Step-By-Step Guide: How to Replace a Treadmill Walking Belt

Identifying Treadmill Walking Belt Issues

Knowing the signs of a worn-out walking belt can help determine when a replacement is necessary. Here are the key symptoms to watch out for:

• Visible signs of wear and tear on the walking belt, such as fraying, cracking, or holes, are clear indicators that a replacement is required. Over time, these damages not only affect the aesthetics of your treadmill but also cause safety hazards when walking on the belt.
• Unusual noises from the treadmill during operation can also point to a deteriorating walking belt. Sounds like scraping or grinding may be caused by friction between the worn-out belt for treadmill and the deck. Ignoring these noises could potentially lead to more extensive damage to the treadmill.
• Besides appearance and noise, the overall performance of your treadmill can be affected by a faulty walking belt. A worn-out belt might lose its grip and slip during use, making your workouts less effective and potentially unsafe.

An uneven or loose walking belt can also increase the risk of accidents or injuries. Follow the instructions in your owner’s manual to fix an uneven or loose walking belt. If you find walking belt damage when making adjustments, you’ll need to replace the walking belt.

Being vigilant about addressing these symptoms can help maintain the performance and safety of your treadmill.

Walking Belt Replacement Instructions

Replacing a treadmill walking belt requires careful adherence to safety and installation instructions. Here's a comprehensive video and guide on how to replace a treadmill walking belt:

Safety First

Before you begin, remove the safety key and unplug the treadmill from the wall outlet to prevent accidental injuries. You should also wear protective gloves and safety goggles to shield yourself from potential hazards.

Required Tools

For this belt treadmill replacement, you'll need the following tools:

• Allen wrench set.
• Phillips screwdriver.
• Wrench set.
• Treadmill silicone lubricant.
• Clean cloth or towel.

1. Remove the Motor Hood

Remove the screws securing the motor hood to the belly pan. Pull the motor hood forward and remove it from the treadmill frame.

2. Remove the Right Side Foot Rail

Fold the treadmill up and engage the latch. Remove the screws from under the walking board that fasten the right side foot rail to the walking platform.

Release the latch and unfold the treadmill. Lift the right foot rail up and off.

3. Remove the Walking Belt

Turn the right side roller adjustment Allen screw to release the walking belt tension. Lift the rear roller up and out of the mounting bracket.

Remove the front roller adjustment nut and screw. Lift the front roller up and out of its mounting bracket.

Fold the treadmill up and engage the latch. Remove the front and rear corner screws that fasten the right side of the walking board to the frame.

Release the latch and unfold the treadmill. Lift and hold the right side of the walking platform up and slide the walking belt off the walking board and belt rollers.

4. Install the New Walking Belt

Lift the right side of the walking board up and slide the new walking belt over the walking board and belt rollers. Fold the treadmill up and engage the latch.

Reinstall the right front and right rear mounting screws to fasten the platform to the frame. Release the latch and unfold the treadmill.

Position the front roller in the mounting bracket and reinstall the mounting screw and nut in their original position. Position the rear roller adjustment screw with the washers to outer side of the rear roller-mounting bracket.

Rotate the adjustment screw to apply tension to the belt. When properly tensioned, you should be able to lift the edge of the walking belt 2-3 inches.

5. Reinstall the Right Foot Rail and Motor Hood

Reinstall the right side foot rail and mounting screws.

Release the latch and unfold the treadmill. Slide the motor hood onto the frame. Reinstall the motor hood mounting screws.

6. Restore Power and Check Walking Belt Tracking

Plug the treadmill into the electrical outlet.

Do not walk on the treadmill while checking and adjusting the belt tracking.

Put the key in and start the treadmill. Set the speed to the slowest setting and let it run for a minute or so.

If the belt is not tracking in the center, remove the key and unplug the power cord.

Use the Allen wrench supplied with the treadmill and adjust the rear rollers as needed to center the walking belt. If the belt is tracking to the left of center, turn the left roller adjustment screw clockwise 1/2 of a turn. If the belt is tracking to the right of center, turn the left roller adjustment screw counter clock-wise 1/2 of a turn.

After adjustment, restore power and recheck the tracking.

Repeat until the walking belt is tracking in the center.

7. Lubricate the Belt and Walking Board

Remove the key and unplug the treadmill’s power cord from the wall outlet.

Lift the sides of the treadmill belt and evenly apply silicone lubricant to the walking board. Spread the silicone with a wood paint stirrer or similar flat item.

Plug the treadmill into the electrical outlet and insert the safety key.

Run the treadmill for several minutes on medium speed to disperse the lubricant evenly over the walking board.

Attach the safety key cord to your clothing and walk on the belt for a few minutes to evenly spread the silicone lubricant across the walking board.

This repair procedure is somewhat complicated for homeowners who are not accustomed to completing DIY repairs. If you aren’t completely confident that you can complete this repair on your own, schedule repair service and a Sears Home Services technician will visit your home and replace the walking belt for you.

Treadmill Maintenance Guide

Treadmills are a great way to stay fit and active at home. However, like all mechanical devices, they need regular maintenance. Proper maintenance can prolong the lifespan of your treadmill walking belt. Keep the belt clean and free from debris by wiping it down after each use. Regular lubrication can also reduce friction and prevent premature wear. Check your treadmill's user manual for recommended lubricants and application instructions.

For more tips on treadmill maintenance, read our article How to Keep Your Treadmill in Top Shape.