How to Center the Treadmill Belt Rubbing on Deck? | Detailed Guide 2023

Is your treadmill belt rubbing on deck? Are you annoyed with your regular treadmill belt issues?

In the fitness industry, treadmills are one of the types of equipment that lasts for years, even after facing issues.

But belt rubbing on the deck isn’t a big problem you can quickly fix it. Here, I have a step-by-step guide for you to solve this problem.

Why is Your Treadmill Belt Rubbing on Deck?

If your treadmill belt is rubbing on deck, there can be multiple reasons behind it.

But, mostly it happens when your belt isn’t centered or bunching in middle and this can damage your treadmill if it is left unbothered for longer. If you’re frustrated by bunching belt, you might start thinking, are these machines actually worth their value? If you face such minor issue, it doesn’t mean treadmills aren’t worth it. Come onboard, we’ll help you get the culprit.

So, without wasting time, let’s get straight into the solution with a step-by-step guide.

How To Fix Your Treadmill Belt Rubbing On Deck?

Adjusting your walking belt is all you need to do if you have observed that it is rubbing on the deck.

You can use the Allen Wrench or Hex Key for this purpose.

This tool is necessary, and you must utilize it throughout the initial construction of the treadmill.

I want you to also recall when was the last time you lubricated your belt last time? If it’s been long you can do that easily yourself.

Step 01

First, remove the plug from the switch. To start, you need Idler Roller adjustment bolts or the Idler roller screws.

Then, locate the Idler Roller Adjustment Bolts or the Idler Roller Screws to move the walking belt from one side to the other.

Step 02

The most important step is to determine in which direction the belt is.

If you enter the Hex Key as mentioned in the manual, adjusting the settings from this point will be pretty simple.

Treadmill Belt Rubbing on Deck

Step 03

On the LEFT side of the treadmill is where you need to make adjustments, as this is where the left-hand control panel is located.

Move the belt in a clockwise direction to move it to the right, and move it in a counterclockwise direction to move it to the left.

Sometimes, you need to move it only in one direction to avoid overdoing this step.

Because overdoing this will move the belt too far in the opposite direction.

Step 04

After reconnecting the power cord to the treadmill, start the machine.

Then let it run at a slow speed for a few minutes.

Here, you will notice that the walking belt starts moving in the right direction.

Step 05

If the walking belt is not properly centered, you must repeat the previous steps to center the walking belt properly.

Precautionary Measures to Take While Centering the Belt

  1. Fix the treadmill belt curling on sides.
  2.  For this, you shouldn’t keep tightening the rear rollers.
  3. It’s possible that the problem lies with the front rollers, the deck springs, or one of the other parts.
  4. Also, do not repeat the process of moving clockwise or counterclockwise again and again.

Lastly, you should always ask for help because the instructions in the user manual book aren’t very clear.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can you protect a treadmill deck?

How can you protect a treadmill deck?

The easiest way to support the deck without changing its qualities is to install a metal bar.

The bar with a thickness of no more than three millimeters.

You must consider doing it at a location that is approximately two third through the deck.

Also, experts usually recommend including gummy spacers/mats so that there is no clicking noise when running.

In the end, the most effective solution is to fasten the bar to the treadmill’s frame by using screws.

There’s also a possibility that your treadmill belt might get cracked due to some reason and cause the belt to rub on deck. There’s nothing to worry about just follow the simple guidelines here.

When should I replace my treadmill deck?

As soon as the wood is exposed, the level of friction between the belt and the deck becomes significantly higher.

In this case, the deck should be replaced as soon as possible.

If it is not replaced, the additional voltage that is flowing through the circuit boards shows a risk of the treadmill catching fire.

Why is my treadmill making a rubbing noise?

There can be many reasons behind it.

Most prominently, you may hear a rubbing noise from the belt if you don’t lubricate it and adjust the tension regularly. But make sure that you know how to lubricate it adequately to avoid overslipping lately.

You should consult your owner’s manual and perform all the maintenance required for the belt to maintain it operating smoothly and silently.

Conclusion

These problems are common for treadmills and you can fix the issue on almost any treadmill by adjusting the tension on the rear rollers with an Allen wrench, as mentioned in the article.

Apart from that, if this does not work for you, you must contact a technician. However, this was the easiest way to fix the treadmill belt rubbing on the deck.

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