How to adjust a treadmill belt

How to centre the treadmill belt

If the treadmill belt is touching the sides of the footrests or is not centred to the running board follow the steps below to make the needed adjustments:

1. Remove the safety key and UNPLUG THE POWER CORD.
2. If the belt has shifted to the left (viewed from the back), use the 6mm hex key to turn the left idler roller screw clockwise ½ a turn
3. If the belt has shifted to the right (viewed from the back), use the 6mm hex key to turn the right idler roller screw clockwise ½ a turn
4. Plugin the power cord, insert the safety key and run the treadmill for 5 minutes at 16 km/hr (10 mils/hr).
5. Check that the belt is running approximately in the middle of the running board and not touching the sides of the footrests.
6. If not in the centre repeat step 1-5.

Note: If the belt alignment is significantly off centre first set the belt tension equally on both sides as per the instructions below.

How to check and adjust the treadmill belt tension

It is important to check the belt tension from time to time as an important maintenance requirement as well as addressing belt slip.

CAUTION: Be careful not to overtighten the belt as it might reduce the longevity of the bearings.

How to check the belt tension

The correct belt tension will ensure that the rollers get much-needed traction on the belt. It also ensures that not too much force is placed on the roller bearings ensuring they have a long service life. Follow the steps below to check the tension:

1. Remove the safety key and UNPLUG THE POWER CORD.
2. In the middle of the belt lift each edge.
3. Measure the distance from the running board to the bottom of the belt.
4. If the distance is 3 to 4 inches (8 to 10 cm) the tension is within tolerance.
5. If not, please follow the tightening or loosening steps below to make adjustments.

How to tighten the belt

1. Remove the safety key and UNPLUG THE POWER CORD.
2. Tighten the idler roller screw ½ a turn using a 6 mm Allen Key by turning it clockwise. Ensure to tighten both sides the same.
3. Plugin the power cord, insert the safety key and run the treadmill for 5 minutes at 16 km/hr (10 mils/hr).
4. Check that the belt is running approximately in the middle of the running board and not touching the sides of the footrests.
5. In the middle of the belt lift each edge.
6. Measure the distance from the running board to the bottom of the belt.
7. If the distance is 3 to 4 inches (8 to 10 cm) then the tension is correct.
8. If not the measurement is still more than 4 inches (10 cm) repeat step 1-6 until within tolerance.

How to loosen the belt

1. Remove the safety key and UNPLUG THE POWER CORD.
2. Loosen the idler roller screw ½ a turn using a 6 mm hex key by turning it anti-clockwise. Ensure to loosen both sides the same.
3. Plugin the power cord, insert the safety key and run the treadmill for 5 minutes at 16 km/hr (10 mils/hr).
4. Check that the belt is running approximately in the middle of the running board and not touching the sides of the footrests.
5. In the middle of the belt lift each edge.
6. Measure the distance from the running board to the bottom of the belt.
7. If the distance is 3 to 4 inches (8 to 10 cm) then the tension is correct.
8. If not the measurement is still less than 3 inches (8 cm) repeat step 1-6 until within tolerance.

Troubleshooting

The belt keeps slipping no matter the belt tension

The slipping of the belt is a result of the front roller not getting the needed traction on the belt which can be caused by the following:

1. Over lubrication. Too much lubrication will make the belt slip over the front roller. Try and remove as much of the excessive lubrication as possible using a dry clean cotton cloth.
2. Incorrect lubrication. Never use anything but treadmill silicone lubrication.
3. Tension adjustment. Check your belt tension is within tolerance.

The belt is stuttering

This indicates that the motor torque setting needs to be optimised.

• Elite E8.0 guide here