How to Fix a Slipping Treadmill Belt?

Do you feel that there are some issues with your treadmill while running? It’s likely the running belt is slipping or wearing off. You’ll find yourself asking how to fix a slipping treadmill belt.

If you don’t solve the issue the treadmill motor will work harder to increase the pressure to keep the treadmill operating. Fix the malfunction to avoid it affecting the overall machine performance and hindering your training regime.

Understanding the Causes of a Slipping Treadmill Belt

A treadmill is one of the most popular cardio trainers people choose for their home gyms. It helps to stay fit, develop strength, and pump up the cardiovascular system. You can use this piece of equipment at any time and for any duration.

However, because of regular usage and absence of maintenance, there can occur numerous issues with treadmill operation that may hinder your workout and simply lead to occasional tripping and falls.

The vast majority of treadmill users complain about problems with a treadmill belt, namely its slippage. When they face such an issue, they start googling ‘Why is my treadmill slipping?’ hoping to find a quick fix.

It’s important to treat this problem at once and not delay repair as it can result in serious falls and injuries during use. Let’s define 4 factors that can cause belt slippage:

1. Lack of Lubrication

Manufacturers advise lubricating the treadmill belt before the first training as it guarantees smooth performance without sudden stops. The treadmill construction utilizes the belt that runs over from the treadmill deck with rollers.

The friction between the belt, deck, and rollers should be reduced with the help of the proper lubricant. It’s recommended to use a silicone-based lubricant that prevents the treadmill belt slipping.

2. The Drive Belt Wears Off

When you hop on a treadmill and the belt stops, but the motor is still in action, it means you need to fix the front roller. However, if the roller and pulley don’t work, it’s a sign of the belt becoming loose.

To solve the issue of belt shaking and fluctuation, it’s better to change the drive belt to avoid extra tension in the motor. Don’t try to tighten the belt because you can over-tighten it and the motor will burn out. If you can’t replace the belt, then you’d better use a belt dressing spray that won’t last for a long time, it’s a temporary remedy.

3. Losing the Grip on the Front Roller’s Pulley

The pulley is important in distributing the weight on the belt and directing it to complete the operating cycle. If your treadmill slips when running, there’s a misalignment between the pulley and the front roller.

To define in advance that a roller has lost its grip, you can attach a tape on the pulley you can see when a treadmill is switched off, and attach the corresponding piece on the roller tube.

Switch on the treadmill and see whether the pulley and drive belt still move. If the front roller and the walking belt don’t work, that means the pulley’s grip is weak.

4. The Walking Belt Becomes Loose

Another reason why the treadmill feels like it’s slipping is the running belt is too loose and the tension on it increased. The belt can stretch over time with constant use and age. In this case, you can try tightening it up and stop the drive belt slippage.

All in all, despite tightening the belt being the easiest way to solve this problem, we recommend you replace it. Overtightening the belt can lead to the damage of expensive components.

In any case, you can call a technician to fix this malfunction, or visit an authorized service center. Do not try to do it on your own if you can’t succeed to do the repair correctly following the video guide.

Tips From the Champ

If your treadmill slips when running, there’s a misalignment between the pulley and the front roller. To define in advance that a roller has lost its grip, you can attach a tape on the pulley you can see when a treadmill is switched off, and attach the corresponding piece on the roller tube.

Oleksiy Torokhtiy

Olympic Weightlifting Champion

Inspecting and Replacing a Worn-Out Belt

If something seems strange to you in the treadmill operation, check its performance and belt malfunction. You can run slowly and see whether the edges are curled up or frayed.

Also, look at the belt seam, which is a vulnerable area, to see whether it’s not ripped or frayed as well. If you found some issues with the drive system, use these recommendations on how to fix a slipping treadmill belt.

Unplug the treadmill and lift the belt up: check the give, it should be 3″- 4″. If there’s more give, you need to tighten the belt. To do it take an Allen wrench and turn the bolts clockwise at the deck back.

However, if the issue is more serious and you need to install a new belt, then follow the instructions below. Also, don’t neglect the manufacturers’ advice as not all treadmills are the same and could require specific solutions for this problem.

1. Remove the Old Belt:

• Unplug the treadmill and unscrew the bolts fixing the motor hood. Locate the front and rear roller bolts and mark their positions with a marker. Then loosen the running belt.
• Remove the adjustment bolt at the front roller (if your treadmill has bolts and staples) and pop the right-hand side’s plastic deck with a flathead screwdriver. If a treadmill is of higher quality, it should have straddle covers with an under-mount or a slide-mount.
• Separate the 3 or 4 deck bolts from the treadmill and remove the rear roller screws with the plastic end caps and roller. The final step is to remove the belt which requires two people to do it easily: one lifts the deck by holding the front roller close to the pulley, and the other removes the belt.

2. Installing a New Treadmill Belt

Before setting up a new belt, check whether the deck is of good quality and there’s no wax or dirt. This process also requires two people: one lifts the deck and holds the front roller, while the other slides a new belt over the board. Once you install it, lift the deck and check underneath whether the belt is centered.

Then, you can replace the rear roller and end caps. Screw the rear roller bolts, but do not tighten until you fasten the deck bolts. Next, secure the front bolts, and make sure that you returned the bolt to the position you marked at the beginning.

Refit the belt by turning the adjustment bolts clockwise. You can set the belt’s tension: if it’s okay, you’ll be able to lift it 2″- 3″ inches at the belt’s center.

Testing and Fine-Tuning the Belt Fix

After you set a new treadmill belt, you should check whether everything works well. Start by launching the machine anew. Keep in mind these hints for fine-tuning the belt to minimize occasional falls and tripping when the treadmill catches when running.

1. Run a Treadmill and Check the Belt Tightness

Start the treadmill at a speed of 2 mph: walk a few steps to check the belt doesn’t slip. If it needs adjustment, turn the left and right adjustment bolts. To center the belt, increase the speed and use the left side adjustment bolt to fix the position. If everything is alright, put the motor hood back. 

2. Lubricate Before Use

Don’t forget to lubricate the belt. Use a cloth and spread the lubricant evenly between the deck and belt. Move the cloth back and forth along the belt length. Walk on the treadmill at a slow pace, so the lubricant will create a coating.

3. Don’t Neglect Cleaning

This point is highly important if you prefer vigorous running sessions to push yourself hard. You can sweat a lot during such intensive training, so it’s impossible to protect the treadmill belt from it. Use some soap solution without chemicals, so as not to spoil the surface.

4. Use It Properly

Don’t overload a treadmill with tough high-intensity running sessions. Treat it respectively to prolong its use. Vigorous running workouts are likely to lead to the treadmill belt slipping at higher speeds and starting to wear off sooner. Don’t forget to check its condition at least every three months.

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FAQ

Is There A Way To Tighten The Belt On A Treadmill?

The easy way to tighten the belt is to adjust the rear roller tension bolt that goes through the back of the rear roller. It moves the treadmill belt and tightens it up with an Allen wrench by making a 1/4 turn clockwise.

Why Does My Treadmill Jerk When I Run?

If your treadmill belt shakes and excessive movements occur when you run on it, that means the running belt: 

• is too loose, or too tightened alike; 
• isn’t centered properly;
• needs to be lubricated.

Conclusion

Having observed the main reasons and step-by-step solutions for solving the issue, we hope you’ll resolve your queries about how to fix a slipping treadmill belt in several steps without calling a technician.

With regular inspection of the treadmill and timely repair of the malfunctions, you’ll manage to prolong its performance and it won’t affect your training progress. Ask a certified service center to treat your ill-fitting belt to prevent its wear or even machine damage.

Also read:

• How to Clean Treadmill Belt
• How Many Calories Do You Burn on a Treadmill
• How to Lose Weight on a Treadmill
• What Muscles Does Treadmill Work
• How to Adjust Treadmill Belt
• Best Curved Treadmill
• Under Desk Treadmills Guide

References:

1. Changes in heart rate variability with respect to exercise intensity and time during treadmill running // Ncbi: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6154948/.
2. The effects of unexpected mechanical perturbations during treadmill walking on spatiotemporal gait parameters, and the dynamic stability measures by which to quantify postural response // Ncbi: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5908091/.
3. The effects of unexpected mechanical perturbations during treadmill walking on spatiotemporal gait parameters, and the dynamic stability measures by which to quantify postural response // Sunnyhealthfitness: https://support.sunnyhealthfitness.com/hc/en-us/articles/4409104059035-How-To-Lubricate-Your-Treadmill.
4. Effects of Transmission Belt Looseness on Electrical and Mechanical Measurements of an Induction Motor // Oatao: https://oatao.univ-toulouse.fr/16035/7/fournier_16035.pdf.
5. Treadmill training and body weight support for walking after stroke // Ncbi: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6483714/.
6. Photos are made by Torokhtiy Media team.