There are so many elliptical trainers on the market that elliptical replacement parts may seem almost too plentiful in some instances, but there are ways to narrow your search for needed parts. One of the first places to turn when choosing parts is the manufacturer. The company that made your elliptical likely has the right parts, and those parts may be under warranty, so they could be free. If the warranty is expired or the manufacturer is no longer in business, then you should start looking elsewhere for elliptical replacement parts that are compatible with your machine, though universal parts may work, too. Before you choose which elliptical parts to buy, you may want to consider the potential cost savings of used parts versus new parts.
One of the first steps to take in repairing an elliptical is to find out if you can get the necessary part free. If you know which part needs to be replaced, you can call the manufacturer to find out if it is under warranty. You will likely need to know the model number on your machine and its date of purchase, but the call could result in a free replacement part for your machine. Even if the elliptical is not under warranty, you can typically order the part from the manufacturer, which is often a good idea, because you can be sure it will be compatible with your machine.
In some cases, the manufacturer may not be in business anymore, in which case you may be on your own when it comes to finding elliptical replacement parts that will work. You may be able to buy them from stores or websites that sell replacement parts for exercise equipment. If, however, you cannot find any parts that fit your specific model, you may be able to use universal parts that fit nearly any machine. In some cases, it will not be the best fit, and you may have to try out a few universal parts to find one that is compatible, but it is usually better than not finding the part at all.
When you need to save money on elliptical replacement parts, it is often a good idea to look for used parts. Many people take their old exercise equipment apart when they cannot fix a particular problem, which is why many used elliptical replacement parts are just as useful as brand new ones. You can often obtain these from websites that allow people to sell their old items, or you may encounter them at a business that specializes in selling gently used parts. You are advised to first make sure that the used elliptical replacement parts that you buy are cheaper than the new ones and that they still work.