How to Lube a Treadmill?

The constant noise of the machine always relaxed James. Every morning at exactly 6 AM, he laced up his running shoes, hopped onto his trusty machine, and let the belt take him into a world of focus and determination. The treadmill had been James’s unwavering companion through every season, helping him meet his exercise goals regardless of the weather conditions.

But recently, he realized that the treadmill wasn’t working the same way.

The easy movement of the belt had become a slight struggle. A faint squeaking sound started echoing through his home gym, indicating a problem with the treadmill. He ignored it at first, assuming it was a natural sign of the treadmill’s ageing. Then, one day, in the middle of an intense interval session, the belt jerked slightly—just enough to throw off his rhythm and nearly send him stumbling.

James felt angry and worried, so he knew he had to act immediately to fix the problem. He had spent a lot of money on this machine, and he really didn’t want it to stop working. So, he did what any driven runner would do—he began to look for information.

That’s when he realized he had forgotten to lubricate the exercise belt for a long time.

Why Lubrication Matters

As James learned about treadmill upkeep, he discovered how important lubrication is.

A treadmill is more than just a moving belt on a platform; it’s a carefully designed machine made to withstand hours of use and movement. Friction can build up between the belt and the deck, putting extra stress on the motor and causing more damage over time.

Lubricating the treadmill belt lowers friction, helping it move more smoothly, making less noise, and increasing the machine’s lifespan. It also prevents overheating, which can cause expensive repairs or lasting harm.

James was shocked to discover that he had overlooked something so important. Determined to fix the problem, he learned how to oil his machine properly.

Step 1: Checking If Your Treadmill Needs Lubrication

James knew he needed to confirm whether his treadmill actually needed lubricant before grabbing a bottle and heading out.

Most manufacturers suggest lubricating a treadmill every three to six months, depending on how often you use it. Since James ran nearly every day, he figured his treadmill was overdue.

To check, he followed a simple test:

Unplug the treadmill—safety first. He didn’t want any accidental starts while inspecting the belt.
Lift the treadmill belt—he carefully slid his hand under the belt near the middle of the deck.
Check for dryness—If the underside of the belt felt dry or rough, it was time for lubrication. If there was still some slickness, he knew he could wait a little longer.

Sure enough, when James lifted the belt, he felt nothing but dryness. No slickness, no residue—his treadmill was desperately crying out for lubrication.

Step 2: Choosing the Right Lubricant

James quickly realized that not all lubricants were equal. Using the wrong one—like WD-40 or household oils—could actually damage the treadmill belt rather than help it.

Most treadmills require 100% silicone lubricant, which is designed to reduce friction without damaging the belt’s material.

He checked his treadmill’s user manual to confirm that silicone lubricant was the right choice. Acting swiftly, he ordered a high-quality bottle of lubricant from a reputable fitness equipment brand.

Step 3: Prepping the Treadmill

When the lubricant arrived, James set aside time to do the job properly. He wanted to ensure that his treadmill would run smoothly for months to come.

Here’s how he prepared:

Unplug the treadmill—again, safety first. He had no intention of getting an accidental shock.
Clean the belt: Before applying lubricant, James wiped down the belt’s surface with a dry cloth to remove dust and debris.
Position the belt—He used an Allen wrench to loosen the belt slightly so he could access the area underneath more easily.

Step 4: Applying the Lubricant

With everything ready, it was time for the actual lubrication process. James followed these simple steps:

Lift the belt slightly—he carefully slid the lubricant bottle’s nozzle underneath the belt, starting from the center and working outward.
Apply in thin lines. – Instead of pouring a big blob of lubricant, he applied two thin lines—one on each side of the deck, about two inches from the edges.
Spread it evenly—He gently moved the belt back and forth with his hands to help distribute the lubricant evenly.

James had learned that applying an excess of lubricant could make the belt slippery, so he ensured a conservative application—a small amount was sufficient.

Step 5: Running the Treadmill

Once the lubricant was applied, James plugged the treadmill back in and powered it up. He set the speed to a slow 1-2 mph and let it run for approximately 5 minutes to distribute the lubricant evenly.

This helped spread the lubricant evenly across the deck, ensuring a smooth glide.

Subsequently, he stepped onto the treadmill and walked for a few minutes, noticing the instant improvement. The belt moved effortlessly beneath his feet, and the annoying squeaking sound was completely gone.

James couldn’t believe how simple the process had been. A task that had taken him just 15 minutes had completely transformed his treadmill’s performance.

Maintenance Tips for the Future

James, with his treadmill operating like new once more, vowed never to allow it to deteriorate further. He created a simple maintenance schedule to keep his machine in top shape:

✅ Lubricate every 3 months—Since he used his treadmill regularly, he marked his calendar for routine lubrication.
✅ Wipe down the belt after each use—A quick wipe with a dry cloth after workouts would prevent dust buildup.
✅ Check for belt wear—Every few months, he’d lift the belt to check for signs of wear or cracks.
✅ Keep the area clean—A dust-free environment means less debris gets into the motor.

Adhering to this regimen, James was confident that his treadmill would operate smoothly for many years ahead.

A Lesson Learned

The next morning, James got on his treadmill and smiled. The belt moved smoothly, the motor was quiet, and his run felt better than ever.

He understood that having fitness tools meant he had to take care of it, not just use it. Just as a car needs oil changes, a machine needs to be lubricated.

The lesson was clear: even a little care can make a big difference.

Feeling proud of his work, James started the treadmill and began running, matching his steps with the machine he took good care of.

Final Thoughts

Similar to James, you should not ignore these issues if you detect resistance, hear squeaks, or see that your machine is moving slowly. Lubricating your treadmill is an easy and affordable way to prolong its lifespan and avoid costly repairs.

You will have the easiest runs of your life if you purchase some silicone-only lubricant and adhere to these guidelines! 🚀