Your treadmill
, by nature, takes a lot of abuse. Having a treadmill repaired professionally can be a costly procedure that will often exceed the value of the treadmill. With some simple techniques and knowledge, you can repair your treadmill at home.
Lack Of Power
If your treadmill has lost power over time, and no longer moves when you step onto it, there's a good chance that the belt is worn and slipping inside of the machine. Unplug the treadmill and use a screwdriver to remove any screws holding the hood on. Look inside the treadmill and inspect the belt. If it looks worn or ripped, you'll need to replace it. Contact the treadmill's manufacturer to ask for a replacement belt. You can do the installation yourself by removing the old belt and weaving the new one through the pulleys. The internal assembly of most treadmill belts is easy to understand.
Diagnosing A Burning Smell
If you detect a burning smell while using your treadmill, immediately disconnect it and disassemble it. A burning smell indicates that something is caught in the belt, or that the belt has moved off of its intended course. Remove any debris from the belt and center it in its track. If the smell persists, there's probably an issue with the motor. Unfortunately, fixing the motor yourself isn't an option unless you have some electronics skills. It is possible, however to purchase a replacement motor from the manufacturer and install it yourself. If the treadmill is still under warranty, take advantage of it and ask for a free replacement.
Cleaning The Internals
While you have the treadmill's hood removed, use the opportunity to give the internals a thorough cleaning. Chances are good that a lot of dust and grime have accumulated inside of the treadmill, and this can lead random adjustments in the speed of the track, potentially causing an injury.
Blow away any pieces of dust that you find with compressed air and follow up with a damp rag and some detergent soap to scrub the speed sensors. This also is a good time to lubricate the pulleys and any moving parts inside of the treadmill. Purchase lubricant specifically formulated for treadmills at a fitness supply store. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for lubrication, and be sure not to spill any lubricant into the internals.
Tags: inside treadmill, your treadmill, that belt
