Bowflex Max Trainer, How to Remove the Crank Arm Assembly

If you own a Max Trainer by Bowflex, you may need to remove a crank arm. Here we cover the steps of removing the crank arm assembly.

Tools Required:

• 16mm Wrench or Adjustable Wrench
• 9/16” or 14mm Socket and Wrench
• Rag or Protective Material
• #2 Phillips Screwdriver
• 22mm Crank Puller
• 5mm Hex Wrench
• 6mm Hex Wrench
• Rubber Mallet

Procedure:

1. Remove the cap, indicated in the photo below, from the side of the machine that needs to be serviced.
   
2. Remove the hardware behind the cap you just removed. There is a bolt, lock washer, and flat washer. You will need the 6mm hex wrench. Set this hardware aside for reassembly.
3. You will lift the foot pedal and slide the leg assembly straight out and away from the machine to remove it. If you do not pull straight out, the leg assembly can become difficult to remove. Note: A rubber mallet may be needed if the leg assembly doesn't slide off.
4. A wave washer is exposed on the crank arm after removing the leg assembly. Remove this wave washer and set it aside with the rest of the hardware removed from the leg assembly.
5. Remove the handlebar hardware indicated in the photo below. You will need the 5mm hex wrench. Note: You must support the handlebar as the hardware is removed.
   
   Set the handlebar and the hardware aside.
6. Place a rag or a protective material below the connector arm to protect the plastic shroud from scratches or damage. Remove the hardware that joins the connector arm to the pivot arm as indicated in the photo below. You will need the 6mm hex wrench.
   Note: The connecting arm will drop downward if not lowered slowly against the rag or protective material.
   
7. Remove the crank cover. You will need the #2 Phillips screwdriver. Remove the two screws indicated in the photo below. Note: The crank cover screws are easily stripped. Take care and remove the screws with caution.
   
8. Remove the nut securing the crank assembly as indicated in the photo below. You will need the 9/16" or 14mm socket and wrench to remove the nut.
   
9. Adjust your crank puller so that the bolt of the crank puller is down inside the nut. See the photo examples below.
   
10. Thread the crank puller nut into the crank arm assembly. Note: Take care not to cross-thread.
    Install the crank puller nut with at least three rounds of threads into the crank arm assembly. Click here to learn more about how to use a crank puller tool.
11. You will need the 16mm or adjustable wrench to turn the bolt of the crank puller. You will turn the inner portion or bolt of the crank puller clockwise. This pulls the crank arm off as it is tightened. Note: The crank arm assembly becomes loose and must be supported to prevent it from falling.
12. Remove the crank puller from the crank arm assembly.

This completes how to remove the crank arm assembly for a Bowflex Max Trainer. Click here to read about how to replace the crank arm.