Walking or running on a treadmill is one of the best ways to burn fat. However, consumers must wade through a wide variety of different brands and models of home treadmills. While many may look similar, quality can make a big difference. If a machine bounces, shakes, shifts or creaks while you are exercising, you may have to do some basic troubleshooting. Before you start looking for the source of the noise, it may help to know that most treadmill problems come from the belt or deck of the machine.
Step 1
Turn off the treadmill and unplug the cord from the wall outlet before trying to identify the problem. Wait a few minutes to allow time for all energy to discharge from the unit.
Step 2
Step on and off the deck to see if the treadmill continues to creak. If it does, the noise may be related to deck movement, or there may be grooves worn into the surface. The designs of some treadmills allow you to flip the deck when one side gets worn. Check to see if any of the brackets supporting the deck have broken.
Step 3
Pull up on the belt using your hands. Listen for squeaking when you pull the belt tight. The running belt or rollers could be dirty. The size of the rollers may be another factor. The larger the rollers, the longer the running belt will last before starting to wear. Large rollers turn more slowly and provide more grip on the belt.
Step 4
Clean between the underside of the belt and the deck with a damp sponge. Dust and dirt that build up are a common cause of problems. You may find it easier to wipe the area clean by sliding a large, soft bath towel under the running belt. Holding onto the edges of the towel, pull it toward the tail roller, then back toward the front end of the treadmill. Rotate the belt 180 degrees so that the entire belt gets cleaned underneath.
Step 5
Use a plastic scraper to clean the rollers. Dirt build-up is often responsible for noise. Avoid using sandpaper to clean the rollers as this can damage the coating that not only offers durability, but also provides smoother, quieter motion.
Step 6
Consider the amount of friction between the deck and belt that exercising on the machine causes. If you are looking for a minimum of noise, but high performance, a four-ply belt can help reduce excess friction. Not only will the belt last longer, but it also will provide more cushioning.
Step 7
Inspect the frame of the machine to see if it is constructed of heavy gauge steel. It might be that the product is not providing adequate support for the running surface, especially if you only hear creaking during more intense workouts. You don't want the deck surface to bounce or move from side to side. A heavier treadmill will give you a better exercise experience.
Tips and Warnings
- Regular weekly cleaning can also prevent the deck and belt from wearing too quickly and causing problems such as creaking. If the belt feels rough underneath, it may be time to replace it. Routinely check the condition of the running belt at least every three months for signs of wear.
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