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How To Lubricate a Treadmill So It Lasts Longer

By:
Ian Hugo
5 min read

Having a treadmill can make exercising easier and more convenient, which is why it’s so popular among home gym enthusiasts. But for your treadmill to last for years, you must ensure it’s properly lubricated. Without the proper maintenance, your treadmill’s belt and motor will wear out quickly, and you may be forced to replace the machine sooner than you’d like.

In this post, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide on how to lubricate a treadmill so that it will last longer. We’ll cover everything you need to know, from how to assess your favorite treadmill’s needs to prepare it for maintenance. So if you’re looking for the most effective way to keep your treadmill running smoothly and efficiently, this article is for you.

Assessing the lubrication needs of a treadmill

When assessing the lubrication needs of a treadmill, there are a few factors you should consider. First, check the user’s manual for your particular model’s lubrication requirements. Next, inspect your treadmill for visible wear and tear on the running belt. If the running belt is damaged, frayed or cracked, it will need more frequent lubrication than usual. Lastly, consider how much you use your treadmill — if it’s a regular part of your exercise routine, it will also need more frequent lubrication than one used infrequently.

The frequency of lubrication for a well-maintained treadmill can vary depending on the above factors. Well-used, favorite treadmills require lubrication every six months if they’re used frequently. If you only use your treadmill occasionally, lubricating it once a year might be sufficient.

Gaining access to the running belt

Before beginning any work on your treadmill, ensure the power switch is turned off and the safety key is removed from the main console. This will ensure that the machine cannot be switched on while you’re working on it and potentially cause injury or damage. Once you have removed the safety key from your console, unplug the power cord from both ends — that is, from both your wall outlet and from your machine — to reduce any risk of electric shock.

Depending on your treadmill model, there may be an access panel beneath where you can find the motor and running belt; alternatively, removing screws on either side of the motor may also give access to these components. Once you can access them, carefully remove any covers for proper lubrication maintenance.

Preparing the area for lubrication

Cover the area around the treadmill with newspapers, rags or paper towels before beginning maintenance work and applying lubricant to your machine’s motor and running belt. This will help keep your floor clean by ensuring no oil splashes or grease smudges get on any other object or surface around it.

The supplies you’ll need to successfully lubricate your treadmill include a silicone-based lubricant specifically designed for treadmills, latex or nitrile gloves, rags and screwdrivers (if needed for removal of parts). Ensure that you gather all tools needed for lubrication before beginning work on your machine to avoid having to search for them while maintenance is underway.

Applying the lubrication

Clean the surface before applying lubricant to your machine's running belt and motor components. Use a clean rag or towel dampened with rubbing alcohol to wipe off the dirt along the length of the belt. Be gentle to avoid damaging the surface or any exposed components.

After cleaning and using gloves, apply a silicone-based lubricant. Avoid applying too much pressure. Ensure that the machine is unplugged to avoid electric shock. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines specific to your machine model. Take precautions to prevent contact with electricity and ensure the success and safety of the maintenance work.

Conclusion

Lubricating your treadmill regularly is essential for keeping it running optimally and maintaining its life over the years. In this article, we’ve discussed the essential supplies and steps for maintaining this piece of home exercise equipment. These instructions and guidelines will help keep your treadmill running smoothly and efficiently for many years.