When, Where, and Why to Lubricate Your Treadmill

One of the most common questions we get from treadmill owners is about lubricating their treadmill. 99% of the questions take the form of one of 3 “W’s”. When should I lube the machine, where should I lube the treadmill, and why should I lube the tread? We will cover each of these “W’s” in depth.

When to Lubricate

Many people don’t know they should lubricate their treadmill until they start having problems. As we have repeatedly said if you want to reduce future service, keep the treadmill clean and lubricate the walking belt regularly. The big questions are: when should I lube the machine, and how often should I repeat it? The answer depends upon which treadmill you bought. Most of the home companies use water-based silicone. NEVER use silicone from a can. 99% of silicone is petroleum-based and ruins a belt. Water-based silicone is great for a treadmill, but its shortcoming is that since it is water-based, it evaporates. Some factories claim you need to re-lube once a month, but with silicone, if you can put your hand under the belt and feel moisture, you don’t need to re-lube.

For silicone and Performant lube systems (which is another synthetic lube), we developed our World Famous lube in order to overcome the constant re-lube requirements created by the evaporation issue. Our World Famous lube only requires re-lubing once every 12 to 18 months, and once you re-lube about 4-5 times, the lube accumulates, and you might never need to lube again. Some treadmills in the past used a wax system. Almost no one uses wax any longer, but our World Famous lube can be used in place of a wax system, too.

Many companies are now using a Permalube belt, which is a unit that claims never to need lubricating again until it wears out. This sounds like a silver bullet until you experience the belt over the long pull and realize that it makes a promise that, in our experience, it just doesn’t keep. The idea is to use a time-release lube that will do its own job of re-lubing the belt. In practice, we have seen premature wear of the belt- this would make sense because the belt maker sells you on “no maintenance,” but then they sell more belts down the road. Our advice is to stick with the maintenance schedule, and you will have fewer motor, electronics, and belt problems over the long pull.

Where To Lubricate

This is a common question, and it requires a bit of explanation. The motor area does not require any lubrication. The rollers typically use sealed bearings, so they never require lube. The treadmill motor area does not require any lubrication. The treadmill rollers typically use sealed bearings, so they never require lube. The area between the walking belt and the deck is the only area that requires lubing. NEVER lube the top of the treadmill running belt.

Why to Lubricate

The elephant in the room is why. We have already explained that lack of lube will create issues with the motor, electronics, and belt but it also can create issues with the rollers, drive belt, and deck surface. The reason for this is that the higher the friction between the belt and treadmill deck, the more electricity has to be drawn from the wall to run the machine.

When you have more electricity, it puts more wear on the motor brushes, the armature of the motor, and the electronic circuits that feed the motor and electronics. Rollers have more torque forces against the bearings and drive belt and the deck surface wears quicker with more friction and the heat that it causes. All of this also contributes to premature belt failure. This is why you should lube your machine. Regardless if the factory claims “no maintenance” or a permanently lubed belt you will replace parts and the belt quicker by not lubing than by properly lubricating your machine.

Before You Begin

Before we begin the process of lubricating your treadmill, it is crucial to ensure that several preparatory steps are taken to guarantee safety and effectiveness.

Step 1. Safety Precautions

Always prioritize safety by ensuring the treadmill is fully powered off and unplugged before performing any maintenance. This simple step helps prevent accidents and promotes a secure environment.

Step 2. Gather all Tools

Begin by assembling all essential tools and materials, paying special attention to include the recommended lubricant from the manufacturer for optimal performance and longevity.

Step 3. Read the Manual

Carefully read the user manual, as it contains essential instructions and recommendations that will enhance your experience and ensure optimal performance with the product.

Step 4. Clear the Workspace

Ensure a safe and efficient working environment by thoroughly clearing the surrounding area of any obstacles or debris, allowing ample space to work comfortably and effectively.

Step 5. Gear Up

Prioritize safety by wearing suitable gear, including sturdy gloves and protective eyewear. This essential step ensures your well-being while engaging in any hands-on activity.

How to Identify Your Treadmill Type

Did you know that the lubrication process varies depending on the type of treadmill you own?

Thus, before lubricating your treadmill, it is important to recognize the differences between folding and non-folding models.

Folding Treadmills	Non-Folding Treadmills
Accessing the Belt: To lubricate the walking belt, it must be folded down. Once in said position, you might need to loosen or slightly lift the belt manually for lubrication access.  This may involve adjusting screws or using a treadmill belt lifter tool.	Accessing the Belt: Non-folding treadmills typically have a fixed deck, which may require you to loosen or slightly lift the belt manually for lubrication access.  This may involve adjusting screws or using a treadmill belt lifter tool.
Lubricant Application: Lift the belt and apply the lubricant along the center of the underside.  Once done, carefully lower the belt back into its place and run the treadmill at a slow speed to ensure even distribution of the lubricant.	Lubricant Application: Lift the walking belt and apply the lubricant along the center of the underside.  Carefully lower the belt back and run the treadmill slowly to ensure the lubricant gets evenly distributed.
Storage Considerations: Ensure the treadmill is completely dry and the lubricant is fully worked in before folding and storing it to prevent excess lubricant from transferring to other surfaces.	Consistent Maintenance: Since non-folding treadmills are stationary, routine checks and maintenance can be easier.

How to Lubricate your Treadmill

You can read our guide to lubricate your treadmill Or, follow the steps listed below:

1. Access the Walking Belt and Deck

To start the lubrication process, you need to access the belt and deck—the areas that need the most attention. This might involve removing the motor cover, especially if the motor obstructs access to the treadmill’s internal parts. Consult your treadmill’s manual for specific instructions on how to do this. Once you have access, lift the belt slightly to expose the deck.

2. Clean Walking Belt and Deck

Before applying any lubricant, cleaning the belt and deck is essential. Use a clean cloth to remove any dirt, dust, or debris. Why is this important? Dirt and debris can cause friction between the belt and deck, leading to wear and tear. A clean surface ensures that the lubricant can do its job effectively, reducing friction and prolonging the life of your treadmill.

3. Apply/Spray Treadmill Lubricant

When maintaining your treadmill, using the recommended lubricant and application method based on the manufacturer’s guidelines for optimal results is important.

4. Reassemble and Test

After applying the lubricant, reassemble any parts that were removed. Gently walk on it for a few minutes to distribute the lubricant evenly along the deck. If you notice any excess or uneven distribution, wipe off any excess with a clean cloth. Then, your treadmill is ready for regular use.

Regular lubrication is a simple yet effective way to keep your treadmill running smoothly. We’re here to help you make the most of your fitness equipment.