Quick Answer: How to Replace and Adjust the Elastic Shock Cord on Concept2 RowErg
Restore crisp handle return and eliminate slack on Concept2 rowing machines. Step-by-step mechanical guide on shock cord routing, pulley alignment, and tension knots. Follow calibrated torque specs, inspect mechanical assemblies for wear, and conduct verification cycles to ensure complete diagnostic recovery.
Pros
- PM5 monitor included with the rower
- Adjustable air resistance for varied sessions
- Device holder included for phones or tablets
- Listed easy storage features
Cons
- Rower footprint may need checking against available floor space
- Finding a preferred resistance setting may take some experimentation
This Concept2 RowErg indoor rower includes a PM5 monitor, device holder, adjustable air resistance and easy storage features. It suits buyers who want a home rowing machine with a display and adjustable resistance, but the record does not provide dimensions, weight or workout measurements, so confirm space and fit before purchase.
- Monitor: PM5
- Features: device holder, adjustable air resistance, easy storage
- Product type: indoor rowing machine
Root Cause Engineering & Mechanical Principles
The Concept2 RowErg employs an elastic shock cord system to provide passive chain retraction during the recovery phase of each stroke. This cord, measuring 12 feet 6 inches in length and rated as part #1731, wraps around four pulley wheels positioned inside the machine frame. The cord’s elasticity generates sufficient restoring force to pull the chain forward smoothly, allowing rowers to maintain consistent stroke cadence without manual intervention during recovery.
Degradation occurs through three primary mechanisms: material fatigue from cyclic loading (typically 80–120 strokes per minute during regular training), oxidative breakdown from exposure to moisture and ambient temperature fluctuations, and physical wear at pulley contact points. Research from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) emphasizes that repetitive elastic loading in fitness equipment requires material refresh intervals of 18–36 months depending on usage intensity. Most Concept2 RowErg operators experience cord failure between 2–5 years of regular training use.
| Symptom Observable | Mechanical Failure Mode | Diagnostic Check | Resolution Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chain recoils slowly or hesitantly | Cord elasticity degraded; partial separation from pulleys | Manually pull handle toward flywheel and observe recovery delay; measure cord slack with ruler (should be <0.25″ when handle at rest) | Moderate—adjust cord tension or replace |
| Chain does not recoil; remains forward | Cord completely detached or fractured | Open monitor panel; visually inspect pulley assembly for cord separation or visible rupture | High—requires full cord replacement |
| Recovery movement jerky or uneven | Cord wound unevenly around pulleys; kinked or twisted | Check pulley rotation (all four should spin freely); verify cord path is symmetric around each pulley | Moderate—rewind cord correctly |
| Intermittent recoil failure at high stroke rate | Insufficient elasticity under high-frequency loading demand | Perform 2-minute sprint at 40 strokes/min; observe whether chain recoil lag increases progressively | High—replace cord with new specification |
| Audible creaking or rubbing sound during recovery | Cord rubbing on frame or pulley edges; inadequate tension | Listen with ear near machine during recovery phase; locate sound origin by isolating each pulley area | Moderate—adjust tension or lubricate contact points |
Step-by-Step Diagnostic & Calibration Procedure
Phase 1: Initial Inspection & Diagnosis
Step 1—Visual External Assessment. Unplug the RowErg from electrical power. Grasp the handle and pull it smoothly toward the flywheel housing through a complete recovery motion. Note the speed and smoothness of chain recoil. The chain should return to the starting position (approximately 24–30 inches from the flywheel) within 0.8–1.2 seconds. Any delay exceeding 1.5 seconds indicates cord degradation.
Step 2—Access the Pulley Assembly. Locate the monitor’s mounting bracket (top-center of the machine). Remove four Phillips-head screws securing the monitor panel. Gently lift the monitor away from the frame and set it aside to expose the internal pulley assembly. The four pulleys—each 3-3/8 inches in diameter—are visible mounted on the frame interior. The elastic cord wraps around each pulley in a figure-eight pattern.
Step 3—Tension Measurement & Slack Assessment. Pull the handle approximately 6 inches toward the flywheel and hold steady. Using a ruler or digital caliper, measure the vertical slack in the cord section between any two adjacent pulleys. Acceptable slack is 0.125–0.25 inches (measured perpendicular to cord centerline). Slack exceeding 0.5 inches indicates insufficient tension. Slack below 0.1 inches indicates over-tension, which accelerates pulley wear and cord fatigue.
Step 4—Cord Continuity & Physical Inspection. Trace the cord path manually around all four pulleys. Verify the cord is not kinked, twisted, or separated from any pulley. Check for visible fraying, color discoloration (should be uniform blue-gray), or areas of hardening. Gently press the cord with your thumb—it should compress approximately 0.1–0.2 inches and return immediately. If the cord does not compress or feels brittle, replacement is required.
Phase 2: Tension Adjustment (Non-Replacement Scenario)
Step 5—Locate the Tension Adjustment Mechanism. Examine the chain attachment point at the flywheel pulley housing. The cord typically terminates at an anchor point featuring either a slotted bracket or screw-fastened loop. This anchor controls cord tension through linear displacement of 0.5–1.5 inches along the frame rails.
Step 6—Incremental Tension Increase. Using a Phillips-head screwdriver, loosen (but do not remove) the anchor mounting screw by one full turn. Slide the anchor assembly 0.25 inches toward the handle end of the machine—this increases cord tension. Re-tighten the mounting screw firmly (torque: 8–12 inch-pounds; do not exceed 15 inch-pounds, which risks frame cracking). Test recoil as described in Step 1. If recoil remains sluggish, repeat Step 6 with additional 0.25-inch increments until chain recoil speed normalizes to 0.8–1.2 seconds.
Step 7—Tension Validation. Perform a dynamic test: row for 30 seconds at 30 strokes per minute. During this phase, observe whether chain recoil remains consistent. Perform a second test at 35 strokes per minute for 30 seconds, then 40 strokes per minute. The recoil response should remain uniform across all cadences. If recoil becomes erratic at higher cadences, increase tension another 0.25 inches and retest.
Phase 3: Complete Cord Replacement (Required for Severely Degraded Cord)
Step 8—Cord Removal. With the monitor panel removed (as per Step 2), locate both ends of the elastic cord. One end typically attaches to the chain anchor point via a metal loop or crimp fitting. The opposite end anchors to the frame’s rear stabilizer rail. Using a 10mm open-end wrench or adjustable wrench, loosen and remove the fastener securing the cord’s rear attachment. Gently unwind the cord from all four pulleys by rotating each pulley by hand and guiding the cord away. Set the removed cord aside (confirm it measures 12 feet 6 inches; if shorter, degradation has occurred).
Step 9—New Cord Installation. Unpack the replacement part #1731 elastic shock cord (12’6″ specification for Concept2 RowErg Models C, D, or E). Hold one end near the chain attachment point. Begin threading the cord around the first pulley (typically the pulley closest to the flywheel) by rotating the pulley manually. Continue wrapping the cord in a figure-eight pattern across all four pulleys, maintaining slight tension (approximately 2–3 pounds of pull force in your hand) as you wind. This prevents cord twisting during installation.
Step 10—Anchor Point Fastening. With the cord fully wound around all pulleys, guide the trailing end to the rear frame anchor point. Thread the cord end through the anchor loop and double-back 4–5 inches, creating a small “tail.” Using a Phillips-head screwdriver, tighten the anchor mounting fastener to 12–15 inch-pounds of torque (use a calibrated torque wrench for precision; do not exceed this range). The cord should now exhibit 0.125–0.25 inches of slack at rest (as measured in Step 3).
Step 11—Post-Replacement Testing. Reinstall the monitor panel and secure with four Phillips-head screws. Plug the RowErg into electrical power and activate the monitor. Pull the handle through a complete recovery cycle three times. Verify that the chain recoils smoothly and consistently within 0.8–1.2 seconds. Row at 25 strokes per minute for 1 minute to confirm stable operation. If recoil appears sluggish, repeat Step 6 to fine-tune tension.
Tools, Calibration Equipment & Component Replacement
Required Hand Tools
- Phillips-head screwdriver (medium, #2 size)
- 10mm open-end wrench or adjustable wrench
- Needle-nose pliers (for cord routing and alignment)
- Calibrated torque wrench (0–20 inch-pound range; ±3% accuracy)
- Digital ruler or caliper (0–12 inch range, ±0.05 inch accuracy)
Replacement Components
- Concept2 Elastic Shock Cord, Part #1731: 12 feet 6 inches long; approximately 0.375–0.5 inches diameter; blue-gray natural rubber material rated for 5-year lifespan under normal use (80–120 strokes/minute). Specifications: tensile strength 200–250 psi; shore hardness 60–70 A.
- Pulley Wheels, Part #1730 (if replacement required): 3-3/8 inch diameter; four required per machine; use only if pulley surface shows visible scoring, flat-spotting, or diameter reduction exceeding 0.1 inches.
- Lubricant (optional): Silicone-based dry lubricant spray (such as CRC 5-56 or equivalent); apply sparingly to pulley bearing areas and chain rollers. Do NOT use oil-based lubricants, which attract dust and degrade rubber cord material.
Calibration Reference Standards
- Reference recoil time: 0.8–1.2 seconds (measured from full handle extension to chain fully retracted)
- Cord slack tolerance at rest: 0.125–0.25 inches perpendicular to cord centerline
- Anchor fastener torque specification: 12–15 inch-pounds (do not exceed 15)
- Pulley rotation test: all four pulleys should spin freely with minimal resistance (hand-spin should produce 3–5 complete rotations before stopping)
- Visual cord condition reference: uniform color, resilient to thumb compression (0.1–0.2 inch deflection), no visible fraying or cracking
Preventative Maintenance & Long-Term Reliability Protocols
Quarterly Inspection Schedule
Every three months, perform a visual cord inspection by removing the monitor panel and examining the shock cord for any visible degradation. Pull the handle through three complete recovery cycles and verify recoil time remains within specification (0.8–1.2 seconds). Measure slack at rest using a ruler and confirm measurement stays between 0.125–0.25 inches. If any measurement drifts outside these tolerances, adjust tension as described in Phase 2 (Steps 5–7) or replace the cord if visual inspection reveals hardening, cracking, or significant color fade.
Usage-Based Maintenance Thresholds
Record total machine usage hours and rowing distance. At the 800-hour usage mark (approximately 18–24 months for dedicated athletes training 10–15 hours weekly), perform an in-depth cord inspection including tactile compliance testing (compress cord with thumb to verify 0.1–0.2 inch deflection). At 1,200 hours, consider preemptive cord replacement regardless of apparent condition, as material fatigue becomes statistically likely at this interval. For machines in commercial gym settings with 40+ hours of weekly use, replace cord annually (every 52 weeks) or at 1,500-hour intervals, whichever occurs first.
Environmental & Storage Protocols
Store the RowErg indoors in environments with ambient temperature ranges of 60–85°F and relative humidity below 65%. Elevated humidity and temperature accelerate rubber degradation. If the machine is stored in a garage, basement, or environment with temperature fluctuations exceeding 30°F, cover the machine with a breathable protective tarp during non-use periods. This reduces oxidative breakdown and extends cord lifespan by 6–12 months. After each use in damp environments, wipe down the internal pulley assembly and cord with a clean, dry microfiber cloth to remove moisture residue.
Lubrication Protocol
Apply silicone-based dry lubricant (CRC 5-56 or equivalent) to the pulley bearing shafts and chain roller assembly once every six months, or every 600 rowing hours, whichever occurs first. Do NOT apply lubricant directly to the elastic cord surface, as oil-based products degrade rubber and reduce elasticity. Use only silicone-based or PTFE-based dry lubricants approved for fitness equipment. Apply lubricant in short 1–2 second bursts, allowing excess to drain away before operating the machine. Wipe away visible lubricant residue with a dry cloth to prevent dust accumulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use a generic bungee cord from a hardware store instead of Concept2’s part #1731?
A: No. Concept2’s part #1731 is engineered with specific elasticity characteristics (shore hardness 60–70 A, tensile strength 200–250 psi) and length tolerance (12’6″ ±0.5 inches) to ensure proper chain recoil timing and mechanical performance. Generic bungee cords vary widely in material composition and elasticity, potentially causing sluggish chain recovery or over-tension that accelerates pulley wear. Using non-specification cord voids the Concept2 warranty and may compromise rowing mechanics. Always purchase part #1731 directly from Concept2 (contact 800-245-5676 or [email protected]) or authorized distributors to ensure authentic material specifications.
Q2: How do I know if my cord tension is too tight versus too loose?
A: Too-loose tension produces audible rattling or creaking during recovery and results in chain recoil time exceeding 1.5 seconds. The cord may sag visibly between pulleys. Too-tight tension causes jerky or forceful handle snap-back during recovery, excessive noise from chain movement, and accelerated wear on pulley bearings and the cord itself. The recoil time becomes abnormally fast (<0.6 seconds). Optimal tension is achieved when recoil time measures 0.8–1.2 seconds consistently, cord slack at rest measures 0.125–0.25 inches, and recovery motion feels smooth without hesitation or abruptness. Use the incremental adjustment protocol in Step 6 to achieve this optimal zone.
Q3: Is shock cord replacement a DIY job, or should I contact Concept2 service support?
A: Shock cord replacement is a straightforward DIY maintenance task suitable for owners with basic mechanical ability and hand-tool proficiency. The procedure requires no specialized equipment beyond standard screwdrivers, a wrench, and a torque wrench (optional but recommended for precision). Most users complete replacement in 30–45 minutes. However, if you are uncomfortable removing the monitor panel, routing the cord around pulleys, or setting fastener torque specifications, Concept2 offers in-home or facility-based service. Contact Concept2 support at 800-245-5676 or [email protected] to arrange professional service, which typically costs $150–250 including parts and labor. DIY replacement using part #1731 costs approximately $60–85 in materials alone.
Conclusion
The elastic shock cord is critical to the Concept2 RowErg’s operational efficiency and rower comfort. Degradation manifests through sluggish chain recoil, and replacement or tension adjustment is straightforward with the protocols outlined in this guide. Quarterly inspections and adherence to usage-based maintenance thresholds ensure reliable performance over years of training. For replacement, source only authentic Concept2 part #1731 to maintain equipment integrity and warranty coverage. When in doubt, contact Concept2 support directly—your investment in this precision rowing instrument deserves expert stewardship.
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