If your NordicTrack treadmill feels slippery or jerky, you might need to adjust the walking belt. Knowing how to move the belt on a NordicTrack treadmill is a simple maintenance task that can restore your machine’s performance and safety. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you can get back to your workouts with confidence.
Regular belt alignment and tension are crucial. A misaligned belt can cause uneven wear and damage to your treadmill’s deck. It can also make your runs less smooth and even pose a safety risk. Luckily, correcting this is often a quick fix you can do yourself with just the tools that came with your treadmill.
Before we start, always remember to unplug the treadmill from the electrical outlet. This is the most important safety step and prevents any accidental starts while you’re working.
How to Move the Belt on a NordicTrack Treadmill
This main procedure involves two key adjustments: centering the belt and adjusting its tightness. You’ll be making small, quarter-turn adjustments to the rear roller adjustment bolts located at the back end of the treadmill, near the floor.
Tools You Will Need
- The hex key (Allen wrench) provided with your NordicTrack treadmill. This is usually a long L-shaped tool.
- A clean, dry cloth.
- A tape measure (optional, but helpful for checking alignment).
Step 1: Check the Current Belt Alignment
First, take a look at the belt’s position on the deck. Stand behind the treadmill and observe the gap between the belt edge and the plastic side rails on both sides. The belt should be centered, with an equal gap on the left and right. If one side is closer to the rail than the other, the belt is misaligned.
You can also gently walk the belt by hand to see if it drifts to one side as it moves. This will help you understand which way it needs to be adjusted.
Step 2: Locate the Adjustment Bolts
Carefully tilt your treadmill upright so you can access the rear roller. Most NordicTrack models have two adjustment bolts, one on the left and one on the right, at the very back. They are inserted into the rear roller brackets. These bolts control the tilt and tension of the rear roller, which in turn moves the belt.
Step 3: Align the Belt (Centering)
If your belt is drifting to the left, it means the left side of the roller is too far forward relative to the right. To correct this, you need to move the left side back slightly.
- Insert the hex key into the LEFT adjustment bolt.
- Turn the bolt CLOCKWISE a quarter (1/4) turn. This pulls the left side of the roller back.
- Now, insert the hex key into the RIGHT adjustment bolt.
- Turn the RIGHT bolt COUNTER-CLOCKWISE a quarter (1/4) turn. This pushes the right side of the roller forward.
This paired adjustment—clockwise on the side the belt is moving toward, counter-clockwise on the opposite side—keeps the overall tension similar while shifting the belt’s path. Always make adjustments in small, quarter-turn increments.
Step 4: Check the Alignment Again
After making the adjustment, lower the treadmill and plug it in briefly. Stand on the side rails for safety, start the belt at a slow speed (2-3 mph), and observe its movement. Does it stay centered? If it still drifts, unplug the machine and repeat Step 3 with another small quarter-turn adjustment on the appropriate side.
Patience is key here. It may take a few tries to get it perfectly centered. Avoid making large turns, as this can over-correct the problem or make the belt too tight.
Step 5: Adjust the Belt Tension
A properly tensioned belt should not feel loose or slip under your foot when walking or running. Nor should it be so tight that the motor strains. A good test is the “lift test.” With the treadmill off and unplugged, try to lift the belt from the middle of the deck. You should be able to lift it about 2 to 3 inches off the deck. If you can lift it higher, it’s too loose. If you can barely lift it, it’s too tight.
To tighten the belt (if it’s too loose):
- Turn BOTH the left and right adjustment bolts clockwise by an equal amount (e.g., a half-turn each).
- This pulls the entire rear roller back, increasing tension on the belt.
To loosen the belt (if it’s too tight):
- Turn BOTH the left and right adjustment bolts counter-clockwise by an equal amount.
- This allows the entire rear roller to move forward, decreasing tension.
After adjusting tension, you must re-check the alignment, as changing tension can sometimes affect it.
Step 6: Final Test and Lubrication Check
Once the belt is centered and has the correct tension, do a final test. Run the treadmill at various speeds while walking on it. It should feel smooth and stable without any slipping or dragging sounds.
This is also a good time to think about lubrication. A dry belt can cause performance issues that mimic misalignment. Consult your NordicTrack manual to see if your model requires periodic belt lubrication and use only the recommended lubricant. Over-lubricating can attract dust and create a mess.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Making large adjustments. Always use small, quarter-turns.
- Adjusting only one bolt. This drastically changes tension and alignment.
- Forgetting to unplug the treadmill before starting work.
- Ignoring the owner’s manual. Your specific model might have slight variations.
- Neglecting to check belt tension after centering it.
When to Call for Service
If you’ve followed these steps carefully and the belt still won’t stay centered, or if you hear unusual grinding noises, there may be a more serious issue. The roller could be worn, the deck might be damaged, or internal components may need attention. In these cases, contacting NordicTrack customer support or a qualified technician is the best course of action.
FAQ: NordicTrack Treadmill Belt Adjustment
How often should I adjust my treadmill belt?
There’s no set schedule. Adjust it whenever you notice slipping, misalignment, or a change in how the belt feels underfoot. It’s a good idea to check the alignment every few months as part of routine maintenance.
Why does my NordicTrack belt keep slipping?
Slipping is usually caused by a belt that is too loose. Tighten it using the method in Step 5. It can also be caused by a worn belt, a lack of lubrication on models that require it, or a worn drive motor.
Can I use any lubricant on my treadmill belt?
No. You should use only the silicone-based lubricant recommended by NordicTrack. Using the wrong type, like WD-40 or household oils, can damage the belt and deck.
My belt is making a squeaking noise. Is that an alignment issue?
Not necessarily. Squeaking often points to a need for lubrication or a loose drive belt inside the motor hood. Check lubrication first, then consult your manual for drive belt inspection steps.
What if the adjustment bolts are too tight or won’t turn?
Do not force them. Applying excessive pressure can strip the bolts. Ensure you’re using the correct size hex key. If they are truly stuck, you may need professional assistance to avoid causing further damage.
How do I know if my treadmill belt needs to be replaced instead of adjusted?
Look for signs of excessive wear, such as fraying edges, cracks, or glossy, hardened spots on the surface. If the belt has stretched beyond the adjustment range of the bolts, it’s also time for a replacement.
Regular maintenance, including knowing how to move the belt on a NordicTrack treadmill, will extend the life of your machine and make every workout safer and more enjoyable. By taking 15 minutes to perform these checks, you save yourself from costly repairs and keep your fitness routine on track.