Clients judge a reformer by how the carriage moves. A smooth, quiet glide feels controlled and safe. A carriage that grinds, sticks or knocks distracts from the exercise, and it is often the first sign that something needs attention. Most of the causes are simple: dirt, damage and wear in the wheels, bearings and rails.
This article explains how a reformer carriage works, what causes a rough ride, and how to keep it running smoothly.
How the carriage moves
On most reformers the carriage runs on a set of wheels that roll along a pair of rails. Each wheel turns on a bearing. Springs pull the carriage back towards the footbar, and the client pushes it away. In a busy studio the carriage is in motion for most of every class, all day.
As an example, the Round Fit Studio Pro Reformer runs on eight polyurethane wheels on anodised aluminium rails. Polyurethane is quiet and kind to the rail surface. Anodising gives aluminium a hard, protective surface layer.
Because the wheels and bearings do so much work, small amounts of dirt or damage soon become noticeable.
Why dirt is the main enemy
The bearing manufacturer SKF identifies contamination as a leading cause of bearing failure. In its failure analysis of electric motors, around 15% of bearing failures are directly attributed to contamination, and SKF suggests the true share may be higher, because some contamination damage is recorded as a lubrication problem.
The mechanism applies to any rolling bearing. Solid particles make small dents in the bearing’s raceway. These dents become sites where fatigue cracks start, and the metal eventually flakes away. Water and other liquids are also harmful. They can corrode the raceways and break down the lubricant, which leads to metal-to-metal contact.
In a studio, the main contaminants are:
- dust, grit and hair, carried in on shoes and clothing or shed by mats and props;
- sweat, which drips onto rails and frames;
- cleaning liquids, especially when sprayed directly onto the rails or wheels.
Signs that the carriage needs attention
Listen and feel as you push the carriage through its full travel. Look out for:
- a grinding, crunching or rumbling sound;
- a regular knock or bump once per wheel turn, which can point to a flat spot or debris stuck to the wheel;
- a carriage that sticks, drifts or pulls to one side;
- side-to-side play or rattling;
- visible marks, grooves or build-up on the rails;
- wheels that are cracked, chipped or worn unevenly.
If the carriage does not move smoothly, take the reformer out of use until the cause is found.
Daily and weekly care
Daily: keep the rails clean. Wipe the rails along their length with a dry or barely damp microfibre cloth at the end of the day. Remove hair, dust and any residue. Do not spray cleaner directly onto the rails or wheels, and dry the rails afterwards.
Daily: keep the floor clean. Vacuum or sweep under and around reformers. Dust on the floor is soon on the rails.
Weekly: inspect wheels and rails. With the carriage moved to each end in turn, look at the wheels and the rail surfaces. Clean any build-up from the wheel surfaces with a dry cloth. Check for flat spots, cracks and embedded grit.
Weekly: check play and fixings. Gently rock the carriage from side to side. Note any new movement. Check that fixings holding the wheels and rails are tight, using the method given in the manufacturer’s instructions.
Things not to do
- Do not oil or grease the rails unless the manufacturer tells you to. Lubricant on a rail collects dust and turns it into an abrasive paste.
- Do not soak the carriage. Liquid running into bearings can corrode them and wash out lubricant.
- Do not lift or drag the reformer by the carriage. This can load the wheels and rails in ways they were not designed for.
- Do not attempt to replace bearings yourself unless your supplier has given instructions and the right parts.
Floors and setup
A level floor matters. The Wood Handbook from the US Forest Products Laboratory explains that timber gains and loses moisture with the surrounding air and changes size as it does so. A reformer frame on an uneven or very damp floor can be stressed or twisted, and the carriage will not run true. Make sure the reformer stands level and stable on all its feet, and keep it away from radiators, open doors and direct sun.
Keeping records
The UK Health and Safety Executive’s guidance on inspecting work equipment under PUWER recommends risk-based inspection, with records kept at least until the next inspection. Note any carriage problems and what was done. If the same reformer keeps developing the same fault, ask your supplier to look at it.
Built to run smoothly
Every Round Fit reformer is tested before it leaves the workshop, and the frame carries a five-year warranty. We make frames in solid hardwood, beech as standard or any species on request, finished in matt lacquer. When you order, ask us for the care instructions for the carriage, wheels and rails, so your team has them from the first day.
Configure a reformer, explore the Pilates collection, or discuss your project with us.
