Treadmills are complex machines with lots of parts. For you, the treadmill owner, that means lots of things that can break! Here are a few common repair jobs that you can do yourself. Treadmill repair doesn't have to be a headache.
If Your Treadmill Runs Fine... Until You Step Onto It
Your well honed exercise routine won't do you much good if your treadmill grinds to an agonizing halt every time you step on it. It's not meant to be a piece of furniture, so let's figure out how to fix it and get you running again.
Chances are, that belt is too old and worn. If you just bought the machine, it's the fault of the manufacturer, and it should be covered under warranty. If you've had it for a while, it might need to be replaced.
Now, your instruction manual will probably provide better instructions complete with pretty pictures, but here's the long and short of it. UNPLUG the machine. I'll say that again. UNPLUG the machine! Then, your treadmill will have some sort of hood that you will have to remove on the deck with a screwdriver. After you've got it open, you'll need to loosen the belt with your screwdriver and slip it off. Put the new one on just the way you took the old one off... but in reverse.
It Runs, But It Has A Mind Of Its Own!
It's tough to get the proper workout when your treadmill keeps jumping back and forth between different speeds. Sometimes a treadmill will decide to do its own thing, taking its owner on a wild bucking bronco roller coaster ride that could end in damaged body parts.
The good news is: it probably needs to be cleaned. The bad news is: it probably needs to be cleaned. Speed jumps are often the result of dirty speed sensors. The electronics on the machine are maybe covered in dust and need to be polished up.
Speaking of cleaning, a little routine cleaning will go a long way towards helping your treadmill work right and extending the life of its parts. Dusting off the electronics is good; so is opening it up and cleaning the belt once in a while. You can buy lubricant and belt cleaners at your fitness supply store that will make that baby run smoother than ever.
No Problem At All Except For That Horrible Burning Smell
Something's burning. That's not right. We definitely have a problem here.
First and foremost, unplug the machine and don't even think about turning it on again. Something is rubbing against something else in a way that it's not supposed to, and it's destroying your treadmill with every step. Usually, opening the deck and readjusting the belt will fix the problem. If you bought a really cheap treadmill, it may self-destruct by cooking its insides and there's not much you can do but upgrade.
If something's burning, you may have a problem with your motor. Replacing the motor is something you can definitely do by yourself, but you have to follow your instruction manual carefully, and make sure you buy just the right replacement motor.
Know your machine, and you can fix most problems yourself. There will always be routine maintenance needed to keep it running the way it should. Treadmill repair isn't rocket science; just be sure you keep that instruction manual somewhere!
