and shockcord take-up assemblies have quite a number of components:
https://www.concept2.com/files/pdf/us/i ... outing.pdf
https://www.concept2.com/files/pdf/us/i ... outing.pdf
https://www.concept2.com/service/indoor ... schematics
Before taking it all apart it'll be best to inspect as much as you can. The chain and shockcord take-up assemblies have quite a number of components:
https://www.concept2.com/files/pdf/us/i ... outing.pdf
https://www.concept2.com/files/pdf/us/i ... outing.pdf
https://www.concept2.com/service/indoor ... schematics
08-1940, 179cm, 75kg post-op (3 bp January 2025).
Re: Noise identification
Thanks for the links.
Following the provided schematics, I already had taken everything apart, and nothing from the shockcord, pulleys, axles showed signs of wear. This should definetely be the chain. I will update this topic once the chain replaced.
Following the provided schematics, I already had taken everything apart, and nothing from the shockcord, pulleys, axles showed signs of wear. This should definetely be the chain. I will update this topic once the chain replaced.
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Ergmeister
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- Joined: February 28th, 2012, 9:59 am
- Location: Sheldonville, MA
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Re: Noise identification
TH-C2: That is a metal on metal "creaking" sound and could be the chain, but I doubt it, The sprocket photos in your google pics show a sprocket with very little wear and the quiet rings intact so that's likely not it at all.
The sound file is good, but it would help to know where you held the microphone to capture that. Using WD40 on the chain is directly discouraged by C2 so that may make it look better, but may also adversely affect the function.
Can you feel the noise in the handle? Slide back on the seat to the point where you finish your drive and shift your weight right/left and see if you can hear the same sound.
The sound file is good, but it would help to know where you held the microphone to capture that. Using WD40 on the chain is directly discouraged by C2 so that may make it look better, but may also adversely affect the function.
I will guess that more likely the sound is the seat creaking at the end of the drive and it could be a subconscious twist or weight shift. Because it occurs at the same point, I doubt it's the chain really. I think it's just the seat making noise being amplified by the I-beam."Every 50 Hours of Use, Weekly for Institutional Users
Lubricate the chain with a teaspoon of purified mineral oil, 3-IN-ONE® oil, or 20W motor oil. Apply oil to a paper towel, and rub the paper towel along entire length of chain. Wipe off the excess. Repeat if needed. Do not clean the chain with any kind of cleaner or solvent, e.g. WD-40®. "
Can you feel the noise in the handle? Slide back on the seat to the point where you finish your drive and shift your weight right/left and see if you can hear the same sound.
Re: Noise identification
Thank you Ergmeister (thank you also for the advices provided on your facebook page which helped me a lot for the cleaning!)
The noise is definitely not coming from the seat as I pulled the handle without sitting to make sure. The noise happened anyway and I was still able to feel it in my hands.
I also tried to catch the flywheel earlier, and later on the chain. Sorry for not being able to precisely describe this in English, but in other words, I have taken a few strokes only using my arms and back, with extended legs, and then with bended knees. In both (obviously less powerful) positions, catching the flywheel has been pretty smooth: No noise and no vibration at all in the handle.
While recording the sound, my phone's microphone was aiming at the chain guide, less than 1 ft away.
The chain was so rusty that I thought using WD40 was worth the try. I have read a bit too late that this was not recommended, but It was the last chance before ordering a brand new one. I won't do this with a new part for sure.
As pulleys are in good shape, and if you confirm this noise might result from a metal to metal friction, my guess is that the slight twists of the chain are forcing some links to rub against the sprocket's teeth.
The noise is definitely not coming from the seat as I pulled the handle without sitting to make sure. The noise happened anyway and I was still able to feel it in my hands.
I also tried to catch the flywheel earlier, and later on the chain. Sorry for not being able to precisely describe this in English, but in other words, I have taken a few strokes only using my arms and back, with extended legs, and then with bended knees. In both (obviously less powerful) positions, catching the flywheel has been pretty smooth: No noise and no vibration at all in the handle.
While recording the sound, my phone's microphone was aiming at the chain guide, less than 1 ft away.
The chain was so rusty that I thought using WD40 was worth the try. I have read a bit too late that this was not recommended, but It was the last chance before ordering a brand new one. I won't do this with a new part for sure.
As pulleys are in good shape, and if you confirm this noise might result from a metal to metal friction, my guess is that the slight twists of the chain are forcing some links to rub against the sprocket's teeth.
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Ergmeister
- 1k Poster
- Posts: 122
- Joined: February 28th, 2012, 9:59 am
- Location: Sheldonville, MA
- Contact:
Re: Noise identification
TH-10, thanks for your comments on my help pages.
One last thing to try: Pull the chain all the way out, and then stick a small screwdriver, ice pick, or clothes hanger through the chain at the opening to prevent it from retracting. Now take your index finger and start at the opening and lift the slack chain up so that it "rolls" over your finger. Slowly slide your finger up the chain toward the handle to see if you can detect any point where the links are "hanging up" and not smoothly rolling over your finger. That could be the point that is creating the creaking sound.
I was frankly surprised it was not the seat as they can make that exact same noise!
At this point, I think you've eliminated everything except the chain.
I do have one final thought: If you grab the end of the axle on the dust cap end, with the nut off, and move it up and down and front/back. Do you have free play there on the rubber bushing that secures and centers the axle? I've seen many of them "shrink" over time from use and drying conditions and then the axle has movement. The easy fix for that is to pull the axle out and wrap the rubber bushing with electrical tape to fill in the free play and make the bushing tight again. I doubt C2 will approve of this method but I've done this dozens of times with complete success. It could be that at that point in your drive, you are catching the angle just right to move the axle in that free play to make the noise. After this, I'm out of ideas!
One last thing to try: Pull the chain all the way out, and then stick a small screwdriver, ice pick, or clothes hanger through the chain at the opening to prevent it from retracting. Now take your index finger and start at the opening and lift the slack chain up so that it "rolls" over your finger. Slowly slide your finger up the chain toward the handle to see if you can detect any point where the links are "hanging up" and not smoothly rolling over your finger. That could be the point that is creating the creaking sound.
I was frankly surprised it was not the seat as they can make that exact same noise!
At this point, I think you've eliminated everything except the chain.I do have one final thought: If you grab the end of the axle on the dust cap end, with the nut off, and move it up and down and front/back. Do you have free play there on the rubber bushing that secures and centers the axle? I've seen many of them "shrink" over time from use and drying conditions and then the axle has movement. The easy fix for that is to pull the axle out and wrap the rubber bushing with electrical tape to fill in the free play and make the bushing tight again. I doubt C2 will approve of this method but I've done this dozens of times with complete success. It could be that at that point in your drive, you are catching the angle just right to move the axle in that free play to make the noise. After this, I'm out of ideas!