To know how to adjust a treadmill belt, you need to read this article properly. The treadmill is a piece of popular exercise equipment. It helps you to gain stamina, lose fat, and keeps the body active. The belt is the essential part of a treadmill. It’s the thing that helps you to walk on the treadmill. But sometimes you need to adjust it.
When do I need to adjust the treadmill belt?
Treadmill belts need an adjustment because of some reasons. First of all, if you see your treadmill is running too far to one side, it’s not perfectly aligned. The belt is probably rubbing the side and making noise. This issue will damage the belt. It would be best if you pulled it in the middle.
The second adjustment is needed when the belt tension is not correct. You can notice that problem while walking on it. For this, you can do a simple test. Just step one leg on the treadmill and see if you can hold it from moving. If yes, you need to tighten the belt. When you are stopping the belt from cycling, you will hear the slipping sound around the motor. It is necessary to correct the belt tension because a loose belt can cause fatal injury. It’s easy to fall off the treadmill when the belt is too loose.
Adjusting process
Correction of misalignment
Step 1
Turn the treadmill on and run it at three mph. Stare at the belt and observe in which direction the belt is moving. Continue observation for at least 30 seconds.
Step 2
Decide on which side you want to adjust. Always remember, you don’t need to adjust it from both sides to make a proper alignment. You can do it by synthesizing the screw of one end.
Step 3
Take your Allen key. Treadmill manufacturers provide one with the machine. Don’t lose them. You can buy them at your local shop too. If the belt is running to the right side, tighten the left screw half a turn. If it’s aligned, you don’t need to do anything. But if not, put another quarter of a turn. It depends on the amount of misalignment. When it’s done, leave the treadmill run for a minute. Observe the belt, if it’s perfectly aligned or not. Repeat these processes if necessary.
Adjusting the belt tension
Step 1
Check for a couple of times if the belt slips when you step on it. Sometimes it slips a little bit while putting pressure on it. That’s also not good. Your treadmill strap will not slip for a single time when it is correctly tightened, no matter how much pressure you put on it.
Step 2
If you hear the motor area’s slipping noise, find the screws located beside the alignment screws. You must put the same number of turns on both sides. Whether it’s too loose, put a clockwise turn of 360° from both sides. Check if it’s slipping or not. When it’s correctly tightened, you will be able to lift the belt 2 or 3 inches from the middle. If you don’t get your desired adjustment after turning 360°, do a half or quarter turn. But do not make the belt too tight. Remember, you must turn the screws at the same amount.
Step 3
Walk on the treadmill for a minute and see if everything is alright. When everything is right, you are ready to have a walk on your treadmill.
Following these steps, you will be able to solve your misalignment problems. Read them attentively. If you are having difficulties adjusting the machine, get the help of a professional.
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