If your treadmill is starting to squeak or feel rough, you might be wondering what can you use to lubricate a treadmill belt. Using the right product is crucial for protecting your investment and ensuring a smooth, quiet workout.
What Can You Use To Lubricate A Treadmill Belt
The only product you should use is a 100% silicone-based treadmill belt lubricant. This is specifically formulated for the job. Never use household oils like WD-40, 3-in-1 oil, or spray silicone. These can damage the belt and deck, creating a safety hazard and voiding your warranty.
Why Silicone Lubricant is the Only Correct Choice
Silicone lubricant has special properties that make it perfect for treadmills. It doesn’t attract dust and dirt like petroleum-based oils, which can create a gritty paste that wears down the belt. It also won’t break down the materials in your belt or the deck underneath.
Using the wrong lubricant is a common mistake. It can cause the belt to slip, which is dangerous. It can also lead to excessive wear, meaning you’ll need to replace expensive parts much sooner.
Where to Find Treadmill Silicone Lubricant
- Treadmill Manufacturer: Check their website or customer service. They often sell their own branded bottle.
- Sporting Goods Stores: Both big-box and specialty fitness retailers carry it.
- Online Retailers: Amazon, Walmart.com, and other online shops have many options.
- Note: Some newer treadmills have self-lubricating belts or require no lubrication. Always check your owner’s manual first to be absolutly sure.
Tools and Supplies You’ll Need
Gathering everything before you start makes the process quick and easy. You won’t have to stop halfway through to look for something.
- 100% Silicone Treadmill Lubricant
- A clean, lint-free cloth
- A screwdriver (usually a hex key/Allen wrench that came with your treadmill)
- A vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment
- Your treadmill owner’s manual (for belt tensioning instructions)
Step-by-Step Guide to Lubricating Your Treadmill Belt
Follow these steps carefully to do the job right. It usually only takes about 15-20 minutes.
Step 1: Safety First – Unplug the Treadmill
This is the most important step. Always unplug the treadmill from the electrical outlet before you begin any maintenance. This prevents any accidental starts and keeps you safe.
Step 2: Center the Belt
Run the treadmill at a slow speed (around 3 mph) for a minute to center the belt. This ensures it’s sitting evenly on the deck. Then, unplug it again before proceeding.
Step 3: Loosen the Belt (If Needed)
You need to lift the belt to apply lubricant underneath. Sometimes you can lift it without loosening. If it’s too tight, you’ll need to loosen the rear roller bolts. Your manual will show you where these are, usually at the back end of the treadmill.
Turn each bolt a half-turn counter-clockwise. Don’t over-loosen them, just enough so you can lift the belt comfortably.
Step 4: Clean the Area
Use the vacuum hose to clean under the belt and around the deck. Remove any dust, hair, or debris. Then, wipe the deck under the belt with your clean cloth. A clean surface helps the lubricant work properly.
Step 5: Apply the Silicone Lubricant
Lift the belt along one side. Apply a thin, bead of silicone lubricant down the length of the deck, about 2-3 inches from the edge. Do not over-apply. A little goes a long way. Repeat this process on the other side of the deck, applying another bead 2-3 inches from the opposite edge.
Some manuals suggest a zig-zag pattern. The key is to get coverage on the center two-thirds of the deck, where your feet strike.
Step 6: Spread the Lubricant
Plug the treadmill back in (keep the safety key out). Run the treadmill at a slow speed (1-2 mph) for 30 to 60 seconds. This allows the belt to spread the lubricant evenly across the entire deck. Then, unplug it again.
Step 7: Re-Tension the Belt
If you loosened the rear roller bolts, now is the time to re-tighten them. Turn each bolt a half-turn clockwise, checking the tension as you go. The belt should be snug but not overly tight. You should be able to lift it about 2-3 inches off the deck in the middle.
Step 8: Final Check and Clean Up
Plug the treadmill back in. Run it at a moderate speed (3-5 mph) for a minute or two. Listen for any unusual noises and feel for smooth operation. Wipe off any excess lubricant that may have seeped out the sides with your cloth.
How Often Should You Lubricate?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on how much you use your treadmill and the model you have.
- Check your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommendation. This is your best guide.
- A general rule is every 3 months or every 130 miles of use, whichever comes first.
- If you use your treadmill daily or for long runs, you may need to lubricate it more frequently.
- Signs you need lubrication include a squeaking noise, a sticky feeling when walking, or the belt slowing down under your feet.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing the right steps. Avoid these errors to keep your treadmill in top shape.
- Using Non-Silicone Lubricants: As stated, this can cause serious damage.
- Over-Lubricating: Too much silicone can cause the belt to slip and attract more dirt.
- Lubricating the Top of the Belt: The lubricant goes between the belt and the deck, not on the walking surface.
- Ignoring Cleaning: Lubricating over dirt just grinds that dirt into the deck.
- Forgetting to Re-Tension: A belt that’s too loose or too tight will wear out quickly and perform poorly.
FAQ Section
Can I use silicone spray from the hardware store?
No. Spray silicone often contains additives like petroleum distillates that can harm the treadmill deck. Always use a drip bottle of 100% silicone lubricant made for treadmills.
What if I don’t have my manual?
You can usually find a digital copy on the manufacturer’s website by searching your treadmill’s model number. The model number is typically on a sticker near the power cord or on the frame.
My treadmill still squeaks after lubrication. What’s wrong?
The issue might not be the belt. Squeaking can also come from the roller bearings or the motor drive belt. If you’re confident you lubricated correctly, it may be time to call a service technician.
How do I know if my belt needs replacing instead of just lubricating?
Look for signs of wear like fraying edges, cracks, or a glossy, hardened surface. If the belt slips even after proper tensioning and lubrication, or if you feel bumps or inconsistencies while walking, it might be worn out.
Can I use treadmill lubricant on other exercise equipment?
It’s best to check each equipment’s manual. Silicone lubricant might be suitable for some elliptical tracks or slide rails, but other machines may require specific greases for their bearings or joints.
Is there an alternative to silicone treadmill lube?
For treadmills, there is no safe alternative. The design relies on the specific friction-reducing and material-safe properties of pure silicone. Using anything else risks costly damage.
Regular maintenance, including knowing what can you use to lubricate a treadmill belt, is the key to a long-lasting machine. By following these simple steps with the correct silicone lubricant, you’ll ensure quite, smooth workouts for years to come. Remember to always prioritize safety by unplugging the unit before you start any work.