CHANGING A TREADMILL BELT & DECK

This information is provided for informational purposes only. We are not responsible if you damage your treadmill and/ or belt.

Video demonstration from our friends at Gym Masters available here: Video walkthrough for belt replacement

They demo using an older Precor treadmill, but the same general practices apply to basically all treadmills, just the components will change. 

How to replace the belt:

Over time a treadmill belt stretches and either rips or becomes so long it can no longer be adjusted tight enough to prevent the belt from slipping. Same goes with the treadmill deck; Over time the treadmill deck becomes worn and no longer offers a smooth slick surface for the belt. When either of these instances occur, it is time to replace the belt and either flip or replace the deck.

Following is a basic guideline of removing and replacing the running belt and deck on a treadmill. Due to different brands and designs of treadmills, the following should only be used as a guideline. If any of the information is not exact to the treadmill being serviced, refer to the service manual or call a certified service technician.

Tools needed:

(Tools needed may vary depending on treadmill)

Steps:

1. Turn the treadmill's power switch to the OFF position and unplug the cord from the wall.

2. Remove the finger guard and/or the end cap(s) retaining screws near the rear roller. You'll want all plastic and metal out of the way of the frame mounting points for the roller.

3. Loosen each rear roller bolt by 5 full turns, then repeat 5 more turns (to keep the adjustment angle somewhat near the same on both sides). Once belt tension is released you can fully remove and set aside both bolts. Make a mark on the right side of the roller, on the rod near where the bolt threads through. You'll need to remember this is the right side later!

4. Carefully remove the rear roller from the unit. Clean off any wax or debris buildup from the roller and set it aside. If the buildup is extra stuck, we recommend using an old gift card or hotel card key to scrape off the residue - see the video for more details!

5. Remove the front plastic shroud or motor cover and set it aside.

6. Locate the drive belt across the drive motor and drive roller. Work the drive belt off of the motor pulley by hand turning the flywheel while pushing the belt to the side. you may have to press firmly as the belt is likely under some tension.

7. Remove the front roller retaining bolts. (In some cases you may have two bolts. In this case, refer to the same procedure as the rear roller, and count the turns for proper alignment later.)

8. Carefully remove the front roller from the unit. Clean off any wax or debris buildup from the roller and place it aside.

9. Loosen and remove the deck mounting hardware.

10. Remove the deck and the belt by raising the right-side edge of the deck over the frame rail and sliding it to the right.

11. When installing a new belt it is important to ensure there is enough coating on the deck for the lubricant to work effectively. If you can see light colored lines, cracks, bubbles, or wood particles, check the other side of the deck. If both sides are damaged, replace the deck as well. If you run a new belt on a damaged deck it will drastically reduce the life of the belt - often reducing it to only a few months before it needs replaced again! Belts MUST be lubricated PRIOR to installation. Lubricate the belt by generously spraying Ultra Wax on the interior (white part) of the treadmill belt and let it dry for ten minutes prior to continuing.

12. Install the belt and deck by first putting the belt on the deck, and then installing them from the right side as a unit. Be sure the mounting holes are aligned.  

13. Install the deck mounting hardware and the side rail covers. 

14. Carefully place the front roller on the deck under the belt and push it forward into place, while placing the drive belt on the inside of the drive pulley. Be careful not to scratch the deck with the roller!

15. Replace the front roller bolts. If your treadmill has the adjustable front roller, refer back to the number of turns you wrote down previously. This should help you get close to the proper alignment. It also may be helpful to install the bolts just a couple of turns and then come back to them after the rear roller is installed.

16. Once the roller is installed, you can spin the roller by hand while pushing the drive belt onto the pulley. Be sure to spin the roller several times to insure complete installation and alignment of the drive belt on the pulley. The belt should be centered on both pulleys as much as possible, and tracking straight between them.

17. Install the rear roller into unit. Carefully start each bolt by hand and turn one to two threads without tools to ensure cross-threading does not occur.

18. Tighten each rear roller bolt 5 turns each before switching sides, until you've got the tension to where it's difficult to fit a fist under the walking belt. Make sure to do the same total number of turns on both sides so the belt tracks relatively straight!

19. Plug the treadmill back in and turn the power switch to ON.

20. Start the unit at a very slow speed (no more than 1 MPH) and check for proper belt alignment. Remember to start at the slowest speed possible and be ready to stop the unit quickly if needed. If the belt is not moving, tighten both rear roller bolts one turn each until it starts moving (make sure the drive belt is on and tight too!!)

21. If the belt is shifting to right side of the unit, tighten the right roller bolt. If the belt is shifting to the left side of the unit, tighten the left roller bolt until the belt is tracking properly. Caution: Make very small adjustments such as 1/4 turns and then watch the belt for several moments before making another adjustment.

22. Once the belt is tracking properly, walk on the unit at a slow speed and check for belt slippage. If this is happening, tighten each of the rear roller bolts one turn each and retest until slippage is no longer occurring. 

23. Increase the unit to a jogging speed to check for belt travel or slippage. If slippage still occurs, make small adjustments (1/2 turns) tighter on both sides of the rear roller and re-test.

24. Stop the machine and unplug it again. Install the finger guards and/or end caps once you have enough clearance from the rear roller.

25. Re-install the plastic hood cover, plug the machine in and test. If it is tracking in the center, running smooth, and not slipping then you are done! Congrats on your new treadmill belt!

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Congrats on a job well done!