Gym Tech Service
TOLL FREE 9am-5pm M-F EST
866-GYM-TECH

Maintenance on Treadmills
Gym Tech Specializes in fitness equipment maintenance, service, and repair. If you have any problems or would like to use us for your maintenance needs you can always reach us at 866-496-8324.

Daily
  • Remove excessive accumulation of dust, dirt, and other substances by using a clean soft cloth and a liquid non-abrasive cleaner, such as Fitness Equipment Polish. Wipe down the display board, handrails, shroud (motor cover), removable safety switch, and heart rate grips. Make sure sweat is removed from the treadmill everyday this is the primary cause of rust.
    NOTE: DO NOT spray any liquid directly onto the display board or heart rate grips, and never clean under the running belt with a liquid cleaner.

  • To increase the life span of the running belt, Clean under the running belt with a soft DRY cloth. To do this, slide the cloth between the running belt and the deck from one side of the frame to the other. The best way to accomplish this is to have a long towel put it under the belt and pull it from the front of the treadmill to the rear of the treadmill.
    NOTE: DO NOT clean the running belt by operating the treadmill!

  • Inspect the running belt to insure that it is not sliding over to one side of the treadmill. If this is occurring the belt will eventually move so far over that it will rub against the frame of the treadmill resulting in the fraying or complete destruction of the belt.
    NOTE: If a tread belt is sliding over to one side of the treadmill Do Not attempt to rectify the problem yourself, report it to a fitness equipment repair or service company like Gym Tech.

  • Ensure that the power cord is not under the treadmill and away from the elevation screws. This will prevent the power cord from being pinched or bind up the elevation screws.


  • Weekly
  • Vacuum the floor under and around the treadmill. Do so with the treadmill at its maximum elevation of moved to another spot. NOTE: Be careful not to damage the power cord while performing this.

  • Inspect the inside surface of the running belt and the top surface of the running deck for unusual wear. Check whether the belt feels glazed (a smooth almost melted appearance).
    NOTE: If the belt is glazed the running belt will need to be replaced. Report it to a fitness equipment repair or service company like Gym Tech so that they make the arrangement to have it replaced. If this problem is not reported over time this will create more friction resulting in an overworked motor that will decrease the life span of the motor.

  • Inspect the display and handrail screws for loosening and retighten if necessary.

  • Test each treadmill in the user mode to insure proper function of each machine. Increase the speed and incline to ensure that everything is working. When you have done this use the emergency stop switch to stop the treadmill to ensure that the stop switch is working. If a stop switch ever fails turn off the treadmill and report it to a fitness equipment repair or service company like Gym Tech. A failed stop switch is an extreme liability and someone can easily get injured if it is not working.

  • Life Fitness treadmill maintenance: Some Life Fitness treadmills have a wax nozzle that will need to be cleaned every week. To do this, spray a cloth with Fitness Equipment Cleaner and Degreaser, slide your hand between the deck and running board closest to the floor. The wax nozzle is in the middle of the treadmill and is a small metal object. Wipe this piece down. If there is an accumulation of wax on the nozzle break it off and clean the nozzle. If you find a treadmill with excessive wax on a wax nozzle take the serial number of the treadmill and report it to a fitness equipment repair or service company like Gym Tech to have it checked to ensure that it is not clogged. A clogged wax nozzle will reduce the life span of the running belt and deck dramatically.

  • Inspect the treadmill for any broken parts. If anything is broken report it to a fitness equipment repair or service company like Gym Tech so that the parts can be ordered and replaced.


  • Monthly
  • Inspect and track the running belt.

  • Remove the shroud of the treadmill and vacuum around the motor and electronics. Use a fine paint brush to dust the electronics and any areas that the vacuum will not get to. Carpeting has small metal pieces built into it to stop static shocks. When a carpet is walked on these little pieces of metal break off the carpet and become airborne. If enough of these little pieces of metal cover the electronic board it can cause the lower board to fail resulting in the replacement of the electronics. Dust can also cause a lower board to fail resulting in replacement.
    NOTE: Make sure the treadmill is turned off and unplugged when performing this. If something is touched the wrong way cause the lower board to fail or short circuit. Perform this every month it is extremely expensive to replace a lower board. Lower electronics range from $350 to over $1,000.

  • Inspect the drive belt for wear, cracks or frays. If the drive belt is damaged in any way it will need to be replaced. If this part is damaged report it to a fitness equipment repair or service company like Gym Tech so that they can make the proper arrangements to have it replaced. The drive belt is attached to the motor and the front roller.

  • If the treadmill is equipped with a DC motor check the motor brushes for wear. There are usually 2 motor brushes. Remove the motor brushes from the motor inspect them for proper length and re-install. Make sure they go back into the motor the exact same way they came out or it will result in a faulty motor that will need to be replaced or repaired.
    NOTE: It is extremely important that you install the motor brushes correctly motor repairs and replacements can start at $225 and exceed $900.

  • Clean and lubricate the lift system. The lift system is located under the treadmill and looks like a spiral. Wipe it down with a soft cloth, make sure nothing from the cloth falls off and stays on the lift system it will result in elevation failure. After the elevation screws are wiped off spray them with Fitness Equipment Silicone lubricant to reduce friction and prevent rust.

  • Inspect the wheels for proper function raise the treadmill using the elevation system and watch them to ensure they are rolling smoothly and not getting caught on anything.


  • Quarterly
  • Wax the treadmill deck and belt. Every treadmill maker has a different way to wax the treadmill belt and deck. But most require some type of lubrication.

  • Star Trac Treadmill Maintenance: White powder wax can be purchased through Gym Tech. To apply the wax, lift the belt and sprinkle about a teaspoon in the front middle and back. Do this on both sides of the treadmill. Then blow the wax around the deck. Wipe off the excess wax along the sides of the treadmill and then walk on the treadmill for 1 minute.

  • Landice, Quinton, Nordic Track, Precor: Deck Lube that can be purchased through Gym Tech. Should be applied under the belt coating the entire deck.


  • NOTE: Some treadmills have solid wood decks that have wax baked onto them. These treadmills are required to have a dry deck lube sprayed on. This will slow the wear process. When they do become worn they may be able to have a second coat applied onto them by Gym Tech or they may need to be replaced.
    Life Fitness treadmills have a self-waxing system that does not require a manual wax. However it is imperative that the wax nozzles are checked for clogs and cleaned every week.
    You should check the wax level on Life Fitness treadmills every quarter if at any time it falls below 20%, purchase a refill kit or call Gym Tech to refill the wax bag.

    Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Send Feedback | Sitemap | Contact | Customer Service
    © 2006-2009 Gym Tech Fitness Service LLC. All rights reserved.