April 19, 2023

Treadmill: Why is my treadmill's walking belt off center?

Adjusting the alignment of the rear roller can prevent the walking belt from drifting to the side of the walking board. If rear roller alignment adjustment doesn't keep the belt centered, then a damaged walking belt or bad roller can cause the belt to drift.

First, check the walking belt for tears and replace the belt if torn or damaged. If there's no damage to the belt, adjust the alignment of the rear roller. Use the Allen wrench supplied with the treadmill to adjust and center the walking belt. If the walking belt shifts to the left, turn the left adjustment screw clockwise a half-turn. If the walking belt has shifts to the right, turn the left adjustment screw counter-clockwise a half-turn. Continue to adjust belt alignment until the belt tracks properly in the middle of the walking board, and then check belt tension. Adjust belt tension if necessary because roller alignment adjustment can affect belt tension. When the belt is properly tensioned, you should be able to lift the belt's edge up 2-3 inches above the walking board.

If you align the rear roller and the belt still drifts to the side of the walking board when you walk on the belt, then worn roller bearings may be preventing rollers from staying aligned. Worn bearings typically make grinding or clicking noises as the roller spins. Replace a roller if the bearings make noise and the belt won't stay centered.

treadmill

THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR TREADMILL PROBLEM

JC-TM-Replace-the-walking-belt

Replace the treadmill walking belt

The walking belt rotates rubs over the platform while walking which can wear and cause the walking belt to slow down when walking. Replace the walking belt when worn or damaged.

Treadmill walking belt

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-TM-how-to-replace-a-treadmill-walking-belt
June 01, 2015

How to replace a treadmill walking belt

If your treadmill walking belt sticks, the belt could be worn. This repair guide and video show how to replace a treadmill walking belt with step-by-step instructions.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less
JC-TM-Replace-the-roller

Replace the treadmill roller

The walking belt fitted and tensioned between the front and rear belt rollers can wear and become noisy. Replace the belt roller when it becomes worn and noisy.

Treadmill roller

Find the required part specific to your product.

Symptoms for treadmills

Choose a symptom to see related treadmill repairs.

Main causes: no power, bad power cord, tripped or faulty overload switch, bad power switch, wiring failure, bad motor co…

Main causes: rear roller out of alignment, damaged walking belt, bad roller…

Main causes: missing safety key, bad control console, wiring failure, faulty motor control board, bad drive motor…

Main causes: faulty sensors, wiring failure, bad control console…

Main causes: bad control console, wiring failure, bad motor control board…

Main causes: damaged walking belt, improper belt tension, lack of belt lubricant, bad drive motor…

Main causes: damaged walking belt, improper belt tension, bad roller bearing…

Repair guides for treadmills

These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your treadmill.

How to replace a treadmill motor controller

How to replace a treadmill motor controller

Your treadmill motor won't run with a defective motor controller. Replace the motor controller if it doesn't operate the…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a treadmill walking belt

How to replace a treadmill walking belt

A worn walking belt will begin to slow down during use. If your treadmill walking belt is worn out, replace it using the…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less
How to replace a treadmill drive motor

How to replace a treadmill drive motor

A defective drive motor won't run when activated by the motor controller. Replace the treadmill drive motor if it doesn'…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less

Effective articles & videos to help repair your fitness & exercise

Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your treadmill.

Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

Get answers to frequently asked questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect.…