Stairmaster 8G Gauntlet Service Manual page 78

Fig. 2
In the above graphics, (Fig. 2 + 2.1) you can see the drive system of the 8G Stepmill. Please note that
significant portions of the unit including pieces of the frame have been removed for clarity. The
steps are connected to the upper and lower sprockets, the upper and lower sprockets are connected
to the gear box via the drive chain, and the gear box is connected to the alternator with the alterna-
tor belt.
The user's weight drives the steps downward which turn the upper and lower sprockets. The drive
chain connected to the upper sprocket in turn drives the gear box that increases the RPMs from X
to X. The gear box is connected to the alternator via the alternator belt. The alternator is fed with
electricity and acts as an electromagnet to increase or decrease the resistance causing the steps to
move faster or slower.
Using the theory outlined above, starting with the alternator [A], remove the alternator belt [B]
1.
THIS WILL CAUSE THE MACHINE TO LOSE
quickstart button to disengage the brake. Spin the steps by hand. Has the noise gone away? If not, proceed to
step 2.
Remove the drive chain [C] from the gear box [D] and spin the steps, has the noise gone away? If not proceed
2.
to step 3. If the noise has gone away and the noise in question is a screeching or metal on metal grinding
sound, please ensure that the brake
(8G ONLY).
If the noise persists after removing the drive chain, start to check the upper and lower pillow blocks [F] for
3.
RESISTANCE). Then, while NOT standing on the unit, press the
ONLY) [E] is aligned. See CSB
(8G
Fig. 2.1
(NOTE THAT
637-4306 for help on aligning the brake
Page 78