Knowing how to lubricate a treadmill belt correctly can help extend the life of your treadmill. A treadmill can be an expensive investment and if not taken care of properly, it can wear out. The more you use it, the more you need to lubricate a treadmill. This article will give you some quick and easy guide you need to know on how to lubricate a treadmill belt in a few simple steps.
Why Use a Treadmill
A treadmill is a great addition to any home gym because it is suitable for any fitness level. You can use it for walking, jogging or interval training. Many people enjoy using their treadmill while watching television or other activities. Treadmills are perfect for an at-home workout when the gyms are closed.
Why You Need to Lubricate a Treadmill
You need to lubricate a treadmill because it can reduce the friction between the belt and motor and disperse heat. This can help your treadmill last longer and store better. If you do not lubricate a treadmill, the belt could break easily costing you $250 to replace.
Additionally, the friction could cause the motor to wear out prematurely, which costs $300 to replace. Other parts can also wear out if a treadmill is not lubricated, like the front and rear rollers, which cost $150 each. Finally, if a treadmill is not lubricated it has to work harder to function, using more energy and increasing your electricity bill.
So, not lubricating a treadmill could easily cost you several hundred dollars to replace damaged parts. Even if your treadmill is under warranty, you need to lubricate it to keep it in the best working condition and extend the product’s life.
Easy Guide Tips on How to Lubricate a Treadmill Belt
To apply lubricant to a treadmill, follow these steps:
Lift the walking belt.
Apply your lubricant in the middle area on both the front and back of the treadmill.
Walk on the machine after applying the lube to let it work in. Set the treadmill to a slow pace of about two miles an hour and walk on it for about four minutes to help spread the lubricant.
Check out this video for a visual guide on how to lubricate a treadmill belt.
If your belt is not easy to lift, then you may need to loosen the tensioner at the back of the treadmill. You can use a key to reduce the tension on the belt. Just make sure to tighten the belt after lubricating it, and double check that the belt is aligned after tightening.
When first learning how to lubricate a treadmill belt, make sure to avoid getting any lubricant on the deck (where you walk/run) because it can cause injuries if left slippery. If you do spill any lubricant on any exposed surfaces, clean it up as soon as you can.
Most manufacturers recommended that you lubricate a treadmill belt once every three to 12 months, but it will vary by your usage.
You can know if you need to lubricate a treadmill by feeling underneath the deck surface or walking belt for a waxy or oily feel. If you cannot feel any residue under where your feet contact the walking belt, then you need to apply more lubricant.
Even if you have never lubricated your treadmill before, it’s not too late to start. You may already have damage if you have not lubricated a treadmill, however, it’s better to start now and prevent further damage.
Can You Use Too Much Lubricant on a Treadmill Belt?
You can overlubricate a treadmill which can cause excess lube to seep out from under the belt onto the carpet, walls and anything in surrounding areas. It can also seep into the motor compartment which can be very difficult to clean because you have to open up the motor compartment to get the lube out.
How to lubricate a treadmill belt with the correct amount of lubricant will vary by your machine type and how much you use it. Sometimes it will take multiple layers to get the correct amount, but it is better to apply sparingly and add more than to accidentally put too much lube on a treadmill.
If you do accidentally put too much lubricant on a treadmill, you can use the fold deck feature, if you have it, to fold it up and allow excess lube to run down the deck. You should do this immediately after applying lube and wait for about an hour or so before unfolding and checking it again.
The best lubricant for treadmills will depend on your individual machine and what works best for its brand. Consult your owner’s manual for the recommended type of lubricant.
A few common lubricants for treadmills include:
Paraffin
Silicone
Teflon
Many manufactures recommend a 100% silicone lubricant which can last a long time without breaking down. You can find silicone in a spray and a liquid.
However, some manufacturers pre-lubricate the treadmill belt. In this case, adding a silicone spray or other substances can actually damage the treadmill. This is why you should consult your owner’s manual for which lubricant to use.
Can You Use wd40 to Lubricate a Treadmill?
You should avoid using oils or lubes not specifically for your treadmill because it can seriously damage the belt, motor or more. Do not use household oils or lubricants like WD-40, sprays or oils to lubricate a treadmill.
Conclusion
You need to lubricate a treadmill belt to keep it in best working condition and help it last longer. How to lubricate a treadmill belt includes keeping the belt area oily, applying just enough, but not too much lubricant, and using the correct type of lubricant. Aim to apply lubricant every three to 12 months. And always check your owner’s manual with instructions for applying lubricant to make sure you get the job done right for your machine.
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