Treadmill: Why does my treadmill's walking belt slow down?
A damaged walking belt, improper belt tension, lack of belt lubricant or a bad drive motor can cause the walking belt to slow down when you step on the belt.
Unplug the treadmill, then check the walking belt for damage and replace the belt if it's torn.
If the belt is in good condition, check belt tension by lifting the middle edge of each side of the belt. If the belt is properly tensioned, you should be able to lift the belt's edge up 2-3 inches above the walking board. Adjust belt tension if the belt is too loose or too tight.
If belt tension is okay, then you might need to add belt lubricant to the walking board so the belt slides easily across the board.
A weak drive motor can cause the belt to slow down when you step on the treadmill. If the belt is properly adjusted and lubricated, then you might need to replace the drive motor if the motor can't spin the roller to drive the belt at the set speed.
THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR TREADMILL PROBLEM
Replace the treadmill walking belt
The walking belt rotates rubs over the platform while walking which can wear and cause the walking belt to slow down when walking. Replace the walking belt when worn or damaged.
Treadmill walking belt
How to replace a treadmill walking belt
If your treadmill walking belt sticks, the belt could be worn. This repair guide and video show how to replace a treadmill walking belt with step-by-step instructions.
Replace the treadmill motor
The motor spins the front belt roller to rotate the walking belt. If the motor is weak or defective, replace the motor.
Treadmill motor
How to replace a treadmill drive motor
If the treadmill won't start, the problem could be a worn motor. This repair guide and video show how to replace a treadmill drive motor in 6 quick steps.
Symptoms for treadmills
Choose a symptom to see related treadmill repairs.
Main causes: damaged walking belt, improper belt tension, lack of belt lubricant, bad drive motor…
Main causes: damaged walking belt, improper belt tension, bad roller bearing…
Main causes: rear roller out of alignment, damaged walking belt, bad roller…
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Main causes: faulty sensors, wiring failure, bad control console…
Main causes: bad control console, wiring failure, bad motor control board…
Main causes: no power, bad power cord, tripped or faulty overload switch, bad power switch, wiring failure, bad motor co…
Repair guides for treadmills
These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your treadmill.
How to replace a treadmill motor controller
Your treadmill motor won't run with a defective motor controller. Replace the motor controller if it doesn't operate the…
How to replace a treadmill drive motor
A defective drive motor won't run when activated by the motor controller. Replace the treadmill drive motor if it doesn'…
How to replace a treadmill walking board
A worn-out walking board creates friction with the walking belt and causes the belt to slow down during use. Replace the…
Effective articles & videos to help repair your fitness & exercise
Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your treadmill.
Get answers to frequently asked questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect.…