How to replace a treadmill walking board

This DIY repair guide explains how to replace the walking board on a treadmill. The walking board–also called a deck–provides a sturdy platform for walking and a smooth surface for the walking belt. If the walking board wears out, friction between the board and the belt increases, and the treadmill will feel sluggish or will stick. Replace a worn or damaged walking board with the manufacturer-approved replacement part.

Follow the steps in this repair guide and video to replace the walking board on Weslo, Proform, Weider, Lifestyler and Horizon treadmills.

Instructions

1. Shut off the electricity

Remove the key and unplug the treadmill's power cord from the wall outlet.

2. Remove the motor hood

Remove the screws that fasten the motor hood to the belly pan.

Pull the motor hood forward and remove it from the treadmill frame.

3. Remove the side foot rails

Fold the treadmill up and engage the latch.

Remove the screws from under the walking platform that fasten the side foot rails to the walking platform.

Fold down the walking board and lift the side foot rails up and off the treadmill.

4. Remove the walking board

Have a helper hold the treadmill up in the folded position because the latch will not hold the treadmill up after you remove the 2 left-side mounting nuts.

Remove the 4 corner nuts and screws that fasten the walking board to the frame.

Lower the treadmill and then slide the walking board out.

Remove the cushions from the walking board.

5. Install the new walking board

Reinstall the cushions on the new walking board.

Position the new walking board inside the walking belt and slide the walking board onto the treadmill frame.

Reinstall the 4 corner mounting screws in the walking board to help stabilize the walking board as you fold it upright.

Fold the treadmill up and have your assistant hold it in the up position.

Reinstall the corner mounting nuts and tighten them securely.

6. Reinstall the foot rails

Lower the walking board and reinstall the side foot rails and mounting screws.

7. Reinstall the motor hood

Slide the motor hood onto the frame.

Reinstall the motor hood mounting screws.

8. Restore power

Plug the treadmill into the electrical outlet.

9. Check belt tracking

Do not walk on the treadmill while checking and adjusting the belt tracking.

Put the key in and start the treadmill. Set the speed to the slowest setting and let it run for a minute or so.

If the belt is not tracking in the center, remove the key and unplug the power cord.

Use the Allen wrench supplied with the treadmill and adjust the rear rollers as needed to center the walking belt.

If the belt is tracking to the left of center, turn the left roller adjustment screw clockwise 1/2 of a turn.

If the belt is tracking to the right of center, turn the left roller adjustment screw counter clock-wise 1/2 of a turn.

After adjustment, restore power and recheck the tracking.

Repeat until belt is tracking in the center.

10. Shut off the electricity

Remove the key and unplug the treadmill's power cord from the wall outlet.

11. Lubricate the walking board

Lift the sides of the treadmill belt and evenly apply silicone lubricant to the walking board.

Spread the silicone with a wood paint stirrer or similar flat item.

12. Restore power and disperse the lubricant

Plug the treadmill into the electrical outlet.

Run the treadmill for several minutes on medium speed to disperse the lubricant evenly over the walking board.

Walk on the belt for a few minutes to evenly spread the silicone lubricant across the walking board.