NordicTrack Treadmill Maintenance

I have a 20+ year-old NordicTrack treadmill from Sears (model Elite 2900). 

The service team in Austin wouldn't renew their maintenance agreement a few years back. Colorado is crazy expensive as compared to Texas. So, I have started repairing things I wouldn't normally do (not worth my time). Now, that I am retired, my time isn't worth much.  

I use the treadmill daily for 40 minutes. The treadmill should be serviced every 120 to 140 miles. 

Over the years, I had the following issues:

• the belt broke (once).

• the belt became misaligned (1 or 2 times).

  • the edge of the belt shredded (once)

• the belt slips (most common)

Currently the belt is slipping. So, I am going to focus on that.

I googled and watched many YouTube videos. I am old. So, I prefer written directions. I watch the videos and writ e down the directions.

Most treadmill repair videos and instructions provide very similar steps.

Recommended Order of Steps:

1. Lubricate Platform.

2. Check Motor Belt.

3. Tighten Belt.

4. Replace Belt.

Step 1. Lubricate Platform

• Order silicon-based lubricant for a treadmill. Some recommend buying only the manufacturer's lubricant. I bought a generic low-cost treadmill lubricant from Amazon.

• First, clean the platform. I used an old clean white t-shirt that I slid through using a metal straight edge.

  • I pulled it back-and-forth, at an angle, from front to back several times.

  • Then, I flipped the t-shirt around holding it tightly and allowed the treadmill to run at very slow speed (0.1 to 0.2) for 2 minutes.

  • Turn the treadmill off.

• I could barely fit my hand under the treadmill, which means the treadmill belt doesn't need to be tightened.

• Lubricate following the lubricant's directions.

  • 1/8 of the bottle, ~12inches from the motor hood starting in the middle and work toward the edge in a squiggly fashion.

  • Repeat for the other side.

  • Walk on it at 2.5-3 speed for 3 minutes.

  • The belt didn't shift - it stayed centered, which means I don't need to adjust the rear hex screws.

Step 2. Check Motor Belt

• Remove the motor hood. This is the plastic piece in front. Do not remove the silver piece with NordicTrack.

  • There are four Philips head screws in front.

  • Raise the treadmill and lock in place. Remove the two screws under the hood. These screws are ever so slightly longer than the other four.

• Vacuum and clean out.

• Check if the belt is tight. The belt is tight.

• Put the motor hood back on and secure with the 6 screws. 

• Lower the treadmill.

Add steps 3 & 4 when needed. YouTube and Google for how to fix.