How to Lubricate a Treadmill Belt (Step-by-Step)
A dry treadmill belt is one of the most common causes of a noisy, jerky treadmill and an overworked motor. The good news is that lubricating the belt takes about ten minutes and costs a few dollars. Here is how to tell when your treadmill needs it, which lubricant to use, and how to do it safely.
Why treadmill belts need lubricating
The walking belt slides over a flat deck thousands of times during every workout. A thin layer of lubricant between the two keeps friction low. When it wears off, the belt drags, the motor has to work harder, and the belt, deck and motor control board all wear out faster.
Signs your treadmill belt needs lubricant
- The belt hesitates or “sticks” with each footstrike.
- You hear squeaking, rubbing or a louder motor hum than usual.
- The underside of the belt feels dry to the touch.
- The motor or console reports an over-current error.
- It has been more than three months since the last application.
Which lubricant to use
Use 100% silicone treadmill lubricant unless your manual says otherwise. Do not use WD-40, household oils or petroleum-based sprays: they can damage the belt and attract dirt. Some treadmills have “maintenance-free” pre-waxed decks that should never be lubricated, so check your manual first.
How to lubricate a treadmill belt: step by step
- Unplug the treadmill and remove the safety key.
- Clean first: wipe the belt edges and the deck area you can reach with a dry cloth. Vacuum dust around and under the machine.
- Loosen the belt if needed: if you cannot lift the belt edge a few inches, turn the rear roller bolts a quarter-turn anticlockwise, counting the turns on each side.
- Apply the lubricant: lift one side of the belt and apply a thin line of silicone down the centre of the deck, from front to back. Repeat on the other side. LifeSpan, for example, recommends about ½ oz per side, 1 oz in total.
- Re-tighten the belt by turning each bolt back the same number of turns.
- Spread it: plug in, and walk on the belt at 2–3 mph for 3–5 minutes to distribute the lubricant evenly.
How often should you lubricate?
Follow your manufacturer’s schedule. As a rough guide, many manuals suggest every 3 months or every 130–150 miles, more often with heavy use or in dry, dusty rooms. Over-lubricating makes the belt slip, so more is not better.
When lubrication does not fix the problem
If the belt still slips, drifts to one side or feels rough, it may need tensioning, centring or replacing. See our treadmill belt replacement guide and the wider treadmill repair and troubleshooting guide. For parts, read how to buy treadmill parts online.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use WD-40 on a treadmill belt?
No. WD-40 is a solvent, not a long-lasting lubricant, and it can break down the belt. Use 100% silicone treadmill lubricant.
Do walking pads need lubricant?
Most do. Check the manual for your under-desk treadmill, because some ship with self-lubricating belts.
What happens if I never lubricate my treadmill?
Friction builds up, which strains the motor and electronics and wears out the belt and deck early. That can turn a $10 job into a several-hundred-dollar repair.