Knowing how to maintain NordicTrack treadmill is crucial as learning how to use it. After all, exercise machines, in general, are investments.
And proper cleaning and maintenance are keys to keeping them in tip-top shape for a long time.
These checklists with general steps should make this task easier to do as routine.
Keep in mind that some NordicTrack treadmill models may have specific care instructions. So, make sure to countercheck this guide with your user manual, too.
General Maintenance
There’s no need to thoroughly clean your treadmill daily. But you need to clean it after every use and check its components at certain times.
Before starting, turn off and unplug your exercise machine first (or remove its batteries).
Also, remove the safety key from the console to avoid accidentally turning it on. Ideally, make it a habit to remove the key after treadmill use.
Here’s my suggested schedule on how to maintain NordicTrack treadmill.
Daily Care
- Wipe it down after use. Accumulation of sweat can damage your treadmill’s electronic parts. So, use a soft dry cloth to wipe down the arms, handles, console and display after every workout.
- Mist cleaning cloth with non-abrasive cleaner or water if needed. It’s best to clean the treadmill with a damp cloth after an intense workout. Do this by spraying water or cleaner on a clean cloth, not directly on any part of your machine.
Weekly Care
- Vacuum the area. Dust and small debris can accumulate and clog up your workout machine. To avoid this, vacuum its surrounding area and underneath. You can vacuum clean more often if you have pets that shed a lot.
- Check the deck and belt. Try to observe what your machine feels like during your treadmill workout. Take note of any abnormal sounds or vibrations. If this occurs, check your treadmill deck or belt for alignment problems or signs of wear and tear. Read further below on how to go about this in detail.
Monthly Care
- Tighten loose screws, nuts or bolts. Constant use of your treadmill can loosen bolts over time. Check and gently tighten them with the proper tool (not power tools). Make sure not to overtighten anything.
- Vacuum the motor. Dust accumulation can happen inside the motor compartment. So, open it up, then carefully vacuum its interior to prevent overheating.
- Inspect the power cord. For safety, check it once a month for signs of fraying.
Make these a part of your how to maintain NordicTrack treadmill checklist. That way, you get to avoid machine issues or resolve problems immediately.
How to Align the Walking Belt on NordicTrack Treadmill
Running on your NordicTrack treadmill every day can cause its belt to shift to one side.
Once this happens, the belt might rub against the deck rails, resulting in scratches or tears.
In this case, you need to position the belt back to the centre.
Unplug the machine first, then get the Hex key or Allen wrench included in the treadmill package.
Next, follow this procedure.
- Locate the left-side idler roller screw or adjustment bolt. Turning this part with your Allen wrench should move the belt from side to side.
- Turn the wrench to the left or right. Insert the wrench into the bolt. Next, turn it according to where you want to move the walking belt. Turn clockwise to adjust it to the right. Or turn counterclockwise to move it to the left. Move it in half-turn increments, then one-fourth for finer adjustments.
- Start the treadmill at low speed. The walking should begin moving towards the centre. Repeat the process if you need to centre it further.
You can also watch this NordicTrack belt alignment video below to understand the process more.
How to Adjust the Walking Belt Tension on NordicTrack Treadmill
The how to maintain NordicTrack treadmill list should also include belt tension adjustment.
If the walking belt is too loose, accidents are more likely. Running with a loose belt is not comfortable either.
Use a Hex key or Allen wrench to fix the belt tension. But this time, you need to move both idler bolts.
Here’s how to do it.
- Turn both left and right bolts to tighten the belt. Turn the Allen wrench in the same direction for both idler bolts when you do this. Move it in half-turn increments, then one-fourth for finer adjustments. The adjustments made should be the same, too. Remember, minimal adjustments can make a big difference overall.
- Lift the belt’s edge slightly to check. You’ve correctly tightened the belt when you can lift its edge by 5-8cm (or 2 to 3 inches) off the platform.
- Try walking on the treadmill to check belt tightness further. Plug the treadmill back in, insert the safety key and start walking. The slippery feeling of a loose belt should be gone. Otherwise, repeat the process to tighten it more.
Check out this NordicTrack belt tension adjustment guide, too, if you like.
How to Lubricate the Walking Belt on NordicTrack Treadmill
Why is belt lubrication vital in your how to maintain NordicTrack treadmill list? It’s because a dried-up belt may stick or slip, which can cause accidents.
Lack of lubrication can also overheat the motor and stop the machine mid-workout. But how will you know if the belt needs lubrication?
Here are the steps.
1. Loosen the belt.
Use the Allen wrench to do this. Try to remember the number of turns you make for easier retightening later.
2. Feel its underside using your hand.
Lift the edge of the running belt. Slip your hand under it and reach toward the centre. This part should feel like the underside of a carpet.
If smooth, the belt is worn out and in need of replacement. Pull out your hand, then rub your fingers. If they are dry, you need to lubricate the belt.
3. Use the proper belt lubricant.
It’s best to use lube kits from iFIT Health & Fitness Australia Pty Ltd. Other brands may not withstand the high levels of heat and friction that NordicTrack treadmills generate.
4. Apply the lubricant.
But first, take time to clean under the running belt.
When done, lift the edge of the belt, then apply the lubricant at the top quarter of the deck in a zigzag pattern. Repeat this process on the other side.
5. Pull the belt 180° to spread the lubricant.
Afterwards, apply the lubricant again on both sides of the platform.
6. Retighten the treadmill belt and turn the machine on.
Let the machine run by itself to spread the lubricant. Stop the treadmill and step on the deck. Start walking at a slow speed to check the belt tightness.
Some white powder may appear on the deck rails a few hours after lubricating and using your treadmill.
Don’t worry. It’s only lubrication residue and should stop appearing after some time.
Also, you would have to repeat the lubrication process every three months under regular use.
But check the underside more often if you use the treadmill more often.
Watch this NordicTrack belt lubrication video for extra guidance.
Conclusion
Learning how to maintain NordicTrack treadmill may seem complex and tedious at first.
But after using your workout machine for a while, maintenance should be second nature in no time.
More importantly, proper treadmill maintenance is the best way to keep your machine in good working condition.
But if you’re thinking of getting a new treadmill, why not consider one from NordicTrack?
With its wide range of treadmill models, you’ll find one that suits your fitness needs!
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