How To Disassemble A Sole E35 Elliptical

If you need to move or repair your machine, knowing how to disassemble a Sole E35 elliptical is essential. This guide walks you through the process safely, saving you time and effort.

Disassembly might seem daunting, but with the right tools and patience, it’s very manageable. We’ll break it down into clear steps to ensure you don’t miss anything important. Always remember to unplug the machine before you start any work.

How to Disassemble a Sole E35 Elliptical

Before you touch a single bolt, proper preparation is key. Rushing in can lead to lost parts or injury. Let’s get everything ready first.

Gather Your Tools and Clear Your Space

You will need a few basic tools. Having them all ready will make the job go smoothly.

Adjustable wrench or set of open-end wrenches
Phillips head and flat head screwdrivers
Allen wrench set (metric is often required)
Rubber mallet (for gentle persuasion)
Socket set with ratchet
Ziploc bags and a marker for labeling hardware
A clean, spacious area like a garage floor

Initial Steps: Safety and Access

Start by making the machine safe and easy to work on. This prevents accidents and gives you room to maneuver.

Unplug the elliptical from the wall outlet.
If possible, move the machine to your cleared workspace. Enlist help—the E35 is heavy.
Remove any loose items from the console and cup holders.
Lower the adjustable incline to its flattest position using the console controls.

Detaching the Console and Electronics

The console wires need careful handling. You don’t want to damage the connectors or pinch the cables.

Locate the plastic cover on the uprights near the console. It usually snaps off or is held by a few screws.
Once open, you’ll see the wiring harness connecting the console to the power and sensors.
Gently disconnect the main wire plugs. Note their positions or take a photo for reassembly.
Unscrew the console from its mounting bracket. You may need to support it with one hand while removing the last screw.
Carefully set the console aside in a safe, flat location.

Removing the Arms and Pedals

With the console gone, you can start taking off the larger mechanical parts. The arms come off first.

Look for the pivot bolts where each arm connects to the main frame. These are usually large.
Use your wrench to loosen and remove these bolts. The arm should then lift away.
For the pedals, they typically thread on. Turn the left pedal clockwise to loosen it (it’s reverse-threaded). Turn the right pedal counter-clockwise to loosen it, which is standard.
If they’re stuck, a shot of penetrating oil can help. Let it sit for a few minutes before trying again.

Breaking Down the Main Frame

This is the heaviest part. You’ll likely need an assistant for stability when seperating the pieces.

Locate the main pivot bolt or pin connecting the two rear stabilizer tubes to the main body. Remove it.
Find the large bolt or bolts at the junction of the uprights and the base frame. These are often the key to splitting the frame.
Loosen and remove these primary frame bolts. Label them clearly as they are critical for stability.
You should now be able to carefully seperate the upright assembly (with flywheel) from the base rail and stabilizer.

Handling the Flywheel and Drive System

The flywheel is the heaviest single component. Be extemely cautious during this step to avoid back strain.

It’s often easier to leave the flywheel attached to its upright section for transport.
If you must remove it, you’ll need to take off the drive belt cover and loosen the tensioner. Then you can slip the belt off.
The flywheel is mounted on a central axle with large bolts. Support the wheel before removing the final bolt.
Lift it straight off and set it down gently to avoid damaging the floor or the mechanism.

Packing and Moving Tips

Disassembly is only half the battle. Getting everything to it’s new location without damage is crucial.

Organizing Hardware and Parts

This step will save you huge headaches during reassembly. Don’t skip it.

Use your Ziploc bags for bolts from each step. Label them “Console,” “Arm Bolts,” “Frame Pivot,” etc.
Tape small bags of hardware directly to the part they belong to.
Take plenty of photos on your phone before and during disassembly. Different angles are helpfull.
Wrap the console and other delicate parts in bubble wrap or moving blankets.

Moving the Heavy Components

Use proper lifting technique to avoid injury. Bend at the knees, not the waist.

For the base frame, a dolly or hand truck is ideal. Secure it with straps.
The upright/flywheel section is awkward. Two people should carry it, one at each end.
Cover sharp edges with foam or towels to prevent scratches and dings during transit.
Load the heaviest pieces into your vehicle first, placing them against a stable surface.

Reassembly Reminders

Putting your Sole E35 back together is basically the reverse process. But a few tips will ensure it works perfectly.

Refer to your photos constantly. They are your best guide.
Do not overtighten bolts during initial assembly. Snug them up, then do a final tightening once everything is aligned.
When reconnecting electronic plugs, listen for a firm click to ensure they are seated properly.
After reassembly, test all functions—incline, resistance, console readouts—before a full workout.

FAQ Section

How hard is it to take apart a Sole E35 elliptical?
It’s a straightforward process if you’re mechanically inclined and have the right tools. The main challenge is the weight of the components, so having a helper is strongly recommended.

What’s the trickiest part of disassembling an E35?
Managing the weight of the flywheel assembly and seperating the main frame joints can be tricky. Those bolts are sometimes on very tight and the parts are heavy, so caution is needed.

Can I move a Sole elliptical without disassembly?
It’s possible but not advised. The E35 is bulky and can be damaged or cause damage to doorways. Partial disassembly (removing arms, console) makes it much safer and easier to handle.

How long does it take to take apart a Sole E35?
For a first-timer, allow 60 to 90 minutes. If you have help and your tools organized, you can probable do it faster. Reassembly may take a bit longer.

Do I need special tools for Sole fitness equipment disassembly?
No special tools are required, but a good metric Allen wrench set and a socket set that includes larger sizes (like 17mm or 19mm) are very usefull for the frame bolts.