Key Takeaways
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Lubricating an elliptical requires silicone-based lubricant for ramp surfaces and general moving parts, plus lithium grease for pivot points and bushings.
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Never use WD-40, petroleum-based oils, cooking oils, or general machine oils on an elliptical, as they degrade plastic components and attract debris that accelerates wear.
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The full lubrication process takes 20 to 30 minutes and covers the ramp, roller wheels, pivot points, bushings, foot pedals, and handlebar joints.
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Rampless ellipticals use a different lubrication approach, focusing on crank bearings and pivot points, with sealed bearings often factory-lubricated for life.
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At SOLE Fitness, our ellipticals feature whisper-quiet eddy current resistance and heavy-duty steel frames engineered for low-maintenance, long-term use.
Squeaking Elliptical? Start Here
Squeaking, grinding, or a rougher-than-normal stride are the three common signs that an elliptical needs lubricating. Each one points to friction building at a specific location: dry ramp tracks, hardened grease on bushings, or neglected pivot joints where the pedal arms connect to the frame. The noise itself warns that wear is accelerating on the components underneath.
Left alone, that friction compounds. A dry bushing that takes five minutes to grease today can wear through its housing within a few months, turning a simple maintenance task into an expensive, often hard-to-source parts replacement once a machine is out of warranty.
The fix is straightforward. Clean the contact surfaces first, apply the right lubricant to each type of joint, and repeat every three to six months. Below, we cover the full process, the tools you need, and the mistakes that cause repeat problems, step by step.
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What Type of Lubricant to Use on an Elliptical
Silicone-Based Lubricants Are the Safest Choice
Silicone-based lubricants are non-corrosive, won't degrade rubber or plastic parts, and provide a smooth, long-lasting coating that holds up well under the repetitive stress of elliptical motion. They're widely available and come in both spray and liquid form. Spray works well for hard-to-reach areas, while liquid allows for more controlled application on flat surfaces like the ramp.
Lubricants to Avoid on Elliptical Machines
Never use WD-40, petroleum-based oils, cooking oils, or general-purpose machine oils on an elliptical. WD-40 and Petroleum-based products leave a light oily film rather than a durable lubricating layer, so they attract dust, which creates a gritty residue buildup that accelerates wear on rollers, rails, and bushings.
What You Need to Lubricate an Elliptical Machine
Gather everything before you begin so you don't stop mid-job to find a tool. Here's what you'll need:
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Silicone-based lubricant (spray or liquid form).
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Lithium grease for pivot points and bushings.
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Clean lint-free cloths or microfiber towels.
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A Phillips head screwdriver for removing protective covers.
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A hex wrench set if your model uses Allen bolts on covers.
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A flashlight to inspect hard-to-see joints and rail surfaces.
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Your machine's user manual for model-specific lubrication points.
When lubricating an elliptical machine, use a lint-free cloth or microfiber towel, as these do not leave any residue behind.
How to Lubricate an Elliptical Machine: Step-by-Step
To lubricate an elliptical machine, start by unplugging it and then removing any protective covers.
The full process takes about 20 to 30 minutes for most machines. Work through each step in order. Skipping the cleaning stage or reassembling before testing are the two most common mistakes that lead to repeat problems.
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Turn Off and Unplug the Machine: Unplugging the machine eliminates any risk of accidental activation while your hands are near moving components. Wait a full minute after unplugging before you start working on it. This also lets the flywheel come to a complete stop.
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Remove Protective Covers: Most ellipticals have plastic covers over the main drive system, flywheel housing, and frame joints. Remove these to access the internal lubrication points. Use your screwdriver or hex wrench to remove these panels carefully, and keep all screws in a small bowl or container so you don't lose anything.
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Clean the Moving Parts: Applying fresh lubricant over old, dried residue is counterproductive. Use a lint-free cloth to wipe down every surface you plan to lubricate, removing any dust, grime, or hardened lubricant buildup. For stubborn residue on metal rails or ramp surfaces, a cloth lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol works well.
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Lubricate the Ramp and Wheel System: Apply liquid silicone lubricant directly to the ramp surface in a thin, even layer across the full length of the track. After applying lubricant to the ramp, manually push the pedals through several full rotations to spread the silicone evenly across the entire contact surface. For the roller wheels, apply a small amount of silicone spray directly to each axle.
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Lubricate the Pivot Points: Pivot points are the joints where the elliptical's moving arms connect to the frame. Locate each pivot point by following the main pedal arms from the foot platforms upward to where they attach to the frame. Apply a small amount of lithium grease to each pivot point and work it in by moving the joint through its full range of motion by hand.
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Lubricate the Bushings: Bushings are cylindrical inserts, usually made of nylon or bronze, that sit inside the pivot joints to reduce metal-on-metal contact. When a bushing starts to squeak, applying lithium grease directly to it resolves the noise quickly. You don't need much. A pea-sized amount per joint is sufficient.
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Lubricate the Foot Pedals & Handlebars: The joints where the foot pedals attach to the pedal arms, and where the handlebars connect to the upper linkage, are often overlooked during maintenance. Apply silicone spray to the pedal attachment joints and handlebar pivot connections, then wipe off any excess immediately to keep it off the grip surfaces, where it could create a safety hazard.
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Reassemble the Machine: Once you've lubricated every point, reattach all the protective covers in the reverse order you removed them. Tighten each screw or bolt firmly, but don't overtighten.
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Test the Machine: After reassembly, plug the machine in and run it slowly for two to three minutes without resistance. This distributes the lubricant evenly across all the surfaces you treated and lets you listen for any remaining noise. A small amount of initial squeaking is normal and usually disappears within the first minute as the lubricant works into the joints.
Lubricating Rampless Ellipticals
Not all ellipticals use a ramp-and-wheel drive system. Center-drive ellipticals, and some front-drive models, use a different mechanical configuration, typically a flywheel connected to the pedal arms through a crank system, with no rail or ramp surface involved. On these machines, lubrication focuses almost entirely on the crank bearings, pedal arm pivot points, and the flywheel axle.
For rampless ellipticals, apply lithium grease to all pivot joints and crank arm connection points using the same process described for pivot points above. For the flywheel axle and any sealed bearings in the drive system, check your user manual first. Many sealed bearing systems are factory-lubricated for life and should not be opened or re-lubricated without professional service.
If your rampless machine is making noise from the flywheel area, that's often a sign of a worn bearing that needs replacement, not lubrication.
SOLE Fitness Ellipticals: Built to Last, Easy to Maintain
SOLE Fitness ellipticals are built for long-term use and are backed by a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.
Elliptical maintenance strongly predicts how long the machine will last. Silicone for ramps, lithium grease for pivots, a lint-free cloth for cleaning, and 30 minutes every few months keep a well-built elliptical running smoothly for years.
At SOLE Fitness, our ellipticals run on whisper-quiet eddy current and magnetic resistance systems that avoid the noise lower-end machines develop over time, on heavy-duty steel frames supporting up to 400 lbs on select models. The E20, E25, and E35 deliver that build quality at an accessible price, while the E95, E95S, and E98 add 13.3" touchscreen consoles and, on the E95S, a power-adjustable 18"–24" stride. Every model ships free to your curb and comes with a lifetime frame warranty and a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. Shop SOLE Fitness ellipticals today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best lubricant for an elliptical?
The best lubricant for an elliptical is a silicone-based lubricant for ramp surfaces and general moving parts, combined with lithium grease for pivot points and bushings. Silicone lubricant won't degrade plastic or rubber components, making it safe for the wide variety of materials used in elliptical construction. Lithium grease provides the thicker, more durable coating needed for high-load pivot joints.
How do I fix a squeaky elliptical exercise machine?
A squeaky elliptical is almost always a lubrication problem. Start by identifying where the noise is coming from. Once you've isolated the noise to a specific area (ramp, pivot joint, bushing, or handlebar connection), clean the area with a lint-free cloth and apply the appropriate lubricant: silicone for ramp and rail surfaces, lithium grease for pivot points and bushings. After lubricating, run the machine for two to three minutes at low resistance to work the product into the joint.
How many years do ellipticals last?
Estimates vary by source and build quality, but a well-maintained elliptical from a reputable brand is generally expected to last around 10 to 15 years, while budget machines are more often cited in the 3 to 7 year range, largely because lower-quality bushings and bearings wear faster. However, mid-range and commercial-grade machines can easily outlast that range with proper care.
What are the downsides of using an elliptical machine?
Ellipticals are low-impact and highly effective for cardiovascular fitness, but they do come with a few trade-offs worth knowing. Because the machine guides your movement pattern, it doesn't engage stabilizer muscles as much as free-movement exercise like running outdoors or using a rowing machine. For that reason, ellipticals work best as part of a varied routine rather than as a sole form of training.
What type of ellipticals can I find at SOLE Fitness?
At SOLE Fitness, we offer a range of ellipticals built for different budgets, body types, and training goals, all engineered with the same focus on durability and smooth performance. The E20, E25, and E35 cover the entry and mid-range, with flywheels up to 25 lbs and a 10.1" touchscreen on the E35. Stepping up, the E95, E95S, and E98 all carry 13.3" touchscreen consoles and support users up to 400 lbs, with the E95S adding a power-adjustable 18"–24" stride and the E98 running a 32 lb flywheel for the smoothest feel in the range.
*Disclaimer: Products and prices mentioned in this article are accurate as of the date of publication and are subject to change. Please visit the official SOLE website for the most current information.
