Lubricating a treadmill deck is one of the basic requirements for a top-notch workout session while upholding safety precautions. It will ensure a longer life for the device and a smooth workout for the user.
Owing to all these reasons, we will look at some of the significant aspects and steps of how to lubricate your treadmill deck.
Steps to Lubricate Treadmill Belts :
Whenever the question of lubrication arises, the first and foremost thing that needs to be kept in mind is it’s a machine and is bound to have friction. This makes it extremely important to go for a tried and tested treadmill lubrication process such as the one suggested below.
Seven Steps to Follow –
STEP 1 – To begin with, start by turning off the device and letting it cool down. You can also unplug it for personal safety.
STEP 2 – Once cooled, it is time for you to touch the treadmill belt and look for dirt and debris. Sometimes, you need to loosen the belt using an Allen wrench to reach underneath. You can use a cloth to clean the treadmill’s belt before lubrication.
STEP 3 – Now, it is time to choose a suitable silicone lubricant, depending on the brand and model of the device. It is best to go through the owner’s manual or consult the treadmill manufacturers before making a choice. Just so you know, oil or grease is strictly forbidden as it can get clogged, causing damage.
STEP 4 – Grab and lift the running mat and apply the lubricant underneath on one side. Please make sure that you begin about a foot away from the hood, move to the center of the belt, and slowly reach the end of the deck in a zigzag pattern.
Next, could you take the lube bottle and follow the exact mechanism on the other side? In case you are using a silicone spray, 3 to 4 applications should do the trick.
STEP 5 – It’s time to lower the belt and plug it into the device. Make sure to run it properly for 5 to 6 minutes at a speed of approximately three mph. This should be enough to evenly spread the lubricant on the inner surface of the belt.
STEP 6 – Keep a cloth handy to wipe off the excess lubricant seeping from either side of the treadmill deck.
STEP 7 – Once all this is done, it is time to realign the running belt and tighten it back into place to avoid the risk of injury.
Determining When Lubrication Is Needed
A treadmill is indeed a compilation of a few hardware parts. But that does not mean it lacks specifications. On the contrary, there are types of treadmills available in the market ranging from the basics to the best ones.
Nevertheless, whichever model you choose, you must search for and purchase a lubricant compatible with the machine. In most circumstances, checking the owner’s manual and brand reviews on which treadmill lubricant will offer optimal performance is advisable.
There are certain misconceptions about lubricating a treadmill belt and other parts. Most people think oil or products like WD-40 will be enough for maintenance. But, that is not the case and can reduce treadmills’ lifespan, mainly when used frequently.
For all the instances where the device does not come with its lubricants, you can check out the 100% silicone spray, silicone lube, or wax stick. These are some of the products that will keep the treadmill belt up and running without creating a mess.
How Do I Know If My Treadmill’s Belt Needs Lubricant?
Nowadays, most treadmills are lubricated before being shipped or come with a self-lubricating facility. As for those who do not, it would be best for you to conduct a regular check every three months. This means lifting the belt and checking for an oily or waxy feel after approximately 40 hours of use.
However, consider it a sign if you notice its absence and, more importantly, witness squeaking or loud noises from the treadmill. These are caused due to the continuous wear and tear of the motor. Lack of lubricant can lead to slipping, skipping, or sticking a belt, eventually leading to a safety hazard.
Make Sure Your Belt Stays Tightened
There is hardly any doubt in people’s minds regarding the importance of a treadmill. It offers the chance to walk, jog, run and perform all cardiovascular activities needed for a healthy body.
But it comes with a catch where the belt starts to loosen over time. This is a constant process that, in turn, affects the motor and rollers over time. Following are some of the common instances where the treadmill regularly needs maintenance:
- When the treadmill motor starts to emit odd noises due to too much friction
- When the belt or mat starts to skip resulting in jolts and uninterrupted workouts
7 Steps To Treadmill Lubrication: ( How To Oil A Treadmill )
Understanding the proper way to lubricate your treadmill belt on time is crucial for long-lifespan treadmills. Fewer mistakes in the process help the machine work better. Therefore to save effort and confusion, further mentioned are the guidelines and tips to be followed by anyone to lubricate a treadmill belt.
Keep All Devices You Need Together:
The tools you require for lubricating your treadmill are minimal and easy to use. Before beginning, you should keep an Allen wrench, a t-wrench, a screwdriver, and silicone lubricant.
Refer to the manufacturer’s manual before beginning the lubricate process and search for anything to be done specifically in the mentioned manner.
Turn Off The Treadmill:
Once ready and prepared with the equipment, unplug the treadmill to ensure that it causes no injury to you in the process while lubricating your treadmill.
Uncover The Deck And Clean:
To get access to the deck, loosen the rear roller bolts, and count the number of turns on both sides. Usual 8-10 anti-clockwise turns will allow you enough slack to lift the belt slightly. This process helps you access the deck and clean the walking belt with a soft cloth.
Apply Lubricant:
This step is tricky to follow, but it can be done easily once understood. First, determine the directly impacting area of the treadmill belt to spray the lubricant on the deck under the belt. Measure and apply approximately 5 ml of silicone-based lubricant zig-zag on the treadmill deck below the belt.
Lower And Tighten The Treadmill Belt
When done with applying lubricant, lower the belt onto the deck and tighten the rear rollers with the same number of turns in the reverse order. Please ensure the treadmill belt is as tight as before, loosened in the earlier step.
Start Up The Treadmill:
When the belt is tightened enough, plug the treadmill and start it. Run the belt slowly for some minutes to let the lube spread.
After some minutes, start walking on the belt at the same slow speed to ensure the complete spreading of the silicone-based lubricant. Also, ensure that the belt is tight enough to deliver the machine to work.
Unplug Again
After turning it off again, remove the plug of the treadmill and wipe clean the side tips of the machine with a soft cloth without any sign of spilled oil or lube on the other side of the belt.
What To Look For In Treadmill Lubricant When Choosing?
It is advised to use a silicone-based lubricant to maintain the treadmill belt. The composition of silicone oil and hydrocarbon propellant is used in the lubricant for treadmills. Most treadmill lubricants have a silicone base and are available in spray bottle or gel form. When purchasing, the preferred form is aerosol to lubricate treadmills easily.
Using any ordinary technical oil for lubrication is not advised, as it may render the machines completely unusable. Everyone must regularly lubricate the treadmill.
FAQs: Keep your treadmill lubricated at all times
What happens if you do not lubricate the belt?
The lack of regular lubrication of treadmills inevitably leads to too much abrasion between the belt, deck, and drive motor. It can also result in weird noises, interrupted workouts, and the belt becoming brittle over time and eventually breaking.
Which lubricant should be used on a treadmill belt?
To lubricate your treadmill, it is best to refer to the user manual and brand reviews. You can use a silicone spray/lube or a wax stick if the details are not provided.
Is WD-40 suitable for treadmill lubrication?
WD-40 should be highly avoided when choosing treadmill lubricant as it is petroleum-based and can ruin the model. Instead, it is best to go for a 100% silicone-based lubricant.
How frequently should I lubricate the treadmill with silicone lubricant?
According to most treadmill manufacturers in the market, it is mandatory to lubricate every three months. This means lubricating after approximately every 40 hours of use. Opting for more frequent lubing is a wise measure for warm environments.
Why do treadmills require frequent lubrication?
Treadmill lubricant helps to avoid the abrasion between the motor and the belt resulting in higher track life. The lubricant saves the belt tips from becoming brittle and breaking. Replacing treadmill parts like the belt can be costly, especially considering the brand.
What supplies are required for lubricating a treadmill?
Lubricating a treadmill can be very messy, so it is best to have all the supplies handy. This includes an Allen wrench to undo the bolts, a suitable form of lubricant, and a piece of cloth.
What happens if you over-lubricate the treadmill?
The excess lubricant can ooze out from the sides of the deck when the machine is turned on at high speed, ruining the floor, walls, and furniture around.
Can I use baby oil to lubricate a treadmill?
If you are looking for a product to lubricate your treadmill, avoid anything based on petroleum jelly or mineral oil, including baby oil.
