Treadmills are in-home exercise equipment units that require a relatively low amount of maintenance to keep them in top working condition. The most important part of a treadmill is its belt, which many times requires lubrication and can be damaged by perspiration or dust. If you use your treadmill consistently, you will probably have to replace the belt at least once while you own it, depending on how long your exercise routines are and at what speed you run the treadmill, but if you don't take care of the belt, you will probably have to buy several over the unit's lifetime.
Step 1
Turn off the treadmill and unplug it from the wall before you do any maintenance.
Step 2
Dust the treadmill and its surrounding area frequently. Remove any dust on the treadmill or at its edge---dust can get stuck underneath the belt, mix with the oil and cause it to wear out faster. Vacuum underneath and around the unit.
Step 3
Wipe up perspiration after every use, using a towel or rag. Your sweat has corrosive properties that can cause slick surfaces and break down the treadmill oil that lubricates the belt.
Step 4
Check the tension on the treadmill belt periodically, and loosen or tighten it as necessary. To do this, you will probably have to remove the flywheel cover using a wrench and adjust the tension screws on the rollers or pulleys moving the belt. Adjust the belt so that you can pull it up from the platform to create 2 to 3 inches of space.
Step 5
Lubricate the belt. Do this while you have the flywheel cover off to adjust the belt tension. Place treadmill oil either directly underneath the belt or on the mechanism moving it, such as the rollers, pulleys and ball bearings. Check your owner's manual for the recommended lubrication points.
Things You'll Need
- Vacuum
- Towel or rag
- Screwdriver
- Wrench
- Oil
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