NordicTrack offers many different types of high-quality, in-home fitness equipment like exercise bikes, ellipticals, rowers, and strength training products. In fact, it has become a household name, especially in Nordictrack treadmills.
However, what happens if something goes wrong with your exercise equipment? What if the treadmill belt messes up or there’s an issue with the motor control board? If you’re concerned about issues like that, we’ve got you covered! Below, we will address common problems that may arise that require NordicTrack treadmill repair.
Common Issues
No matter how durable and sturdy a treadmill is, it will still require periodic treadmill maintenance and repair due to normal wear and tear over time. Fortunately, most fitness brands understand this. For instance, companies like NordicTrack and ProForm offer a warranty on their products for a certain amount of time just in case something does happen. But in some cases, the issue you’re encountering might be one you can try troubleshooting yourself.
Now, you might be thinking, “What if I get a more expensive treadmill? Doesn’t that mean it shouldn’t ever have any issue?” Not exactly. Even if you invest in a more expensive treadmill, it’ll still need maintenance. It’s not unlikely for even the best treadmills to encounter common issues like belt tightness, a misaligned belt, treadmill console malfunctions, or incline/decline responsiveness.
To ensure you’re prepared if and when something goes wrong, we’ll go over some typical treadmill issues and what you can do about them, so you know how to fix your treadmill.
#1 Inconsistent Speed
Imagine running on your treadmill for a few minutes and suddenly noticing the speed change without you adjusting it. I know that’s one sure way to throw a wrench in your workout. After all, no one wants to run on a treadmill with erratic speed, so what can you do about it?
You should first check the owner’s manual to see if your treadmill has a recommended speed setting. At this time, you don’t want to get on the treadmill, but do adjust it to the recommended speed and take a few minutes to observe the walking belt (sometimes called a running belt). If it’s hitching or jerking, you likely need to replace it, but if it’s not, check to see if the walking belt is frayed. Walking belts that are damaged or worn out must be replaced. Otherwise, your treadmill isn’t of much use.
If the belt looks in good shape, pay attention to the belt tension when you get on your treadmill. You might need to adjust or tighten the belt if it feels odd or off. Sometimes it’s just a matter of adding lubrication. Stick your hand under the belt when the machine is off, and the power cord is unplugged to see if it feels oily or wavy. If it doesn’t, you would need some treadmill lubricant.
Once you’ve thoroughly checked the belt and have identified that it’s absolutely not that, it could be that you have a weak treadmill motor. Again, it may be best to check with a service provider to receive treadmill repair services.
#2 A Slipping Belt
If you’ve ever been on a treadmill and felt like the running belt was going to one side under your feet, that was your belt slipping. Although this is a common issue for treadmills, it’s not one to be taken lightly. Treadmill belt slipping is dangerous and can pose a safety issue, like falling and experiencing an injury.
It’s possible that your NordicTrack treadmill belt is slipping because it needs to be lubricated. Treadmills need lubrication in order for the belt, deck, and rollers to work correctly. Too much friction can lead to quicker wear and tear, so make lubricating your treadmill a part of your monthly maintenance routine. Don’t forget to check your user manual first, as some higher-end treadmills are self-lubricating.
When lubrication isn’t the issue, it could be that the walking belt is loose from stretching over time. It’s also possible that the treadmill belt is slipping off the front roller.
RELATED: Nordictrack 1750 Treadmill Review
#3 The Display Isn’t Working
Even if you have a high-tech NordicTrack Commercial 2950 treadmill, you may still encounter issues with the display. Fortunately, most display issues can be resolved by simply resetting the power or changing the batteries. However, it’s also possible that the iFIT program requires a software update before it displays successfully again.
When none of the above appears to be the culprit, you may have a more severe problem, like with the motor control board. This type of issue requires professional repair services and shouldn’t be handled by yourself.
#4 You Smell Burning
Nothing would throw off your workout more than getting the hint of a burning smell while on your treadmill. When this occurs, don’t try to push through your workout and address it later. Instead, get off of your NordicTrack treadmill right away and unplug it. Otherwise, you risk a fire starting.
One reason treadmills have a burning smell is due to improper friction between the belt and the deck. Other times it’s a result of electrical shorts or overheating of the motor. In either scenario, equipment repair is necessary before you operate the machine again.
How to Maintain a NordicTrack Treadmill
Now that you know about four of the most common issues with treadmills, it’s time to reveal what you can do to hopefully prevent them in the first place.
Read The User Manual
I know, I know. The last thing you want to do when you get your high-tech, high-quality treadmill is read about it. But, reading your user manual could save you a lot of time and money. It not only ensures that you assemble your treadmill correctly, but it also lets you know how to get the most use out of it.
Clean Your Treadmill Regularly
Many people overlook the fact that home and gym equipment must be cleaned consistently for it to work correctly. If you skip out on cleaning, I’m sure you’ll set yourself up to need exercise equipment repair for issues that were likely preventable. So, aim to clean your treadmill daily, much in the same way you’d clean exercise equipment at the gym. Make it a habit to wipe your equipment off every time you use it so sweat and dust don’t cause corrosion or damage.
In addition to daily cleanings, do a deep treadmill cleaning at least once a month. Grab a damp cloth and a vacuum so you can clean around the motor, deck, and belt. Doing this level of preventative treadmill maintenance should help you avoid some costly repair issues later.
Don’t Neglect The Running Belt or Other Treadmill Parts
As mentioned before, without a properly functioning walking belt, you basically don’t have a treadmill. Therefore, this part of your machine definitely requires a little extra TLC. Lubricate and clean your treadmill belt based on the specifications in the user manual. Just for clarification, make sure you’re placing the lubricant on the underside of the belt and not on the part where you actually walk or run. Otherwise, this could end up being a slippery situation.
In addition to cleaning and adding lubricant, inspect the belt and other treadmill parts weekly.
Understand that your belt should be centered and straight on your treadmill and not leaning excessively to one side. It shouldn’t be slipping or sticking either, so tighten or loosen it to correct those issues when you notice them.
Also, double-check that the power cord has no exposed wires and that your treadmill motor is operating the way it should. Finally, pay attention to if you need any replacement parts for your machine. If you notice something wrong, it’s best to address it as soon as possible to avoid more significant issues later.
Take Care of the Electronics
NordicTrack treadmills are known for offering premium interactive programming, so it’s imperative that you properly care for the electrical components. For example, update your iFIT software when needed, replace the batteries, and dust the console surfaces off. We also recommend getting a surge protector to prevent damage to your machine during power surges and outages.
NordicTrack Treadmill Repair: Final Thoughts
No matter what brand of treadmill you purchase, you’ll want to be aware of any potential issues that could occur and what you can do about them. A treadmill is a heavy-duty machine requiring a lot of moving parts for it to run well. You can reduce your need for fitness equipment repair by adequately maintaining your NordicTrack treadmill.
With the information above, you should also know when you require someone with years of experience in exercise repair to fix your treadmill. In some cases, you may need to call NordicTrack directly and provide them with your model number to see if the issue is something covered under warranty. Their service plan may include in-home service visits.
As long as you keep the following points in mind, you’ll likely have a well-running NordicTrack treadmill for years to come:
- Read the user manual that came with your treadmill
- Check to see if your issue is covered under the warranty
- Clean your machine often to avoid display issues, corrosion, and more
- Lubricate and tighten/loosen the walking belt when needed
- Consistently inspect your treadmill parts
- Never operate a treadmill that has a burning smell
- Avoid running on a treadmill with a slipping belt
- Don’t forget to update your software
NordicTrack Treadmill Repair FAQs
How do I get my NordicTrack fixed?
If you’re having a problem with your NordicTrack treadmill, you should refer to your user manual and see what it says about equipment issues. If your problem is covered under warranty, work with NordicTrack to get your equipment repaired. If not, try troubleshooting the problem yourself and/or calling a treadmill repair service.
Can a NordicTrack treadmill be fixed?
Ultimately, it depends on the level of damage to the treadmill, but most problems can be repaired by yourself or a professional.
Is it worth repairing a treadmill?
In most cases, it’s better to repair your treadmill than completely replace it, but it depends on the type of issue you’re experiencing and how long you’ve had it. If the damage is simple, like needing a replacement belt, it would be better to replace the belt than the entire treadmill.
Keep in mind, though, that problems with the treadmill motor or deck could be more costly to repair. Therefore, purchasing a new treadmill in that situation may make more sense. However, there are many factors to consider. It may be completely covered with a warranty, so it’s best to let a professional assess it to let you know what’s best.
How long does a NordicTrack treadmill last?
Many manufacturers proclaim that treadmills can last seven to 12 years. But, overall, it depends on how often you use it, the quality of your NordicTrack treadmill, and how you’ve maintained it.
