Treadmills are made with dozens of components, many of which can cause the machine to malfunction. Internal components, such as the motor, rollers and deck, could be the cause for ticking noises when the treadmill is in use. Often, the cause is an easy fix but you should leave more complicated issues that arise to treadmill service professionals.
Identification
Investigate any abnormal sounds coming from your treadmill during use, immediately. The belt, frame or rollers, and not the motor likely casue a ticking noise that becomes more prominent when walking or running on the treadmill. Walking around the treadmill while it is on helps localize the sound's origin. A ticking noise that coincides with the increasing and decreasing of speed could indicate the noise is emanating from the rollers.
Motor
In the rare instance that the motor is making the ticking noise, it is best to contact your treadmill's manufacturer and have it fix the motor. A motor is a complex piece of machinery that requires expertise and specialized parts to repair. Check your warranty to see if your motor is still covered. Many high-end treadmills come with a lifetime motor warranty. If your motor is no longer under warranty, call a list of treadmill service professionals and get repair estimates so that you don't overpay.
Rollers
Overly tight bearings in a roller are common causes for ticking noises. To test if the rollers are in fact causing the ticking noise, carefully touch a long screwdriver to a non-moving roller part while the treadmill is running. If the ticking is amplified by the screwdriver, the roller is the cause. If the ticking comes from the rear roller, slightly loosen the rear roller. If the noise is coming from the front, slightly loosen the front roller. Turn off and unplug your treadmill before loosening the bearing.
Drive Belt
The drive belt transmits the power from the motor to the rollers, causing them to rotate and engage the running belt. The drive belt could be misaligned and cause a ticking noise. If the noise disappears after you remove the drive belt and walk on the disabled treadmill, the drive belt is the cause. Remounting the drive belt properly and ensuring it is correctly fitted to its bearings should fix the problem.
Fan & Springs
Other possible components that can cause ticking noises in a treadmill include the cooling fan on the motor and the torsion springs on the frame's uprights. A cooling fan can make a ticking noise when it rotates. Dust and dirt are sometimes the culprits for the noise as they can cause the fan's blades to knock against an object. The cooling fans on most treadmills are easy to remove and clean, which should eliminate the noise.
Torsion springs can dislodge from their position from the impact of walking or running. Fit all the springs securely to prevent them from wandering or popping out.
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