Lubricating the running belt is one of the basic maintenance trick to increase the lifespan of the treadmill. Apart from that, this regular care will ensure the belt runs smoothly without making any noise.
However, not everyone is aware of this knowledge. If not done properly, then it will may not help with the maintenance, leading to unnecessary breakdowns and repairs.
To help you out, we have provided step-by-step instructions and guidance on how to lubricate the treadmill. Follow these instructions carefully to easily lubricate the treadmill.
Before going into the topic, let’s first know why it is important to lubricate.
Why Do Treadmills Require Lubricant?
Have you ever noticed your treadmill belt hesitating with every step? If not, you might have at least heard it making more noise than it did when the treadmill was new? If you experienced any of those, then they are signs that your treadmill needs lubrication.
To help you understand much better, we gave you a few reasons why you need to oil your treadmill:
- As mentioned earlier, oiling your treadmill belt reduces the friction between the belt and the motor. Making this a part of your gym maintenance routine will significantly extend the track life of the machine.
- Lubricating the treadmill prevents the belt from premature wear and tear and becomes brittle when not in use. It prepares the machine for storage so that it will not break when restarted.
- Preventing a breakdown is always better than an expensive repair or buying a new belt altogether.
Now that you know why it is essential to lubricate your treadmill, let us proceed further with our discussion and talk about the lubricants.
Choosing the right kind of lubricant for your treadmill is crucial to ensure the smooth movement of the machine. All treadmills come with a lubricant included in them during purchase. No doubt this is the recommended lubricant to use. However, you can also refer to the user manual to know what other lubricants the manufacturer recommends for use. Let us move on to our next segment of how often you need to oil your treadmill belt. The answer to this question is entirely dependent on the usage of your treadmill. If you use it more extensively, the more you need to lubricate it. As simple as it can be. A treadmill belt can become brittle and wear down when not oiled as required. If you are someone who uses your machine regularly, we recommend lubricating it every three months. On average, oiling it after every 180 hours of running can be the ideal thing. What about those who do not use the treadmill often? Yes, we would answer that as well. For those who do not use the device for extended periods, lubricating it every six months might be a good target to aim for. If you are using the treadmill more intensely, then you are more likely to add greater friction to all the moving parts. Hence, do not wait for the squeaky noises to come out of your device. Instead, lubricate the belt more frequently to ensure smooth and uninterrupted running. Lubricate your treadmill is not a difficult process, although some may find it a nightmare. Do not worry! We are here to help you. We will provide a step-by-step guide that has all the information you will need for lubricating. Most manufacturers provide a user manual containing all the instructions to follow when using the machine. However, these instructions vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Hence, the best practice is to follow the guidelines as mentioned in the manual. If your machine does not come with any instructions included, or if you lost the guidelines manual, fret not. Follow these easy steps: This is all you need: Instructions: The very first step in the lubricating process is to turn off the treadmill and unplug it. Remember, safety comes first! After unplugging, let us proceed with the rest of the steps. Take the towels or rags, whatever is available, and lay them down along the edges of the treadmill. When applying lubricant, there are chances that it may likely drip down through the ends of the machine. Hence, put the rags or towels underneath the treadmill to be on the safest side. Also, make sure you have a few more in handy to wipe off any excess fluid from the device. The next step in the process is to loosen the screws on both sides of the machine for applying the lubricant and also to get underneath the treadmill belt. Use an appropriate screwdriver to finish this task, and make sure it is handy. When working on this, you will be aware when it is loose, and when you lift the belt, you should be able to see the other side easily. Lift the belt slightly and start spraying the silicone lubricant gel underneath it. When spraying, make sure the fluid does not leak to the belt. If it does, wipe it off immediately with a towel or a rag that you have. Else, it will make the belt slippery, which could be dangerous. Also, wipe off the spray that may get on either side of the machine when applying. To ensure proper and complete lubrication on both sides of the belt, mark the sections. Apply the thin layer of gel on the belt and also the deck to ensure proper coating. Marking the sections helps prevent the re-application of the lubricant. This will further prevent having a slippery treadmill. After application, it is time to remove any excess lubricant on the belt and the sides of the machine. On a whole, your machine requires about 1-1.5 ounces of silicone lubricant gel for getting your treadmill back to optimal condition. In case, if you used more than the required amount, make sure you mop up the extra gel before turning the machine on. Ensure you cleaned the upper surface of the belt and the sides, as well so that you do not slip when using it. After cleaning the excess lubricant, you should now reassemble the machine. Reattach the mat and tighten the screws on both sides of the treadmill. Now, plug in the machine and turn it on at a slow speed to ensure that the device is working correctly. Run the treadmill for about five to six minutes to ensure even distribution of the lubricant in the inner surface of the belt. Running the machine faster than three miles per hour speed might cause the lubricant to spray from the inside. Hence, maintain sufficient speed as required. You can even get on the treadmill to walk on it and see how the device handles. Turn off the machine again, unplug it and wipe off any excess fluid on either side of the belt. What most treadmill manufacturers suggest is that making a lubrication schedule. It is necessary to oil your machine once every quarter or, depending on your usage. Lubrication is not suggestible for all treadmill belts because some models come with a high-performance lubricant coating. In such a case, there will be an icon pasted on the model, warning not to apply any silicone spray or other substance to the belt. If done, it could deteriorate the machine and may lead to excessive wear. Be it a brand-new treadmill or a used one, you should lubricate its belt, and it is a mandate. What most manufacturers recommend is to apply oil to the machine even before you start using it. Though some treadmills get lubricated after they come out of the factory, they may have to sit in the warehouses for a couple of months before they arrive at the final customer. During this time, the lubrication can break down and become sticky. This may degrade the performance of the treadmill. You will know if you applied excess oil to the treadmill belt, as it will start dripping from the sides of the strip. Make sure you clean the excess fluid on the floor immediately to avoid stains and further slipping. Yes. When you do not lubricate a treadmill as required, it will cause premature wear and tear to the machine due to the increased friction. The treadmill components like the belt, motor, deck, and others will get damaged. Besides that, the device may also consume high electricity. The belt is the significant component of the treadmill. Ensure it is always tight. However, it may get loose over time, and hence you need to be careful when using the machine. Here are some situations that will determine the firmness of the belt and helps you adjust it accordingly. If you want to enhance the overall performance of your treadmill, make sure you lubricate it often. I hope this article serves as a complete guide on how and when to oil your machine.What Kind Of Lubricant Should You Use?
How Often Should You Lubricate The Treadmill Belt?
Step-by-Step Guide For Lubricating The Treadmill
1. Unplug your treadmill
2. Lay Down Towels
3. Loosen the Screws
4. Spray the Lubricant
5. Move the Belt
6. Remove Excess Lubricant
7. Tighten the Screws
8. Run the Treadmill
9. Schedule Lubrication
Frequently Asked Questions
*Check the treadmill after every 20 hours of use to see if the belt and bolts of the belt are intact.
*Tighten the belt after a period of regular use.
*Whenever you hear any squeaky sounds from your device or if you notice any abnormal operation that disrupts the
smooth running of the machine or when the motor gets overheated.
*If you can lift the running board by more than 1-2 inches on either side, that is a sign to tighten the belt immediately.Conclusion
Has it been very long since you lubricated your treadmill? What are you waiting for! Try the process and let us know if it was indeed helpful to you. You can write to us in the comments section below and let us know your experience.
If you need more information on lubricants or treadmills, kindly let us know that, as well. We will come up with a new article that covers all necessary details concerning all the doubts and queries you have on the same.
