Treadmills without incline are subject to normal wear, as well as damages resulting from a lack of maintenance or improper adjustments. A treadmill might work fine until you step on the running belt, or controls may cycle into different settings during a workout. Sometimes a treadmill operates as it should but makes noises or emits a burning smell, making repairs essential.
Fortunately, treadmills are not difficult to repair and the owner's manual can be helpful in correcting certain problems. Whether the treadmill has an incline feature or not, repairs are done by compiling a few hand tools and employing a basic procedure.
Step 1
Unplug the treadmill power cord. Use a hex wrench to loosen the belt tension adjustment bolts. Remove one of the side covers to expose the rollers. Slide the belt off the rollers and inspect the inside of the belt for brittle spots or heavy wear patterns. These indicate the belt must be replaced. If the belt is pliable and has a consistent inner lining, it may be reinstalled.
Step 2
Use an Allen wrench to remove the bolts that secure the walking board to the frame. Inspect the surface and edges of the running board for signs of wear at the corners or along the sides. This indicates that the belt was not in proper alignment and the rollers need adjusting. Replace the running belt and refer to the owner's manual for instructions regarding alignment and roller adjustments.
Use a vacuum and compressed air to clean dust and debris around the motor, electrical wires, rollers the treadmill frame.
Step 3
Plug the power cord in and straddle the running belt. Insert the safety key and start the treadmill. Use the panel buttons to cycle through each of the settings and functions. Allow several minutes in each setting and note any noises or smells. Most often, noises are associated with a bad motor or dry roller bearings. Smells are often associated with improper roller alignment or electrical circuits. Removing the belt and walking board allows you to isolate the problem.
Step 4
Turn the treadmill off and unplug the power cord. If noises persisted during the test, detach the electrical connector for the motor and remove the mounting bolts with a hex wrench or Allen wrench. Have the motor tested by an electric motor service and repair technician.
If smells persisted during the test it might suggest a faulty electrical circuit, although this is rare when treadmills are used normally. Most smells indicate improper belt and roller alignment.
Step 5
Use a hex wrench to remove the rollers and recondition the bearings with all-purpose grease. Clean the rollers with fine steel wool and replace them into the treadmill. Clean the surface of a metal deck with fine steel wool and wipe the residue away with a clean rag. Sand a wood deck with fine sandpaper in a sanding block, clean the sanding residue and apply dry lube to the wood deck before reinstalling the belt.
Step 6
Reattach the deck and put the belt on the front and rear rollers. Put the side cover on and adjust the belt to medium tension. Plug the power cord in, straddle the belt and start the treadmill. Allow it to run for several minutes as you cycle through the features and functions. If the problem has been corrected, adjust the belt to the correct tension.
Things You'll Need
- Hex wrench
- Allen wrench
- Vacuum
- Compressed air
- All-purpose grease
- Fine steel wool
- Clean rags
- Fine sandpaper
- Sanding block
- Dry lube
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