(This article contains affiliate links to the 100% Silicone Oil that I use when servicing residential treadmills)
Your treadmill, just like your car, is a mechanical device with bearings, motors, and belts. Just like your car, your treadmill requires regular maintenance to keep running properly and prevent a more extensive repair bill or replacement down the road.
One of the questions that I always ask my customers is: “When was the last time that you lubed your treadbelt and deck?” It amazes me how often the answer is: “We’ve never lubed it.” Or, they may say that it’s been years.
Dirt and the lack of proper lubrication between the belt and deck cause friction. This friction not only shortens the life of the belt and deck, it also puts a strain on the roller bearings, the drive motor and the motor control board. That, and improper treadmill tread belt adjustment, are the primary causes of premature failure of the five most-replaced items on a treadmill, which account for the majority of treadmill service calls.
The six most replaced items are the treadbelt ($100-$200 range). The deck (in the $150-$300 range). The motor controller or motor control board ($200-$300 range). The treadmill drive motor (ranging from $150 to $650) and the treadmill rollers (ranging from $100 to $250 each). All of these items are significantly affected by improper cleaning, lubrication, and adjustment of the tread belt.
Refer to your treadmill’s owner’s manual for proper cleaning, lubrication, and adjustment procedures. You can also have your local treadmill service schedule regular maintenance for you.
I recommend lubricating your treadbelt and deck every three months for moderate to heavy use, and every six months for light use. This can significantly extend the life of your treadmill.
If you do not adequately maintain your treadmill in this way, you can expect a service call requiring the replacement of one or more of these items sooner than you would have liked. Often, I need to replace several of these items all on the same call.
Just like part of the cost of an automobile is proper maintenance, treadmills are similar. The cost of not maintaining either is eventually much higher, either due to the need for significant repairs or replacement.
Here are some tips to extend the life of your treadmill:
1.) Lube the deck with 100% Silicone Oil at regular intervals. Do not use products like WD-40 or 3-IN-ONE oil, as these can damage your deck and tread belt. Friction is the number one cause of premature treadmill breakdowns (Never lubricate the drive belt).
2.) Either unplug the treadmill from the wall when not in use or turn off the main power switch at the base of the unit if one is present. Power surges, caused by events like lightning, can damage your treadmill.
3.) Stand on the side rails while starting the treadmill until you have reached at least walking speed (2-3 mph). Trying to get the drive motor to move your weight from a standstill puts a lot of stress on the drive motor. This is particularly important with lower-end treadmills.
4.) Wipe down your treadmill after use and keep it free from dirt and perspiration. Perspiration can cause the metal components on your treadmill to rust. Dirt getting under the belt can cause premature wear and damage to the treadbelt and deck.
5.) Do not use shoes that are used outdoors to run or walk on your treadmill. Impregnated sand and dirt can cause premature wear and damage to your belt and deck.
6.) Unplug your treadmill, remove the motor cover, and vacuum out any dirt or dust as part of annual maintenance. Be careful around the electronics to avoid bumping or causing damage to the lower control board. Built-up dirt and dust can cause motors and electronics to overheat, leading to premature failure.
7.) Do not keep your treadmill in damp areas or places where it may get wet, such as outside or in a moist basement. If your basement has the potential for flooding, keep in mind that just a few inches of water can render the treadmill beyond practical repair.
8.) Make sure that the treadmill is level side to side. Treadmills placed on an unlevel surface can cause the walking belt to become misaligned and potentially damage the belt.
9.) Do not use a long extension cord to plug in your treadmill. If you cannot be reasonably close to an outlet, it is wise to have an electrician install an outlet near your treadmill. If an extension cord must be used, use one that is as short as possible and ensure it has at least a 12-gauge wire. Light-duty lamp extension cords can overheat and, in addition, may not be able to provide the amps that your treadmill needs to run correctly.
10.) Make sure that your treadmill is plugged into a dedicated 20-amp circuit. This is recommended and even needed for some treadmills.
11.) Do not over-tighten the treadbelt. This can put stress on your roller bearings as well as stretch out your belt. There may be some guidelines for belt tensioning in your owner’s manual. As a general rule, with the treadmill off, you should be able to deflect the belt two inches by inserting your hands, palms up, under both sides of the belt, so that all four fingers are under the belt, about midway between the front and rear of the treadmill, and lifting firmly.
It is advisable to have your treadmill serviced at least once a year, starting from the second year.
An basic service call should include:
A.) Treadbelt lubrication and adjustment
B.) DC Amp draw test to determine if the treadbelt and/or deck need to be replaced to prevent damage to the electronic components.
C.) Inspection of all belts and bearings.
D.) Treadmill speed and incline calibration
E.) Vacuuming and cleaning the motor compartment.
