Metallic Series – Tank: How to replace the lower Oilite bearing

Replacement of the lower Oilite bearing of your Metallic Series rower’s tank assembly (located in the bottom deck) can alleviate vibrations and other problems that arise as your rower accumulates wear and tear.

The process for replacing this bearing is identical for any Metallic Series rower. Follow the steps below.

Illustration showing the handle assembly of a rowing machine with directional arrows indicating movement.

Step 1

Place handle into the most forward position near the large pulley in the Forward Riser.

Diagram showing the handle assembly replacement process for a rowing machine, illustrating the removal and assembly steps.

Step 2

Using the 5mm ratchet included with your rower, remove the handle rests and handle rest bolts. Set them aside.

Diagram of a rower, highlighting the handle assembly and pulley system.

Step 3

Rotate the footboard away from the tank assembly toward the rear of the rower.

Diagram of a WaterRower showing the handle assembly and its components.

Step 4

Remove the tank cover by sliding it simultaneously upward and toward the rear of the rower.

A close-up of hands adjusting a foot strap assembly on a rower's tank assembly.

Step 5

Unclip the bungee cord from the recoil strap.

Illustration showing the attachment point of the recoil belt and clutch assembly on a rowing machine.

Step 6

Slowly pull the handle so that its strap unwinds from the clutch housing. Do this gently as pulling too fast will cause the recoil belt to wind up too much.

Once you reach the end, unscrew the bolt holding the handle strap to the clutch housing with an 1/8” Allen key.

Diagram showing the components of a WaterRower, including a JCB screw, tie rod, barrel nut, and tank assembly.

Step 7

Remove the Tie Rods and JCBs connecting the Top Deck to the tank assembly as shown.

Schematic diagram illustrating the assembly of a WaterRower with labeled parts including the tank assembly and handle rests.

Step 8

Remove the Top Deck assembly as shown, being careful not to dislodge the guide pulleys. On older models, you may have to disconnect the Tacho pulley and Tacho motor plug.

Diagram illustrating the replacement process for the lower Oilite Bearing in a WaterRower's tank assembly.

Step 9

Remove the sensor disk.

Diagram showing the internal components of a WaterRower, highlighting the belt system and clutch housing mechanism.

Step 10

Remove the clutch roll pin as shown. You will need a hammer and punch (or a slender bolt) for this procedure.

Diagram showing the mechanism of an Oilite Bearing used in a WaterRower tank assembly, with an arrow indicating the direction of movement.

Step 11

Remove the clutch assembly as shown.

Diagram showing the installation process of an Oilite Bearing in a WaterRower assembly, with an upward arrow indicating movement.

Step 12

Remove the lower paddle bush from the Bottom Deck. This may best be achieved by using a screwdriver to pry the bronze Oilite bush out of its collar and then removing the collar.

Diagram illustrating the removal and replacement of the lower Oilite bearing for an Original Series rower's tank assembly.

Step 13

Replace the lower paddle bush assembly into the Bottom Deck. It may be easier to first insert the rubber bush collar followed by the bronze Oilite bush.

Illustration showing the installation of the lower Oilite bearing in a WaterRower assembly, with an arrow indicating downward pressure on the bearing.

Step 14

Replace the clutch assembly as shown.

Diagram illustrating the components and assembly of a WaterRower's tank, including parts like the clutch and drive strap.

Step 15

Replace the clutch retaining pin as shown. It is important to make sure that the pin hole in the paddle shaft and the pin hole in the clutch line up. You may need to lift the paddle shaft to line up the 2 holes. Use a screwdriver or punch to keep these holes aligned while you hammer in the pin.

Diagram illustrating the replacement process for the lower Oilite Bearing in a WaterRower.

Step 16

Replace the sensor disk. Teeth must face up.

Diagram showing the tank assembly and components of a WaterRower with arrows indicating positions for maintenance.

Step 17

Replace the Top Deck as shown.

Diagram showing assembly components of a WaterRower, including a tie rod, cross dowel, and caution against overtightening bolts.

Step 18

Replace the JCBs and Tie Rods connecting the Top Deck to the Tank assembly as shown. Ensure that the Tie Rod cross Dowel Slots are aligned with the Tie Rod. You may utilize a screw driver to assist this.

Close-up of a person's hand guiding a strap through the cap of a forward riser on a rowing machine.

Step 19

Orient the handle so that the rivets in the handle collar (where the handle attaches to its strap) are facing downward.

Close-up of a hand adjusting a handle strap on a rowing machine's forward riser assembly.

While preserving this orientation and not twisting the handle strap, feed the handle strap through the forward riser cap, around around the large pulley in the forward riser, and into the clutch mechanism area as shown.

A close-up image showing a hand gripping a handle strap near the pulleys of a rower's clutch assembly.

Step 20

Guide the handle strap inside of the upper guide pulley

A person is holding a handle strap in place near a pulley on a rowing machine, demonstrating a step in the assembly process.

Then, thread the handle strap through the openings in the clutch.

A hand holding a tool near the mechanics of a rower's assembly, focusing on the pulley and clutch area.

And finally, secure the handle to the clutch by tightening the small bolt with the 1/8″ Allen key.

An individual demonstrating the handle adjustment on a rower's tank assembly, with directional arrows indicating the movement of the handle.

Step 21

Gently pull on the recoil belt to wind the handle around the clutch.

A person positioning the handle on the forward riser of a Metallic Series rower's tank assembly.

While doing so, hold the handle strap taught to prevent it from slipping off the pulleys.

A person adjusting the handle strap on a rower's forward riser.

The handle must reach its most forward position, up against the Forward Riser.

Close-up of a hand guiding a strap through a mechanism in a Metallic Series rower's assembly.

Step 22

Pass the recoil belt over both guide pulleys (the smaller ones) in the Forward Riser. Ensure the recoil belt is aligned and sits in the grooves of both pulleys.

A person hands is shown holding a strap near a metallic surface, likely adjusting a component of a rowing machine.

Step 23

Re-connect the bungee cord to the recoil belt.

Schematic illustration of a rower's tank assembly showing shims and assembly components.

Step 24

Reinstall the tank cover by sliding it simultaneously downward and toward the front of the rower. If your rower is equipped with black plastic shims to secure the front end of the top cover, ensure the cover is fully seated in them.

Illustration showing the forward riser handle being rotated on a rower's tank assembly.

Step 25

Rotate the footboard forward towards the tank and align the handle rest holes with the nuts embedded in the black angled brackets of the tank assembly.

Diagram illustrating the installation of a forward riser component on a rower's tank assembly, showing the orientation and placement of bolts and fittings.

Step 26

Using the 5mm ratchet, reinstall the handle rests and their bolts.

Do not overtighten these bolts as damage to the black angled brackets may occur.

Note: Do NOT use a drill or impact driver when when installing these bolts.

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