In this article:
- The Importance of Belt Lubrication
- Ordering Lubricant
- Checking the Belt for Lubrication
- Treadmill Lubrication Maintenance Schedule
- Lubrication Procedure
The Importance of Belt Lubrication
A treadmill is an important investment economically and more importantly an investment on your health and happiness. Take care of your investment by taking the proper steps to ensure your treadmill is running in tip-top condition.
To ensure the longevity and proper function of your treadmill, proper belt maintenance is required. You should regularly check between the treadmill belt and the top of the treadmill base for proper lubrication, and to ensure that no dirt or debris has become trapped. Keeping the deck clean and lubricated at the recommended intervals ensures the longest life possible for your treadmill. Should lubrication dry out, or dirt become trapped, the friction between the belt and deck increases. Increased friction places undue stress on the drive motor, drive belt, and electronic motor control board which could result in catastrophic failure of these essential, expensive components.
Ordering Additional Lubricant
Checking the Belt for Lubrication
Failure to clean and lubricate the deck at regular intervals may void the warranty. As a part of your routine maintenance schedule, belt lubrication and cleaning should be performed per the maintenance schedule of your machine, or earlier if you notice that the deck is dry or dirty. Be sure to check belt lubrication before first use.
Regularly check belt lubrication by completing the following steps:
- Ensure that your machine is off, and that the power cord is unplugged to minimize risk of injury.
- Reach between the running belt and the top of the treadmill base to verify that lubrication is present.
Treadmill Lubrication Schedule by Treadmill Series
| X-Series Treadmills | |
| Model | Lubrication Schedule |
| XT185 | every 90 hours or 90 days, whichever comes earlier |
| XT285 | every 90 hours or 90 days, whichever comes earlier |
| XT385 | every 90 hours or 90 days, whichever comes earlier |
| XT485 | every 90 hours or 90 days, whichever comes earlier |
| XT485ENT | every 90 hours or 90 days, whichever comes earlier |
| XT685 | None; flip deck only after significant wear. |
| XT685ENT | None; flip deck only after significant wear. |
| C-Series Treadmills | |
| Model | Lubrication Schedule |
| CT800 | 8000 hour pre-lubed deck. No additional lubrication necessary. |
| CT800ENT | 8000 hour pre-lubed deck. No additional lubrication necessary. |
| CT850 | 8000 hour pre-lubed deck. No additional lubrication necessary. |
| CT850ENT | 8000 hour pre-lubed deck. No additional lubrication necessary. |
| Medical Series Treadmills | |
| Model | Lubrication Schedule |
| MT200 | Self-lubricating deck. No additional lubrication necessary. |
Lubrication Procedure
To lubricate your treadmill belt:
- Before lubricating your treadmill, follow these steps to clean your treadmill. Once your treadmill has been cleaned, proceed to applying lubrication.
- Ensure that your machine is off, and unplugged to minimize risk of injury.
- Reach between the belt and the top of the treadmill base to verify that lubrication is present.
- While kneeling beside your treadmill deck, use one hand to hold the treadmill belt up and away from the treadmill base just enough so you can use your other hand to reach the lubrication underneath.
- Starting about 1 foot from the motor cover, begin applying 1⁄2 of your lubricant bottle in a long “S” pattern about 4-6” from one edge.
- Repeat steps 3 and 4 on the opposite side using the remaining 1⁄2 of the lubricant bottle.
- Plug the treadmill power cord back in, and turn the power switch back on.
- Walk on the belt at a moderate speed for 5 minutes to evenly distribute the lubricant along the treadmill belt and deck.
Your treadmill belt is now lubricated and normal use can resume. In addition to lubricating your treadmill regularly, it will also need to be cleaned regularly to keep it clear of dust and debris. See our article, “How to Clean Your Treadmill” for more information.