BEAUTY KLINIC

Your walking belt for treadmill is more delicate because it is more exposed to contact and therefore prone to damage. This article explains the general pointers in doing a check up on the belt as well as how to replace it. How do you check signs of damages?

The two most important parts of the treadmill are the belt and the deck. If the belt is not properly taken cared of, the deck’s mechanical operation will also get affected.

Maintain your treadmill belt with lubricants especially if you run on it everyday. You will know if your belt needs replacement if you notice these items.

- When it curls on its edges.

- The treadmill speed slows down when you step onto the deck.

- When obvious grooves appear on your treadmill belt.

Generally if the walking surface area of your belt for treadmill looks worn out, you may need to replace the belt. Otherwise, it may only need lubrication or waxing to keep it functional.

If one or two signs of damages are present, you may have to replace your belt. If you do not have the instruction manual, here are the basic instructions.

Removing the belt

- The very first important thing you do is to pull out the plug. Make sure your treadmill is not connected to a power supply.

- Find the hood of the treadmill’s motor and remove it.

- Loosen and remove the screws on both sides to take out the rear roller. These are the same screws affecting the tension of the belt.

- The same procedure applies to the front roller. Incline the board if the screws are not accessible.

- Once the screws are removed, you can now take out the front and rear rollers.

- Remove the belt.

Replacing the belt for treadmill

- The belt and the deck must be laid together side-by-side. Slide the belt over the deck and align.

- Install the rollers and fasten the deck to the frame properly and securely.

- With the screws, fasten the belt and deck together. You may need to adjust the deck to get the screws in.

- Slide the belt in through the rear roller by pulling it to the rear end.

- Tighten the screws a bit to hold the parts together.

- Replace the drive motor belt over the drive gear by sliding the front roller inside the belt.

- Make sure the belt fits snuggly to the deck by tightening the front and rear screws.

- Now that you have the new belt in place, you may need to adjust it. The adjustment concept is done by changing the speed to test the tightness and feel of your belt.

The process may sound simple but if you haven′t done this before, it’s best not to do it yourself. Seek help from someone who has more experience in replacing a belt for treadmill.

Just like any other machine, the treadmill needs regular maintenance. When it gets broken, the most common repair is the treadmill belt replacement. But the degree of damage may vary for home and commercial use.

For daily home use for example, the standard lifespan of your treadmill would be between 2 and 3 years. For serious runners, the treadmill’s life is shorter. So if you hope to make your treadmill’s lifespan a little longer, it is important to maintain it properly.

Basic maintenance tips:

- Lubricate your treadmill at least once every year. This is if its usage is only minimal, say 3 to 5 times a week and you’re only using it for walking and jogging.

- If you are a serious runner, you should lubricate your treadmill at shorter intervals. Depending on the nature of your speed, distance, and inclination, the average maintenance should be every 6 months.

- Apply the appropriate lubricant. Every treadmill’s manufacturer has a specific lubricant. However, there are also those that don’t need any lubrication. Make sure to use the correct one or else, contact your dealer.

- Consult the user manual. This is very important. Proper maintenance and treadmill belt replacement procedure is found in the treadmill’s manual for you to use. Take time to read it and understand.

Taking care of your equipment will eventually result to its longer lifespan. In fact, maintenance is always an advantage as it prevents damages from happening soon. If ignored, you will find that a treadmill belt replacement can be very expensive.

Can you tell if your equipment is in top shape? Before a repair or a replacement or parts like the belt is decided, inspection is conducted. Below are some of the common and obvious things done in troubleshooting a treadmill.

- Belt and Deck Inspection - Centering and Tensioning Test - Belt Slip Test - Speed Test - Adjustments of the Belt

There are more parts to look into. If you are not sure about how these things are done, it’s best to call the repair center or customer service to assist you. It may cost you a few bucks but it’s safer and reliable.

While a treadmill belt replacement is the common problem in problematic treadmill equipment, not all repairs need replacement of parts. Here are some of examples below on repairs between those that need treadmill parts replacement and those that don’t.

Repair of your treadmill needs parts replaced when:

- The running board is broken - The console is faulty - The motor (heart of the treadmill) is the problem - Belt is faulty

Repair of your treadmill do not need parts replaced when:

- The belt is just slipping - The belt is not centered and tensioned properly - The treadmill only needs recalibration

Ask your service center for a routine checkup. Familiarize the type of replacements and repairs too. This way, you will understand the complexity your treadmill’s problem better and perhaps delay the treadmill belt replacement even further.