How to Repair Treadmill Belt Problems
The average life for a treadmill walking belt that is used every day is about two to three years. However, if you train more intensely on your treadmill, you may need to repair or replace the walking belt more often. It's always a good idea to refer to your user manual for instructions on how to repair or replace the walking belt on any particular model, but there are some standard things that you can perform as well.
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Things You'll Need
- Screw drivers (Phillips and flathead) or Allen wrench
- Treadmill lubricant
- Metal straight edge
- Razor knife
- Rags
- New walking belt
Instructions
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Repairing Your Treadmill Walking Belt
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Lubricate the walking belt if you are experiencing friction. Unscrew the bolts and screws on the sides of the rollers to loosen them. Remove the front roller, then the rear roller. Remove the screws that hold the deck (the platform underneath the walking belt) in place. Lift the deck and the walking belt out at the same time. Lubricate the walking belt with a lubricant suggested by your manufacturer.
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2
Trim the edge of a tattered walking belt. Remove the walking belt. Lay the walking belt flat on the ground. Measure and mark the walking belt so you can trim it evenly on each side. Use a metal straight edge as a guide. Use a razor knife to cut along the edges, being careful to cut only what is necessary. Check to make sure the edges are smooth before replacing the walking belt.
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3
Adjust the tension of the walking belt by loosening or tightening the adjustment screws on the rear of the deck. To loosen, turn the bolts equally in a counter-clockwise direction. To tighten, turn them clockwise.
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Center the walking belt. To move the walking belt to the left, turn the left adjustment screw at the rear of the deck counter-clockwise until it is centered. To move it to the right, turn the screw clockwise.
Replacing Your Treadmill Walking Belt
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Assess the condition of the treadmill deck. If the deck appears worn or has grooves in it, you may need to replace both the deck and the walking belt.
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Replace the walking belt if it is worn and the edges turn upwards. Unplug the power cord and remove the cover over the motor.
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Loosen the screws or bolts that adjust the walking belt tension. These are usually found on the back of the treadmill on either side. Push the back roller toward the deck. Loosen the front roller and remove it by lifting the treadmill at an angle. If your treadmill has an incline function, plug in the treadmill, turn on the power and set the treadmill to an incline position.
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Remove the rear roller. Find the bolts or screws that hold the deck in place and remove them. Lift the deck and the walking belt out at the same time. If you wish to wax or lubricate the deck, this is your opportunity to do so.
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Slide the new walking belt over the deck in the proper position. Place the new walking belt and deck onto the treadmill at the same time. Insert all of the screws or bolts into their proper positions before tightening them. Install the rollers before fastening the deck to the frame to make it easier to replace.
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Pull the new walking belt toward the back of the treadmill and put the rear roller through it. Insert the adjusting screws in the roller, but don't tighten them. Put the front roller inside the new walking belt. Place the drive motor belt (the small belt inside the motor housing that turns the front roller) over the drive gear before you tighten the roller. Tighten the front roller, then the rear roller with the adjusting screws. Tighten the screws on each side equally until the new walking belt sits snugly against the deck.
Testing the Belt
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Turn on the treadmill and try walking slowly on it while holding onto the side rails. If the new walking belt doesn't move smoothly, or gets stuck, you'll need to make adjustments.
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Turn treadmill off and get off of it. Adjust the screws by one full turn. Turn it back on and try walking slowly on it again. Repeat trial runs and screw adjustments until the belt rolls smoothly.
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Increase the speed of the motor to a fast walk on the treadmill. Try walking while applying a downward pressure. If the new walking belt sticks, readjust the screws. Continue this trial until you are happy with the way the belt moves over the rollers.
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Tips & Warnings
If you have any concerns about the safety of your installation, consult a certified treadmill technician. Check your manual for a customer service telephone number or visit the manufacturer's website to find a local contact.
