Treadmill Maintenance

A home treadmill is a big investment, and it pays to do the simple maintenance to keep it running well for years to come. Just like your vehicle, it is important to perform maintenance on a regular basis. IF YOU ARE NOT COMFORTABLE PERFORMING THESE TASKS, PLEASE CONTACT OUR SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO ARRANGE FOR ONE OF OUR QUALIFIED TECHNICIANS TO COME TO YOUR HOME, AND TO INQUIRE ABOUT CURRENT PRICING. (WINNIPEG AREA ONLY)

    CLEANING

    Always ensure that you keep your treadmill free of dust and debris.  Debris under the walking belt can cause premature wear and possibly even tearing.  Never wear outdoor shoes on your treadmill.  Small rocks and debris from outdoor footwear will inevitably find it's way under the belt and causes irreparable damage. 

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    Dust, hair, etc. will have a tendency to collect under the motor hood.  There are computer components under the hood that can be damaged/destroyed by excessive heat, resulting from an accumulation of dust or debris. It is advisable to unplug the machine, remove the hood from time to time and carefully remove the dust with a vacuum or air compressor. Ensure that you do not touch or disturb the electrical components. Removal of the motor hood will generally require the removal/loosening of a few screws.  Consult your owners manual for specific instructions.

    LEVELING THE TREADMILL

    Most Treadmills have adjustable rear leveling feet. Make sure that the running surface is level. If the treadmill is placed on a uneven surface, adjusting the rear feet can help, but may not completely compensate for extremely uneven surfaces. Treadmills that are not level can cause misalignment of the belt, uneven belt wear, and possible injuries for the user.

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    TENSIONING THE RUNNING BELT

    If there is a slipping or jerking sensation when running on the treadmill, the running belt may require tightening. In most cases the belt has stretched from use.

    1. Locate the belt adjustment bolts in the rear end caps of the treadmill.
    2. Using the appropriate size Allen wrench or socket turn BOTH adjustment bolts clockwise ¼ turn.
    3. Turn the treadmill on and start the belt and check if the slipping continues.
    4. Repeat the above steps if additional adjustment is necessary. 

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    RUNNING BELT ALIGNMENT

    Proper belt alignment allows the belt to remain centered and ensures smooth operation. Realigning the belt takes a few simple adjustments.

    Belt Runs to the Right Side:
    1. Locate the belt adjustment bolts in the rear end caps of the treadmill. (To determine left and right, stand at the rear of the treadmill and face the display).
    2. Using the appropriate size Allen wrench or socket turn the RIGHT adjustment bolt clockwise ¼ turn.
    3. Turn the treadmill on and start the belt at 3mph keeping off the unit.
    4. Allow 2 minutes for the belt to adjust itself.
    5. Repeat the above steps if additional adjustment is necessary.

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    Belt Runs to the Left Side:
    1. Locate the belt adjustment bolts in the rear end caps of the treadmill. (To determine left and right, stand at the rear of the treadmill and face the display).
    2. Using the appropriate size Allen wrench or socket turn the LEFT adjustment bolt clockwise ¼ turn. Turn the treadmill on and start the belt at 3mph keeping off the unit.
    3. Allow 2 minutes for the belt to adjust itself.
    4. Repeat the above steps if additional adjustment is necessary 

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    TREADMILL LUBRICATION

    PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTABLE VERSION OF THE TREADMILL LUBRICATION INSTRUCTIONS.

    Not all treadmills require lubrication.  Be sure to consult your owners manual for specific instructions. Lubricating a treadmill that is not designed for it can affect the warranty.

    LUBRICATION BY FREQUENCY OF USE:
    Use this guide to schedule your treadmill lubrication:
    WALKING
    1 - 5 hours per week… Minimum every 12 Months
    6 - 10 hours per week … Minimum every 6 Months
    RUNNING
    1 - 5 hours per week… Minimum every 6 Months
    6 - 10 hours per week… Minimum every 4 Months
    10+ hours per week … Minimum every 3 Months

    PROCEDURE:

    SILICONE LUBRICANT PROCEDURE: Most brands of treadmills suggest a silicone lubricant.  Be sure to consult your manual to ensure you are using the correct type of lubricant for your treadmill.  (See below for wax procedure.)

    1. Make sure the deck and underside of the walk belt are clean and free from foreign matter.
    2. Apply the silicone to the foam surface of the applicator wand
    3. Lift edge of the running belt to expose the deck surface and insert the applicator wand foam side down between the belt and deck.
    4. Generously apply the silicone lubricant to the deck surface from front to back using a back and forth motion. Repeat from the other side.  ONLY APPLY THE SILICONE TO THE HALF OF THE DECK THAT IS CLOSEST TO THE MOTOR.  If you apply lubricant to the back half of the deck you will run the risk of lubricant getting onto the rear roller, which can cause belt slippage.

    CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR LUBRICATION PRODUCTS

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    WAX LUBRICANT PROCEDURE: Certain brands of treadmills suggest a wax lubricant.  Be sure to consult your manual to ensure you are using the correct type of lubricant for your treadmill.

    1. Walk on the treadmill for at least 5 minutes before proceeding. This will warm up the treadmill deck and belt so that the wax will melt.
    2. Unplug the treadmill.
    3. Be sure that the deck and belt are clean and free of any foreign matter
    4. Lift the edge of the treadmill belt and apply the wax to the deck. ONLY APPLY THE WAX TO THE HALF OF THE DECK THAT IS CLOSEST TO THE MOTOR.  If you apply lubricant to the back half of the deck you will run the risk of lubricant getting onto the rear roller, which can cause belt slippage.
    5. Plug the treadmill back in and use your treadmill immediately after applying the wax. This will help to spread the wax to the necessary areas. Set the treadmill at a low speed and make an effort to walk on all parts of the belt.

    CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR LUBRICATION PRODUCTS

    PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTABLE VERSION OF THE TREADMILL LUBRICATION INSTRUCTIONS.

    OTHER PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

    • Always stand with your feet OFF of the running belt while starting the treadmill in order to save unnecessary wear and tear on the motor.
    • Record time, distance and hours from the console.
    • Check error log in console.
    • Move treadmill and vacuum underneath.
    • Lubricate elevation pivot points including rear stabilizing feet and the lift motor screw.
    • Inspect all fasteners.
    • Inspect all electrical connections. 
    • Inspect all components for abnormal or premature wear.