How to lubricate a treadmill
Lubricating your treadmill is a simple but essential process that will help your treadmill last much longer.
There is most likely no need to perform this procedure immediately after purchase, since the track has already been lubricated at the factory. You can read about this in the instructions. It will also indicate how often the track should be lubricated and how to do it correctly.
If the instructions are lost or this process is poorly described, then here is a short list of steps for lubricating the track at home:
- Unplug the track (if it is electric).
- Loosen the screws holding the running belt. Try to unscrew them the same number of turns.
- Raise the running belt and apply lubricant to the deck across the direction of travel.
- Reattach the running belt bolts.
- Run the treadmill at a slow speed (no more than 5 km/h) to distribute the lubricant evenly under the belt. If the blade becomes misaligned during operation, adjust its alignment.
- If grease comes out, wipe it with a soft, lint-free cloth.
- Walk briefly on the treadmill before starting your workout.
All necessary equipment for the lubrication process is already included with the treadmill. All you have to do is buy the lubricant itself, but it happens that it is already in stock. The use of additional materials is not required.
There is no need to clean or degrease before lubrication.
If you still have any questions, you can watch special videos. It describes the process of lubricating a treadmill in an accessible and understandable way.
Addition to the material:
How to Maintain Treadmills
Adjusting the walking belt
Maintenance of the running belt - 4 steps
You should first study the instructions, which describe the placement of tension bolts specifically in your model. It may also indicate how to properly tension and level the running belt so that it does not move out. It is necessary to maintain the machine regardless of the type of treadmill.
It won’t hurt to familiarize yourself with the material on how to use a treadmill if you are not yet knowledgeable about this issue.
Pull-up
In general, the process of tightening the canvas is very simple:
- turn on the track at a speed of less than 4 km/h;
- Find out from the instructions where the tension bolts are located on the back of the blade;
- use a special key that is included with the simulator;
- for minimal tightening you need to make a quarter turn clockwise;
- you need to tighten both bolts by an identical number of turns;
- if you want to loosen the blade, turn the keys in a different direction.
Important! You should correctly determine the tension of the belt; here you need to not overtighten: excessive tension can break the front rollers of the track. Therefore, you always need to correct it smoothly and evenly.
Alignment
In fact, this process is not significantly different from the previous one : you just need to rotate the keys in different directions.
So, first you need to get off the track and turn on the speed of about 5 km/h, after that:
- look at which direction the canvas is shifted;
- shift to the left side - turn the left bolt to the right side a quarter turn, then turn the right bolt to the left side a quarter turn;
- shift to the right side - do the opposite: that is, rotate the right bolt clockwise, a quarter turn, and rotate the left bolt counterclockwise, a quarter turn;
- check the alignment of the blade, you can do this at increased speed;
- if the blade needs to be trimmed, reduce the speed and repeat the steps for using the keys, trim smoothly a quarter turn on each side.
This algorithm will help you level the canvas. Typically, allen keys are used for treadmills.
For proper alignment and tension, use a simple visual method . The track surface should be raised approximately in the middle. The optimal gap is from 5 to 7 centimeters: if less, you need to loosen the tension, if more, tighten it.
Heating, wear and replacement of the blade
If the running belt gets hot, the problem may be excessive friction and need for lubrication. Should the canvas be heated? We’ll talk about this in more detail later.
The running belt will wear out over time and you will need to replace this element. Timely replacement of the running belt will increase the service life of the treadmill deck and avoid frequent repairs.
To find out when to change the blade, you should use a simple feeling method. Note! The canvas rises in the center, and you feel the inside with your hand.
If you observe something like a torn surface, then it needs to be changed. This fact should be checked every 10-12 weeks. You should check the condition of the special orthopedic fabric even more often. In addition, you may feel wear on the fabric: slipping or periodic slowdown when increasing speed or stepping on the fabric. Also, worn-out fabric accumulates static electricity on the simulator. If you feel static discharge, then the problem is either static in the fabric or in the processor on the control board.
As a rule, the width of the running belt in diameter is 40 or 51 centimeters, and the length is from 110 to 150 centimeters. One way or another, you can always find out the size of your canvas in the instructions.
To correctly change the canvas, you will need special experience and skills. Therefore, we will not advise you how to replace the blade yourself for the first time . In many stores that sell treadmills, you can order the services of treadmill maintenance technicians. Hire such a specialist and watch how a professional changes and adjusts the canvas.
In the future, you can try to perform this process yourself, but it is better to use the services of specialists. Moreover, this process will require about an hour of your time, and improper installation will result in a decrease in performance characteristics.
Lubrication
To reduce wear on parts and extend the service life, the track will need to be lubricated regularly . The lubricant creates a layer between the blade and the deck, due to which the belts and engine wear out less, the coefficient of friction is reduced and, accordingly, the load is reduced.
Each treadmill has different lubrication needs, and it is best to focus on the intensity of use. For example, some manufacturers advise updating the lubricant every 300 kilometers of use or every 30 hours of use . If the treadmill squeaks when you run, you need to lubricate it urgently and show it to a specialist.
However, there is a more accurate method for determining how often to lubricate. To do this, follow these steps:
- stop the track;
- lift the canvas;
- slide your finger under the canvas;
- dry blade – lubrication is needed;
- feels like silicone grease - no lubrication required.
Attention! Mechanical tracks require even more frequent lubrication, since they have a greater load on the belt.
Nevertheless, you should not neglect the lubrication of the electric and magnetic tracks. Now you need to decide on the type of lubricant, and here you should strongly advise against using unprofessional mixtures . For example, if you do not want to purchase a new exercise machine, the thought of using industrial oil or a similar mixture should be completely discarded. The best option is always oil-free silicone lubricants in the form of a spray, which perform two main tasks :
- lubricant;
- separating agent.
As a rule, both of these functions are indicated on a can of normal mixture, and these are the options you should prefer. If you don’t know what to lubricate, pay attention to the manufacturers Hasttings and Efele, which have proven themselves to be excellent. You can also take a closer look at Molykote Separator Spray.
One way or another, you will need an option with a silicone base, which may contain a hydrocarbon propellant. Now the most convenient form of release is aerosol lubricants, but there may be other options.
The actual process consists of the following steps :
- disabling the track;
- raising the canvas on one side;
- applying lubricant - between the deck and the seal, apply small splashes of lubricant over the entire surface;
- raising the canvas on the other side;
- applying lubricant;
- turn on the treadmill for 3-5 minutes at low speed;
- race walking at low speed;
- After this, the lubricant will be evenly distributed over the surface.
Attention! Find out if the deck of your simulator does not use a paraffin layer, then lubrication with silicone mixtures is not required.
How often to lubricate your treadmill
The presence of lubricant in the treadmill cannot be seen or felt. If the lubricant has dried out, the simulator itself will not tell you about it. But running on a treadmill without lubrication is dangerous, as this will lead to early failure.
The instructions for the simulator should indicate how long it should take to lubricate. This time directly depends on the frequency of operation of the track and the intensity of its use.
But the manufacturer does not know these conditions, so the instructions indicate after how many kilometers traveled the track should be lubricated or after how many hours of operation. For example, after every 300 kilometers traveled, or 30 hours worked, the treadmill needs to be serviced.
If you hear squeaking or grinding noises during exercise, it’s most likely time for lubrication.
For forgetful and busy people, there is an easier way to check whether your machine requires lubrication. Lift the running belt and slide your finger under it. If a little silicone substance remains on it, then everything is in order and no maintenance is required. If the canvas is dry, then it should be treated.
There are also models of treadmills that themselves inform about the proximity of maintenance. After a certain time, an indicator lights up to remind you to lubricate the treadmill.
Popular lubricants for treadmills
- Efele treadmill lubricant. Available in cans, applied to parts and surfaces using an aerosol. Includes a thin tube to deliver lubricant to limited areas of the structure.
This lubricant is convenient for covering large areas: for example, under a moving belt. In addition to its main task: lubrication, this composition is a kind of conditioner. The track dries out less and lasts longer. The smooth silicone layer reduces friction noise for comfortable use. The manufacturer claims that the lubricant is universal and is suitable for all types of tracks: electrical, mechanical, magnetic. - Silicone lubricant for Daytona treadmills.
The release form is similar: a convenient spray can, only without a tube. Long service life: lubrication is carried out after 150-200 virtual kilometers. The primary use is the supporting surface and the treadmill itself. After application, it releases a pungent odor that quickly dissipates to a comfortable feeling. - Molykote Separator Spray is an aerosol with a tubular applicator.
Has food approval. On the one hand, this makes the product more expensive, on the other hand, it ensures complete safety for home use. Completely neutral towards rubber and plastic. - Silicone grease SIL-X. The main advantage is low cost. It copes with its tasks, but there are serious shortcomings. The strong smell does not allow the use of lubricant at home; area of application: gyms. Before use, materials should be checked for compatibility.
Review of popular lubricants for treadmills - video
Why does a treadmill need to be lubricated?
Due to constant use, and simply due to dry air, the lubricant between the blade and the deck dries out. This leads to increased friction between them, as well as increased stress on the belt and motor, which can eventually lead to failure of the entire treadmill.
Therefore, lubricating the simulator is an essential part of its care. Without this, you may be denied warranty repairs.
What lubricant to use for a treadmill
The quality of the lubrication directly affects how often the treadmill is lubricated and how it performs. Therefore, do not use lubricants not intended for this purpose.
Among them:
- motor oils,
- transmission oils,
- hydraulic oils and greases.
From a technical point of view, they are suitable for lubrication, but from a practical point of view, not so much. This is due to the fact that they have an unpleasant, pungent characteristic odor. Once you lubricate your treadmill at home with it, you won't be able to get rid of it any time soon.
These oils are not safe for children or pets, so it is best not to expose them to risk. And besides, stains from them are difficult to remove; the interior of your home can be seriously damaged.
Therefore, special compounds are recommended for lubricating home treadmills.
Before purchasing, pay attention to the method of applying the lubricant and its consistency.
Most often, modern lubricants are silicone based and come in the form of a spray. This makes it easier to apply them.
It is better if the lubricant can states that the mixture is suitable as a lubricant and release agent. Such lubricants are produced by Hasttings, Efele and Molykote Separator Spray.
These brands top the list of quality, affordable treadmill lubricants.
Why can't you use car oils?
From the point of view of technical compatibility, there are no special problems. The lubrication points of the simulator are not much different from car ones:
- rolling bearings;
- friction bearings;
- bushings;
- sliding surfaces.
That is, any paste-like lubricant can easily cope with this task. However, “Litols” and “Solidols” are not considered as care products for sports equipment.
- Petroleum products and animal fat compounds have an unpleasant odor. Most treadmills are located at home: using mechanisms lubricated with Solidol is at least uncomfortable.
- Any modern lubricant meets environmental standards. However, not all compounds are approved for use in the food or medical fields. The home environment is a similar environment. Banal chemical safety. In addition, there are small children or animals in the house that could be harmed by petroleum products.
- Hygiene: Blue lithium grease stains can be difficult to remove from carpet.
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Does a new treadmill need to be lubricated?
Most often, a newly purchased treadmill does not need to be lubricated since it was done at the factory.
But to get rid of doubts, read the instructions or check the presence of lubricant yourself by lifting the running belt in the manner indicated above.
You will most likely need to service your treadmill 3-5 months after purchasing it, depending on how much you use it.
By understanding how to lubricate your treadmill, you can significantly extend its life. Thanks to this simple procedure, you can improve its condition and reduce squeaks during operation. But in addition to constant lubrication, the machine also requires other types of maintenance: cleaning, tightening and centering the running belt. All these procedures are designed to maintain the quality of the treadmill and extend its service life.
