Introduction: NordicTrack Achiever Knob Assembly

About: I miss the days when magazines like Popular Mechanics had all sorts of DIY projects for making and repairing just about everything. I am enjoying posting things I have learned and done since I got my first to…

This is a step-by-step disassembly of the ski tension adjustment knob assembly for member NordicDanny.

Gently pry the retaining ring from the cross pin.

Step 1: Remove Cross Pin

Use a needle nose pliers to remove the cross pin.

Step 2: Remove the Knob

The cross pin held the knob so it could not rise and slip out of the adjustment assembly. Pull or twist it out.

Step 3: Detach the Cable Housing

Pull the cable housing to the side to free it from the main part of the assembly.

Step 4: Pull the Cable

Grasp the body of the assembly with one hand and the cable housing with the other. Pull the cable out of its housing.

Step 5: Remove the Cable End From the Traveler

Use a pick or a hook to pull the threaded plastic traveler (I am not sure of the manufacturer's name for this piece.) from the body of the assembly through the open upper end (same end covered by the knob before disassembly). Slip the end of the cable out the side of the traveler. To assemble, repeat the steps in reverse. It may be necessary to twist the cable housing on the cable to make it feed properly. Check for excessive wear on the threaded portion of the plastic traveler and the screw shaft. Both are made of softer materials and are likely to show excessive wear. See the second photo. But, gently lifting the aluminum disc from the top of the knob allows removing a screw with a Philips head. Then the old screw shaft slides out. (See the third photo.) 

I was away from my tools for a couple of months, but have now done an Instructable on rebuilding an Achiever's knob adjustment assembly. See it here.