I have bowflex treadclimber tc5000, trouble is that when in use for climbing the right treadle moves off to the far right hitting side post on the way down. But it lines itself back up on the way up. I don't use it often now because I do not want to further damage it! PLEASE HELP!

This is a common issue caused by a frequent assembly problem, made worse by the tools sent along with the TC for
assembly. To fix it, you need the following:

1. A GOOD 5/8" wrench (not the piece of junk that came with the TC).
2. A Phillips screwdriver at least 3" long.
3. Two books at least 1" thick.
4. One book about 3/8": thick, or two magazines
5. A vacuum cleaner with a hose.
6. The Treadclimber Manual. If you don't have it, get it online at the company's web-site.

Lock the treadles (see manual) such that the TC is just a treadmill.

Turn off the TC, unplug it, and remove the power cord.

Leaning the TC first left, then right, put the 1" books about 2/3 of the way towards the back under each side. This will left the rear of the machine slightly off the ground, making the following steps much easier.

Now use the Phillips screwdriver to remove three screws on each of the two rear-most plastic covers at the base of the machine. Remove the covers. Put the screws in the covers so you don't lose them. Note that the top screw is recessed deeply into a hole in the cover!

Removing the side covers has exposed 4 more Phillips screws that hold the back plastic cover in place. Remove them, and the cover will slip off (thanks to those two big books).

Everything is dusty dirty. Use the vacuum cleaner to clean it up. You'll thank me later when you don't sneeze your brains out.

Now, behind where the back plastic cover was, and across the back of the machine, are four big bolt-heads. These are the bolts that hold the tread assembly to the base of the machine. They're probably loose. If they're not loose already, use that wrench to loosen them a bit. Either way, things are out of whack.

Go around to the front of the machine. Use the small book or the magazines to wedge the right treadle away from the upright such that the treadles are evenly spaced between the two. Don't over-do it and reverse the problem! (This is a lot easier than yelling at your spouse or significant other to "hold it, hold it" while you complete the next step.) What you want is the two treadles nicely spaced between the front uprights. Trust me, the right treadle will hold that spacer.

Go back to the rear of the machine. Using the 5/8" wrench, tighten the four bolds VERY tight. Use some muscle. The fact that they were loose was the cause of the issue.

Now go to the front. Pull out the book/magazines that you were using as a spacer between the right treadle and the upright. Do the treadles look like they're now evenly spaced between the uprights? If so, pat yourself on the back. If not, then loosen the bolts and try again, adjusting the thickness of the front "spacer" as needed.

Put the rear cover back on. Don't over-do the tightness of the screws on this (or the other) cover(s)!

Put the left and right covers back on. Take care with these, they're a bit delicate, especially the top screws. If the little rubber posts fall out of the top screws, finesse them back in.

Don't forget to re-calibrate the machine (per that manual) after you finish.

You'll now discover in most cases that a lot of issues with uneven action are now cured. Any rub marks on the right upright can be removed with the same silicone spray that is recommended for the belts.

Enjoy.