If your treadmill is getting enough usage, the odds are you will have to change the treadmill belt.
No worries, this is not a bad thing. It means you use your exercise equipment, and knowing how to change your treadmill belt means you won’t have to buy a new one.
Is your treadmill belt worn down, torn up, or curling up on the edges?
Does your treadmill slow down after you step on the belt to begin your workout?
If this is the case, it is probably time to replace the belt.
Here are some items to check before replacing your belt.
- You need to make sure the treadmill deck is in good shape. It may only need to be waxed or lubricated if it looks good.
- If the deck shows signs of wear or has grooves worn into it, you may need to replace the belt and the deck.
- If the deck looks good and the belt is worn or starting to turn up on the edges, it is time to replace it.
Below are some easy-to-follow instructions to change a treadmill belt.
Most treadmills are the same, so this is a generic set of instructions. If you have an owner’s manual, please follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Unplug the POWER Cord and remove the motor cover or hood to begin the belt replacement. Locate the screws or bolts that are used to adjust the belt tension.
They usually are on either side at the rear of the treadmill. Loosen both sides and push the rear roller toward the deck.
Now loosen and remove the front roller. If your treadmill inclines, turn on the power and raise the treadmill a few degrees to remove the roller.
After you remove the front roller, remove the rear roller.
Now you are ready to remove the belt.
I know it would be easier to cut the old belt off, but if you take it off in one piece, you will remember how to put the new one on.
This will make it a lot simpler for you in the long run.
Along the sides of the treadmill, you will find bolts or screws that hold the deck in place. Remove these and lift the deck and old belt out together.
This is the perfect time to wax or lubricate the deck.
Look at the old belt and the new belt. There will probably be a visible seam on the belt. Usually, the belt should be installed so that the seam goes down from left to right, similar to a backward slash.
Some belt manufacturers will mark the belt on the inside with an arrow pointing in the direction the belt should travel.
Slide the belt over the deck in the proper alignment. Lay the belt and deck together back onto the treadmill.
Start all of the screws or bolts before tightening them securely. Decks tend to get warped over time, so you may need to push or pull a little to get the screws started.
I have found that installing the rollers is a good idea before securely fastening the deck to the frame.
Pull the belt to the rear of the treadmill and slide the rear roller through it. Put the adjusting screws in the roller loosely, just enough so they do not fall out.
Now, slide the front roller inside the belt and replace the drive motor belt over the drive gear. Do this before you tighten the roller.
After you get the front roller tight, tighten the rear roller with the adjusting screws. Tighten each side equally until the belt feels snug on the deck.
Now turn the treadmill on.
If the belt starts moving, carefully step on the treadmill while holding the side rails. If the belt stops, then you need to adjust more.
Step off the treadmill, tighten each screw a little more and step on the belt again.
Repeat this process until the belt does not stop.
Hold the handrails, increase the speed to a fast walk, and apply downward pressure as you walk on the treadmill.
If the belt stops or hesitates, then adjust some more. Now increase the speed to a light jog.
Once again, if you feel hesitation in the belt when your foot hits it, adjust it some more.
Continue this process until you are satisfied that the belt is not slipping.
Here is an instructional video by Treadmill Doctor that should help answer any questions you may have
Be careful; this is not a challenging task, but pay someone to do it if you do not think you can.
Please follow these directions for safe and efficient use of your treadmill for you and your family.
If you are looking for more information on exercise machines, you may like a previous article that discusses the best exercise machine for weight loss.