Last Updated on November 4, 2021 by Jeff
Working out at home couldn’t be easier; saved time and convenience make a treadmill an essential piece of equipment to have at home.
Many treadmills on the market, such as the lifespan tr 1200i folding treadmill and weslo crosswalk 5.2t, have excellent performance reviews, as they helped improve the fitness level of many. Owning such equipment comes with the responsibility of maintaining them.
Squeaky noises could be the case of just wear and tear, but sometimes they could be the result of neglect and bad habits or a fault in the treadmill parts. You’ll know something’s up when your treadmill creates its workout tune of squeaks, screeches, and bangs.
So, what causes these noises, and how can you prevent them? Read on to find out!
Why It’s Making Noises 
Before making any wrong assumptions that lead you to toss away the machine or shell out a lot of cash on its maintenance, consider the below factors that could quickly solve the problem of your squeaky treadmill:
- Belt: If the belt is too tight or loose, you need to put it to a position where it’s in the middle and not constricted or floaty.
- Lubrication: More often than not, we always neglect this and never oil our treadmill. Squeaky belts may need some oil for lubrication to run smooth and soundless.
- Bearings: Often, with repeated usage, bearings can break or wear down.
Easy Changes To Make 
Add a Mat
One of the easiest things you could do to look after your treadmill and prevent a stomping noise is to use a mat.
The noise occurs due to your intensive running. A mat will take away the impact noise that happens when running on the treadmill and prevent the floor from making vibrating sounds.
Buying mats designed explicitly for treadmills is your best bet as these are soft enough to absorb noise vibration and prevent slipping.
Lubrication 
Adding a lubricant reduces squeaky noises, yet it’s something we neglect. Some newer treadmills may remind you, but that’s not always the case.
To lubricate your treadmill, all you need to do is loosen your treadmill belt a touch and use a lubricant specifically suitable for treadmills. Avoid using any other lubricant because it could ruin the finishing and inside components of the treadmill.
Footwear 
Just like a treadmill needs a sturdy surface to lie on, the footwear you wear needs good surfacing too. When selecting running shoes, look out for those with soles that have sound-absorbing compositions.
These shoes are specifically made with certain materials, like absorbing gels that absorb the noise reflected from the treadmill and reduce its noise impact.
Additionally, good running footwear protects your knees from damage and keeps your feet and posture in good form when doing intense cardio exercises like running.
Routine Maintenance
It’s always good to make a habit of routinely checking your treadmill for any misforms, even when it’s working fine. Doing so can prevent expensive repairs further down the line.
In your treadmill user manual, you’ll find information about replacing some parts. Sometimes, your treadmill may come with a warranty that gives you free repair service, such as the lifespan tr 1200i folding treadmill.
Check if you’re eligible for this before attempting to replace parts yourself and if in any doubt, call a professional service to avoid creating a mountain out of a molehill.
Belt Issues 
As part of routine maintenance, check your belt, which is often a leading cause of treadmill noise. Adjust your belt to make sure it’s not too loose or tight, which causes screeching and squeaking noises.
It could be that the belt seems to slip left and right and scrapes the edges of the frame. You need to make sure, therefore, that your frame is level. Once leveled, run the treadmill at the highest speed to let the belt readjust itself into the center.
If that doesn’t work, adjust the back roller of the belt. The instructions should be stated in your user manual. It can be a case of trial and error to adjust and readjust until the belt is positioned in place.
Belts can also become misaligned when your treadmill isn’t on an even surface, so make sure the floor you’ve put your treadmill on is even, and having a mat underneath ensures less noise too.
If you find there’s no change after adjusting the belt and the other factors that affect it, consider purchasing a new belt. Either contact your treadmill manufacturer or buy a new one.
Motor Issues 
An essential component in routine maintenance is motor checks. If your treadmill motor is clogged with dirt and bits of debris, it can make noises. You can clean the motor according to your user manual – the motor has brushes that can be easily cleaned and emptied of clogging components.
Placing your treadmill on a mat can reduce the strain on the motor. So always keep a mat beneath your treadmill to ensure quiet running.
Bearings Replacements 
Bearings are parts used on many machines that help in supporting revolving types of movement. These are attached to the treadmill rollers and can get worn out and break, causing a grinding noise. It’s essential to replace them, as leaving them can cause other components of the treadmill to wear down.
The bearings affect the roller, so it could be that both are affected. If your roller has worn out, it can slow down the belt when you jump onto the treadmill and make strained squeaky noises.
You can change both the bearings and rollers yourself and purchase the parts from online vendors or your manufacturer.
Component Issues and Errors 
Aside from the above, other treadmill components may malfunction and cause strange noises. Sometimes your control panel on the treadmill will alert you if something isn’t right through a beep or display an error code. Use your user manual to find out what it is and then reset the control panel.
Suppose you suspect that your control panel has something wrong with it and isn’t responding to your resetting attempts. In that case, you can either contact your manufacturer or purchase a replacement control panel.
Conclusion
There are many advantages to having a treadmill at home to help you lead a healthier lifestyle. However, it’s essential to recognize that you’re responsible for its maintenance and keep.
Make it a habit to conduct routine maintenance checks every few weeks to ensure any noises the treadmill may be making are sorted out immediately. Keep your treadmill clean and looked after by placing it on a mat and lubricating it occasionally to keep it from squeaking.
Doing so will help you extend the life of your treadmill so that you can enjoy its benefits for years to come.
Alternatively, you might be on the market for a new treadmill; the nautilus t616 treadmill and proform performance 300i treadmill promise excellent performance and features.