June 01, 2015

How to replace a treadmill drive motor

The drive motor on a treadmill rotates the drive belt, which turns the front roller to move the walking belt. If the drive motor is weak or worn, the motor won't start and the walking belt won't move. Replace a worn treadmill drive motor with the manufacturer-approved replacement part following the steps in this DIY repair guide.

Use these basic steps to replace the drive motor in ProForm, Weslo, Horizon, Weider, Lifestyler, NordicTrack and Sole treadmills.

Quick links

Video

Instructions

Tools required

Work gloves

Phillips screwdriver

Wrench set

Repair difficulty

Time required

15 minutes or less

Replacing a drive motor on a treadmill

This video explains how to replace the drive motor on a treadmill.

Instructions

01.
Shut off the electricity
Remove the key and unplug the treadmill power cord from the wall outlet.
PHOTO: Remove the key.
02.
Remove the motor hood
Remove the screws securing the motor hood to the belly pan.
Pull the motor hood forward and remove it from the treadmill frame.
PHOTO: Remove the motor hood screws.
PHOTO: Remove the hood.
03.
Remove the motor
Remove the 2 motor mounting bolts from the motor mounting bracket.
Remove the motor mounting pivot bolt nut and slide the pivot bolt out.
Release the drive belt from the drive motor pulley and pull out the motor.
Disconnect the motor wires.
Remove the motor bracket mounting bolts and pull off the motor bracket.
PHOTO: Remove the motor mounting bolts.
PHOTO: Remove the pivot bolt.
PHOTO: Release the drive belt.
PHOTO: Disconnect the motor wires.
PHOTO: Remove the motor.
PHOTO: Remove the bracket bolts.
PHOTO: Remove the motor bracket.
04.
Install the new motor
Reinstall the motor bracket on the new motor.
Mount the new motor on the frame bracket and reinstall the motor mounting pivot bolt.
Loosely tighten the nut on the motor mounting pivot bolt.
Reinstall the 2 motor mounting bolts leaving the bolts loose.
Route the drive belt over the motor pulley.
Pivot the motor to tighten the tension on the drive belt and then tighten the motor mounting bolts.
Reconnect the motor wires on the new drive motor.
PHOTO: Install the motor bracket on the new motor.
PHOTO: Reinstall the pivot bolt.
PHOTO: Route the drive belt over the pulley.
PHOTO: Tighten the mounting bolts.
PHOTO: Reconnect the motor wires.
05.
Reinstall the motor hood
Slide the motor hood onto the frame.
Reinstall the motor hood mounting screws.
PHOTO: Reinstall the motor hood.
PHOTO: Reinstall the hood mounting screws.
06.
Restore power
Plug the treadmill into the electrical outlet.

Warning: Undertaking repairs or maintenance to appliances or power equipment can be hazardous. Should you choose to undertake repairs or maintenance, you are assuming the risk of injury to your person or property. In an effort to reduce the risk, use the proper tools and safety equipment noted in the applicable guide and follow all instructions. Do not proceed until you are confident that you understand all of the steps and are capable of completing the repair. Some repairs or maintenance, however, should only be performed by a qualified technician.