Why Is My Treadmill Making A Knocking Noise? (3 Fixing Hacks)

The happiness of unboxing your treadmill to meet your fitness goals is unmatchable. However, hearing a knocking sound from a brand-new machine on using it for the first time can break anybody’s heart. Relax! No need to go into panic mode. You didn’t receive a damaged treadmill. Still thinking, why is my treadmill making a knocking noise?

Let’s clear your doubt. 

Treadmill Noises to Know About 

Thumping: Each new treadmill will give a thumping noise from the walking belt. The sound comes from the belt’s stiffness, making it hard to move. However, with time the belt will become less stiff, and the thumping will fade away.

Squeaking: If the squeaking sound stresses you, it is mainly due to an uneven treadmill. This may put additional pressure on your treadmill and lead to premature delamination. The best way to increase the life of your machine and say goodbye to the squeaking is to level the running machine.

Scraping: When the treadmill belt slips to one or the other side and begins to scrape the edges, you will hear this sound. This noise also results from an uneven treadmill. Level the equipment and adjust the belt if required to resolve the issue. 

Why is My Treadmill Making a Knocking Noise?

Well, a new treadmill always makes weird sounds initially. These operating noises are normal. With time and frequent use, it will even start fading. It takes a few weeks to a few months for the knocking noise to reduce, based on how much you use the running machine.

Remember, even after constant use, the noise won’t go entirely. Nevertheless, it won’t affect your exercise routine. 

3 Causes of Knocking Sound in Treadmills

The main reason for the annoying thumping noise is the treadmill’s walking belt. Since the new belt is stiff, your treadmill will create thumping noise. It is also difficult to move over the rollers for the belt initially. Thus, this treadmill belt needs time to break in and smoothen before the noise diminishes. 

Further, the seam of the walking belt running diagonally across the width of the belt is twice in size compared to its other part. So, as the seam starts moving between the rollers, it will generate an irritating noise.

A misaligned belt can also be the reason for treadmill noises. When your treadmill belt is loose or tight, you may hear screeching, squeaking, or whining sounds. Moreover, it can lead to machine malfunction if not addressed on time. 

Fixing a Knocking Treadmill Sound

Since various reasons can lead to annoying treadmill sounds, you must take action accordingly. Check out the suitable methods to fix knocking based on those issues. 

Stiff Walking Belt

The walking belt on the treadmill loses stiffness over time when you run it regularly. It will enable the treadmill belt to break in and get accustomed to roller bearings. 

Thus, eliminate the knocking noise of your treadmill by performing your workout daily. 

Slipping Belt

When the noise is due to a slipping walking belt, you must tighten the screws holding the belt.

Damaged Belt

Usually, an old running machine starts making loud irritating noises due to a damaged drive belt. That said, it’s time to replace the belt.

Roller Issues

Check if the sound comes from the front or rear side to change the appropriate roller in the treadmill. Besides, check for wax build-up on both the rollers of the machine. 

Poor Maintenance

Annoying noises are also one of the key signs for treadmill maintenance. Like a car’s engine, a running machine also needs lubrication. So make walking belt lubrication a part of your routine treadmill maintenance. You must clean and lubricate it every 60-80 hours. 

Running Too Hard 

Lastly, check your running technique. Vertical oscillation while running on a treadmill can cause knocking sounds. 

Switch from up-and-down movement to moving your body forward. Simply move your legs and softly hit the ground like walking through sand. This way of running won’t just eliminate the noise but also improve your overall workout. 

Tips to Reduce Treadmill Noise 

These tips will be beneficial if you are looking for the safest alternative to reduce the noise from the treadmill.

• A treadmill mat underneath the machine is the best way to dampen the vibrations. A thick mat of at least 1.5 inches sounds excellent. If the mat is getting easily deformed by pressing from the thumb, it’s a good sign. The more it gets deformed, the better it will be.

• If you are not regularly lubricating your treadmill belt, it’s time to start. Loosen the belt a bit to lubricate it well. Remember to use the appropriate lubricant recommended by your treadmill manufacturer for the best experience. 

If these solutions do not solve the issue, call for professional help.

Final Words ( Why Is My Treadmill Making A Knocking Noise? )

So no more need to think why is my treadmill making a knocking noise if you recently bought the treadmill. Generally, this noise subsides as you use the machine more often. However, pay attention to the sounds if you have an old treadmill. It’s a wake-up call to take the right action immediately.

If you are looking for that one solution to troubleshoot your treadmill problems, it is routine maintenance. It will help if you clean your treadmill every week with a particular focus on the deck and the belt. Clean the motor brushes and lubricate the belt from time to time to ensure a smooth performance. 

FAQs Explaining Why Is My Treadmill Making A Knocking Noise?

1. Why does my treadmill make a thump noise?

Thumping noise is common in almost all new treadmills. It happens when the stiff belt rides over the rollers. As the belt stretches and rolls smoothly with regular use, you’ll notice that the noise disappears after a certain time. 

2. How do you fix a knocking treadmill?

You can fix a knocking treadmill with the help of an Allen wrench. Rotate the belt adjustment screws ¼ of a turn till the machine’s belt starts to track appropriately at a low speed. Make sure to turn the screw left if the belt moves to the left and right if it moves towards the right.

3. What happens if I don’t lubricate my treadmill?

Timely lubricating the treadmill helps reduce friction between the walking deck and the belt. If not, both the belt and deck will prematurely wear out. This practice also protects your running machine from costly long-term damages. 

4. How often do you need to lubricate a treadmill?

Lubrication of the treadmill once every three months is ideal maintenance practice. It will reduce the risk of repairs in the long run. Make sure to use one ounce of lube per application.

5. What can damage a treadmill?

A treadmill may damage due to improper belt alignment and tension. If not addressed on time, it can impact your workout. Besides, this issue may cause an accident as well. So make sure to adjust the alignment and lubricate the belt for the smooth operation of your treadmill machine.

6. How to stop your treadmill from making noise?

Check your belt as part of your treadmill routine maintenance. The belt is the leading cause of strange noises.

7. What is normal treadmill noise?

It is normal if the treadmill sound is similar to the usual conversational tone. 

8. Is the treadmill too loud for a first-floor apartment?

If you have tenants living under you, the plan might need reconsideration. The insulation of the floor also plays a crucial role in dampening the sound produced by treadmill running. 

9. Why is my treadmill making a loud noise?

Common reasons include a fraying belt, misaligned parts, worn-out motor, loose roller pulley, etc.