Most treadmill belts are made of synthetic materials like rubber and/or nylon. These belts are placed over a treadmill platform and fixed in place with tension-applying pulleys at either end of the platform. These pulleys are responsible for both holding the treadmill belt in place and turning it at high revolutions to create a running surface allowing you to reach speeds in excess of 10 miles per hour. But the treadmill belt also requires routine maintenance to avoid accident or injury. One of the most common problems with these belts is slippage from the track.
Belt Stretching
Most treadmills come with belts that have already been installed and adjusted to the proper tension level. But these belts, and any new ones you install later on in the treadmill's life, can stretch and loosen over time as the synthetic materials used to make them are elastic. This looseness can cause the belt to buckle, or create enough space that the belt can slip off over the lip of one of the pulleys. Other times, it may simply make it more difficult for the pulleys to turn the belt effectively, as the loss of tension can cause the pulleys to slip while moving. Because of this, the belt should be checked periodically over time to ensure it is properly fit onto the treadmill. You should pay particular attention to the belt in the miles shortly after replacing an old belt with a new one.
Improper Tightening
The treadmill's belt pulleys must be set properly. Although this is often done with new treadmills, many treadmills that require set-up at home need to be screwed to the proper tension setting. When placed onto the platform, a treadmill belt should be tight enough that when pulled up in the center of the platform, the belt can only be raised two or three inches. Pulleys are tightened using a flathead screwdriver; you can tighten or loosen as needed by turning the tension screws in quarter-turn increments, frequently checking the treadmill's tightness.
Poor Lubrication
Most treadmill belts use lubrication on the underside of the belt to reduce friction between the belt and the platform. This helps the treadmill glide along at fast rotations, protecting the belt from breaking and the treadmill from further damage. If your belt is lacking in lubrication, it can catch on the treadmill platform or buckle, causing the belt to slip off the pulleys and damage both the belt itself and other moving parts on the treadmill. Apply lubrication every few months to the underside of the belt to prevent this from occurring.
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