How to fix Treadmill Slows Down When I Step On It?

No one will find a better option than a treadmill for exercising at home. But users are often stuck with various problems while using the treadmill. Suppose, you are running on a treadmill at a very high speed and suddenly it slows down. You could go down and harm yourself. What a devastating scenario to imagine! Or what if the treadmill slows down when you step on it? Slowing down a treadmill while stepping on it or running could result in a fall or slip. This could be frustrating if you don’t know what to do. Unless there are a few weird reasons hidden inside the treadmill, you can always fix it at your home by marking the most possible causes of slowing down.

Treadmill Slows Down After Steeping: Most Probable Reasons

The scenario may appear with various symptoms. Sometimes, it can slow down while you step on it or the treadmill may not reach the speed you have marked on. Whatever the picture, it always ends up slowing the treadmill down. We have enlisted five possible causes. Let’s check them out.

• The Belt is Worn or Damaged

If the belt you stepped on is worn or damaged most possibly this is the cause behind slowing down the treadmill. The deck could be damaged too. In 85% of cases, a worn belt is the main culprit.

• The Walking Belt is Not Adjusted Properly

The second most possible cause (8% of cases) is found if you have adjusted the treadmill belt most recently. The tighter is not the better for sometimes.

• The Motor is Demagnetized

Sometimes the motor can play the role of slowing down the treadmill. If the motor belt is too tight, has lost torque, or is not brushed properly the motor will most probably demagnetize within time.

• The Treadmill Belt is Not Properly Lubricated

Lube is important for the belt to run in a rhythm for a long time. When you don’t lubricate the treadmill belt in a while it could be worn. As a result, it will automatically slow down when you are stepping on it.

• Problem With the Controller

If the controller is dropping out, it can slow the treadmill down after stepping on it. This is the most uncommon cause. Still, you need to check it out when the sections mentioned above seem to be okay.

Troubleshooting Treadmill that slows down after stepping on it

The treadmill is not a machine with too much structural complexity. Every commercial-grade treadmill is designed as simply as possible. Troubleshooting is easier when you are not ignorant of the fact behind the problem.  We will sort out every possible cause individually. At the very first check if the treadmill is properly plugged in. The treadmill requires a lot of power and if the power specification does not match the model it will cause problems. The treadmill should be plugged in properly holding surge suppressors according to your user’s manual.

The Belt is Worn or Damaged

If the belt is worn or damaged due to any reason you will need to change the belt. In most cases, the problem is solved easily by changing it with a new one. To test whether the belt is completely worn or not, take a DC amp draw in case it is a DC treadmill or an AC amp draw if it is an AC treadmill. Check if the belt is highly unreliable. When you lack a DC test go for the coasting test. You have to get on the deck for a “coast test” and run the treadmill at 3 miles per hour. Then insert the safety key and the treadmill will take 2 to 3 steps before stopping. The more steps it takes the higher function the belt is creating. If the treadmill takes more than the required steps there are bogs in it and replace the belt with a new one.

The Walking Belt is Not Adjusted Properly

The tighter the belt the more the treadmill requires power to move it around the deck. There will be more work for the machine to work properly. “How tight should a treadmill belt be” is a question of fact. The adjustment should remain at a distance so that the belt stays 3 inches apart from the deck when you try to lift the belt. Keep in mind the belt shouldn’t be straining at that time. Loosen up the tighter belt to the specified distance. Don’t make it too loose. Further, it will end up creating a dangerous slipping scenario.

The Motor is Demagnetized

If you have already tested if the belt is worn or properly adjusted, the third task is checking the motor. In most cases, the motor loses its torque. A motor without torque needs a new set of brushes. Making a new set of brushes is not that much tough. The motor must be assembled before testing if it is demagnetized. It’s kind of a rare case. But it is possible. First, remove the motor retaining bolts positioned at the back of the treadmill. Then try to remove the motor core. If the motor core attracts the housing and turns back on you it will be difficult for you to remove. It’s a sign that the motor is okay. But if you can easily pull the core out of the housing the motor is demagnetized and needs to be replaced.  Here You can find a DC drive motor.

The Treadmill Belt is Not Properly Lubricated

Regular lubrication is the most common part of proper maintenance of the treadmill. Try to pull the belt from the deck and have a look between the deck and belt. If it is dry and you haven’t lube it for a very long time, it’s high time to lube it. Unplug the treadmill before starting the lubrication process. From the front side put your hand between the deck and the belt creating a separation. Now put the lube tube at the center (as close as possible) of the deck underneath the belt. While squeezing the lube, move the applicator slowly from the center to the edge of the belt. The lube proportion should be the ⅛th of the whole bottle. Now repeat the same tactics mentioned previously on the other side of the deck. To know how to lubricate the belt properly follow the link below:

The Faulty Controller

This is the most uncommon of the cases mentioned above earlier. Never trust your treadmill controller too much. Test if it is causing the problem. Maybe just replacing the controller will not bring the solution in this case. A faulty controller will slow down the machine whether you step on it or not.  The DC output dropping test will help you out to check the controller. Unless you have tested all the possible causes mentioned above, don’t come to change the controller. It will probably result in you changing the belt or motor. If you are left only with this one, replace the controller with a new one.

What if the Treadmill Speeds Up and then Slows Down?

Sometimes treadmills act randomly and show confusing symptoms like this. Sometimes the treadmill speeds up and then slows down after you step on it or even when you have just started it. So where is the problem? There could be a problem with the speed sensor and controller. But before that, check if the belt is frayed. If it is not adjusted or lubricated properly then do them both.

Also, the drive belt could loosen up within time. To tighten up the drive belt remove the drive cover, loosen the bolts around the motor. Now tighten it with a wrench. Check the lower board if it needs to be adjusted. If so, then do it. If none of this works, check the speed sensor and change it in case you find it faulty. The controller board might cause such confusing problems too. To test the controller follow the instructions above. If you find it faulty, replace it.

Conclusion

Leaving the treadmill unused just because it’s slowing down is not a good idea. The more time you have spent thinking that it will automatically be okay again, the more you are endangering the life of the treadmill. Slowing down is the most common of the problems a user might face.  Along with knowledge of maintenance, keep the most needed parts like lube, motor brushes, and other accessories by your side.