Preventive Maintenance on 4 Wheel s

[Guest guest]

I have a Nova 4 wheel walker, the Cruiser Deluxe Super model,

purchased in September 1998. The other day the hand brake

cable broke on the right side where it attaches to the spring

loaded brake (on the wheel end of the cable). I was very fortunate

that I was at home and not out someplace that had downhill inclines.

I was also glad I wasn't going down our ramp in the garage at the

time -- I would probably have taken a spill. When I examined the

other hand brake I saw that the cable was so badly frayed that only

one strand of wire was saving me from having no brakes at all.

That shook me up badly. I can't function without my walker and I use

the hand brakes all the time. My husband was able to make temporary

repairs to the cables but I shudder to think what I'd do if it happened to

me away from home with no tools and/or no one around who was able

to do the repairs.

I wanted to let you know about this because others of you who have

similar braking systems on your 4 wheel walkers should examine the

cables (at the attachment points) on a regular basis, to have plenty of

time to order new ones when they start to show signs of wear.

I found the Nova Ortho-Med Website and sent them e-mail explaining

what happened and asking where I could get replacement cables. The

next day I got a reply saying they would send me new cables along with

their most up to date braking system if I would give them my address.

How about that? I think they must have had a lot of customer complaints

about the brakes on this model of walker.

Lyndal

[Guest guest]

Lyndal:

I have had my 4 wheeled walker for over 2 years now. They are almost

like a car to maintain. I had my brakes replaced, and I also have

snapped the cable on a couple of occasions. I am almost ready for new

tires, no kidding! Fortunalty I bought it at a local medical supply

store, and when I have a problem, they give a loaner to use while it is

being repaired. I use mine 95% of the time.

Rita