A treadmill is a convenient way to work out in the comfort of your home. However, you will have the responsibility of caring for and maintaining your treadmill if you want to have it running well for years to come. The walking mat, or belt, withstands a lot of pounding and will require various adjustments. You may need to tighten, loosen or center the belt. Use an Allen wrench and adjust the rear roller bolts to fix any of these belt problems.
Tighten or Loosen Walking Mat
Step 1
Check the tension of the mat if it slips or slows when you walk on it. Lift the edge of the belt on one side of the deck. Depending on the make and model, the belt should raise 2 to 3 inches or 3 to 4 inches off the platform. Check your owner's manual for the proper measurements.
Step 2
Locate the adjustment bolts on the back of the deck. Turn them clockwise, 1/4 turn, if the belt is loose. Turn them counterclockwise, 1/4 turn, if the belt is tight.
Step 3
Check the tension of the belt again. Adjust the bolts a second time if needed.
Center the Mat
Step 1
Stand at the back of your treadmill and run the belt and a medium speed. Observe which side the belt shifts to.
Step 2
Check the rear adjustment bolts to see if you have a one or two-bolt adjustment system. If both bolts have recesses for your Allen wrench, you have a two-bolt adjustment system. If only one bolt accepts the Allen wrench, you have a one-bolt adjustment system.
Step 3
Turn the adjustment bolt clockwise, 1/4 turn, if the belt shifts in the direction of the bolt and you have a one-bolt adjustment system. Turn the adjustment bolt counterclockwise, 1/4 turn, if the belt shifts away from the bolt.
Step 4
Turn the right bolt 1/4 turn to the right and the left bolt 1/4 turn to the left if the belt shifts to the right and you have a two-bolt adjustment system. Turn the left bolt 1/4 turn to the right and the right bolt 1/4 turn to the left if the belt shifts to the left and you have a two-bolt adjustment system.
Step 5
Run the belt and observe it to see if it is centered. If not, adjust again.
Tips and Warnings
- Only turn the bolts 1/4 turn at a time. This reduces the likelihood that you will over adjust. Consult your owner's manual before adjusting the walking mat. Your treadmill may have slightly different adjustment steps.
- Do not over tighten your walking mat as this can damage the motor drive.
Things You'll Need
- Allen wrench or hex key
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