The Life Fitness 5500 HR treadmill comes equipped with an 18-inch by 58-inch walking belt, a 1.5 horsepower motor and a steel frame. Over time, friction may wear down the treadmill's walking belt or drive belt, necessitating the installation of a replacement. Similarly, the motor unit may burn out from use, rendering the treadmill inoperable. With basic hand tools, you will be able to partially disassemble your Life Fitness 5500 HR and perform the necessary repairs.
Cover Removal
Step 1
Remove the bolt securing the right pedal lever to the right coupler, then disengage the lever from the coupler. Remove the end caps from the right coupler, then remove the bolts securing the right coupler to the elliptical. Repeat with the left pedal lever and left coupler.
Step 2
Remove the screws securing the right shroud to the elliptical's base. Pull the shroud free and set it aside. Repeat with the left shroud.
Step 3
Remove the screws securing the right crank cover to the elliptical's base. Remove the right crank cover and right crank plate and set both aside. Repeat with the left crank cover and left crank plate.
Drive Belt
Step 1
Kneel next to the left crank and locate the drive belt. Disengage the drive belt from the crank and motor pulleys. Pull the belt over the left crank and set it aside.
Step 2
Place the replacement belt over the left crank, then fit the belt over the crank pulley. Pull the remaining end of the belt towards the motor unit, then fit the end of the belt over the motor pulley.
Step 3
Kneel next to the right crank and find the reed switch, located next to the crank pulley. Turn the pulley until a small magnet appears, then position the magnet next to the switch. Loosen the screw securing the switch's bracket in place, then shift the switch towards the magnet as far as possible without allowing the two components to make contact. Tighten the screw on the switch's bracket.
Step 4
Replace the crank plates, crank covers and shrouds. Reconnect the pedal levers and couplers, then replace the end caps in the couplers.
Motor Unit
Step 1
Disengage the drive belt from the motor pulley. Remove the screws securing the motor to the elliptical's frame. Disconnect the wires attached to the motor.
Step 2
Pull the old motor down and lift it free from the frame. Set the old motor aside and install the new motor in its place. Secure the motor to the frame with screws, then reconnect the motor wires.
Step 3
Fit the drive belt over the motor pulley. Replace the crank plates, crank covers and shrouds. Reconnect the pedal levers and couplers, then replace the end caps in the couplers.
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