Metallic Series – Tank: How to replace the recoil bushing (metal clutch only)

Replacing the recoil bushing on your Metallic Series rower is a relatively advanced repair to perform.

The process below is applicable to all Metallic Series rower models equipped with a metal clutch.

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 connection points for JCB and Tie Rod on a WaterRower, including a labeled Barrel Nut.

Step 7

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

Diagram illustrating the top view of a Metallic Series rower with components labeled, including arrows indicating the removal of the tank cover.

Step 8

Remove the Top Deck assembly as shown, being careful not o dislodge the guide pulleys. Disconnect the sensor wire from the monitor wire, if equipped. You may have to disconnect the Tacho Pulley. Disconnect the Tacho motor plug.

Diagram illustrating the removal and replacement of the Recoil Bush in a WaterRower machine.

Step 9

Remove the Tacho belt and the Tacho clutch pulley as shown.

Diagram showing the assembly of the WaterRower clutch system, including the positioning of the Recoil Belt and pulleys.

Step 10

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

Diagram illustrating the installation process of the Recoil Bush and its components on a WaterRower.

Step 11

Remove the clutch assembly as shown.

Diagram showing the installation process for a component, featuring labeled parts and directional indicators.

Step 12

Remove the Recoil Bush and Recoil Bush shim washer as shown.

Step 13

Replace the Recoil Bush shim washer and the Recoil Bush.

An illustration showing a mechanical assembly related to the Recoil Bush installation process for a WaterRower, with labeled components and arrows indicating direction.

Step 14

Replace the clutch assembly as shown.

Diagram showing the internal components and connections of a WaterRower with a focus on the Recoil Bush and belt mechanism.

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 assembly and alignment of the Recoil Bush and related components on a WaterRower.

Step 16

Replace the Tacho belt and the Tacho clutch pulley as shown.

Illustration of a WaterRower showing the alignment of the top deck and internal components.

Step 17

Reconnect the sensor to the monitor. Replace the Tacho belt. Replace the top deck.

Diagram showing the connection of the tie rod and cross dowel in a WaterRower, with notes on bolt tightening instructions.

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 screwdriver to assist this. Before tightening the screw, use a long slender screwdriver to lift the Tacho belt onto the Tacho motor pulley and the Tacho clutch pulley.

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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