How to Apply Treadmill Lubricant? Simplest and Most Effective Method

Does your treadmill belt squeak slightly with each step? Is the treadmill producing more noise now than when it was brand new? If you notice any of these signs, your treadmill is almost certainly in desperate need of lubricant. Lubricating a treadmill belt can dramatically extend the life of your treadmill. Additionally, it can assist in operating your treadmill belt at peak performance. So, it’s a good idea to know how to apply treadmill belt lubricant.

The penalties of failing to maintain your treadmill lubricated might be highly costly. Using a treadmill with too much friction can result in motor or controller board burnout, treadmill belt degradation or delamination, and a significant increase in energy usage.

Lubricating a treadmill belt is actually a simple and inexpensive procedure. Let’s take a look at how to apply treadmill belt lubricant.

The belt is the most critical component of your treadmill. A few minutes spent lubricating the treadmill belt can result in years of trouble-free treadmill use. Moreover, it’s something you can do on your own.

Step 1 :

Power off your treadmill and unplug it from the power source. Then, use a screwdriver to loosen the screws on each side of the treadmill.

Step 2 :

Starting at the front (motor end) of your treadmill, move your hand underneath the belt to create spacing between the deck and belt.

Step 3 :

Place the lubrication tube as close to the treadmill deck’s center as possible. Then, slowly move the applicator from the center of the treadmill belt to the edge of the belt. 

Apply lubricant to the sides of the treadmill deck, being careful not to get any on the floor. Using a towel, wipe away any extra lubrication. Apply rubbing alcohol to your cleaning rag or sponge for the finest results. This will absorb any excess lubricant more effectively.

Step 4 :

Repeat steps 1-3 on the opposite side of the belt.

Step 5 :

Lower the treadmill belt and fasten the treadmill screws again. Make sure that they’re safe.

Step 6 :

Reconnect the treadmill’s power cord and turn it on. Walk on your treadmill at a speed of 1 mph for up to five minutes. This will ensure that the lubricant spreads uniformly throughout the deck surface.

You can also see the following video on how to apply treadmill belt lubricant for better understanding-

Warning: Avoid getting lubricant on the top of the treadmill. When running at high speeds, this can make the belt slippery and dangerous.

Final Words: How to Lubricate a Treadmill

Like other types of exercise equipment, treadmills need to be serviced regularly to keep them running smoothly. Knowing how to apply treadmill belt lubricant is part of the maintenance process that needs to be done. In the above video, you can see that lubricating treadmills is a simple and quick process. Yet, your equipment will run at its best and last longer if you do this. 

However, it’s important to check everything we’ve talked about in this guide, including how to choose the right lubricant for your treadmill model. It’s important to start lubricating the machine right away when you buy it. Every three to six months, depending on how often it is used, you should do this again.

How to Apply Treadmill Belt Lubricant (FAQs)

Why Do Treadmills Require Lubricant?

Here are a few reasons why lubricating your treadmill should be a regular part of your home gym maintenance.

  • The use of treadmill lubricant extends the life of the track by reducing friction between the tread belt and the motor.                                                                                                                           
  • Lubricant for treadmills assists in preparing the machine for storage.                                                                               
  • Without it, the belt may grow brittle and break when the machine is restarted.

Preventing a tread belt failure is usually less expensive than replacing one.

How Often to Lubricate Treadmill?

Manufacturers of popular treadmills recommend lubricating treadmills every three months, or around 40 hours or every 130 miles (whichever is earlier) of use. However, above instructions are common but it may vary depending on the machine’s frequency of use. 

For instance, walking treadmills require lubrication more frequently than running treadmills since they are utilized for a greater number of hours per week. Similarly, commercial-grade treadmills may require more frequent lubrication than compact/domestic machines.

This means that how often to lubricate treadmill is directly related to how often it is used. It’s always a good idea to stick to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Most treadmill manufacturers include lubrication instructions in their instruction manuals. TreadmillLubrication.com makes it simple to find your manufacturer’s lubrication instructions. 

Interestingly, some modern treadmills display a warning on their monitor suggesting that they need to be lubricated before they can be used.

What is the Best Treadmill Belt Lubricant to Use?

What type of lubrication should you choose for your desk treadmill? 100% silicone. Ideally, you should choose a product that has been recommended by the manufacturer of your machine. So, here are some high-quality lubricants that work:

Lifespan Silicone Treadmill Lubricant: This is a 100% silicone product that contains no propellants or distillates.

Spot On Treadmill Belt Lubricant: This is 100% silicone. Additionally, you can lubricate the belt without having to loosen it due to its innovative application tube. 

Do not use oil or grease that have been manufactured for other purposes. This may clog the treadmill or, even worse, damage it.

Lastly, you may want to consider getting a treadmill mat to place underneath your machine. If your treadmill is placed on a carpet, a mat can help keep the belt area clean by preventing debris from the rug from entering the belt area. 

Can We Use WD 40 on a Treadmill?

No, petroleum-based lubricants such as WD-40 will damage your treadmill. Always use the oil recommended by the manufacturer, or a silicone-based lubricant if the manufacturer has not indicated one.

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