Home treadmills provide a versatile and effective workout without the inconvenience or expense of a gym membership. Over time, normal wear and tear can cause your treadmill belt to stretch or loosen, increasing the risk of trips or falls. A treadmill that's slightly out-of-level may even allow the belt to slip to one side, making walking or running more difficult. Adjust your treadmill belt to remedy these types of problems and maximize safety and performance.
Adjust the Tension
Step 1
Stand on the floor near the middle of the treadmill belt. Slip your fingers under the center of the belt, with one hand on either side, and lift the belt straight up off the deck below. If you can lift the belt more than 3 inches, the belt is too loose. If you can lift the belt fewer than 2 inches, the belt is too tight.
Step 2
Sit or kneel on the floor behind the treadmill. Inspect the base of the unit and find the two adjustment bolts located on either side of the belt.
Step 3
Insert an Allen wrench into one of these bolts and test the fit. Try a few different wrench sizes until you find one that fits.
Step 4
Turn the left adjustment bolt one-half turn counterclockwise to loosen the belt. Switch to the right adjustment bolt and turn it one-half turn counterclockwise as well. Keep turning each bolt in 1/2-turn increments until you are able to lift the belt 2 to 3 inches off the top of the treadmill. This indicates that the tension level is correctly set.
Step 5
Rotate the left adjustment bolt clockwise one-half turn to tighten the belt. Switch to the right bolt and turn it one-half turn clockwise. Repeat this process in 1/2-turn increments until you've found the correct level of belt tension.
Re-center the Belt
Step 1
Inspect the base of the treadmill and confirm that it's level. Look for gaps between the floor and base, or a corner of the treadmill that rocks up and down as you use it. Move the treadmill onto a level floor area, or use wooden shims to ensure the unit is completely level before attempting to center the belt.
Step 2
Turn the left adjustment bolt at the base of the treadmill 1/4-turn counterclockwise to move the belt to the left. Turn this bolt 1/4-turn clockwise to move the belt to the right.
Step 3
Keep adjusting the left bolt 1/4-turn at a time until the belt is completely centered over the deck. You may need to readjust the belt tension once the belt is centered.
Tips and Warnings
- If you tighten the belt as far as it can go and it's still too loose, contact the manufacturer about obtaining a replacement belt. If turning the adjustment bolts still doesn't center the belt, consult your owner's manual for instructions on disassembling the treadmill deck. Once you've disassembled the unit, reach under the deck and realign the belt into the grooved area.
- Never work on your treadmill when it's plugged in. Unplug the unit to prevent it from accidentally turning on and injuring you.
Things You'll Need
- Allen wrench
- Screwdriver
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