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How to Adjust Treadmill Belt Tension and Set Tracking

  • Updated

Adjusting Belt Tension

Belt tension is very important for treadmill users in order to provide a smooth, steady running surface.

  • An Allen Wrench is provided in your treadmill's parts package for this adjustment.
  • The adjustment bolts are located at the end of the step rails as shown in the diagram below.

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To adjust the belt tension:

  1. Turn the tread-belt tension adjusting bolts 1/4 turn each and inspect for proper tension by walking on the belt and making sure it is not slipping or hesitating with each step. Tighten the rear roller only enough to prevent slippage at the front roller. 
  2. When an adjustment is made to the belt tension, you must be sure to turn the bolts on both sides evenly or the belt could start tracking to one side instead of running in the middle of the deck.
IMPORTANT: Do not over tighten. Over tightening will cause belt damage and premature bearing failure. If you tighten the belt a lot and it still slips, the problem could actually be the drive belt - located under the motor cover - that connects the motor to the front roller. If that belt is loose it feels similar to the walking belt being loose. Tightening the motor belt should only be done by a trained service person.

Setting Belt Tracking

Your treadmill is designed so that the tread-belt remains reasonably centered while in use. It is normal for some belts to drift near one side while in use, depending on a user’s gait and if they favor one leg, but if during use the belt continues to move and/or slip towards one side, adjustments are necessary.

  • An Allen Wrench is provided in your treadmill's parts package for this adjustment.
  • Make tracking adjustments on the left-side bolt as shown on the diagram below.

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To set the belt tracking:

  1. Turn on your treadmill and set the belt speed at 3 mph.
  2. If the belt is too close to the left side, turn the left-side bolt only a 1/4 turn to the right (clockwise) and wait a few minutes for the belt to adjust itself. Be aware that a small adjustment can make a dramatic difference which may not be apparent right away.
  3. If the belt is too close to the right side, turn the left-side bolt counter-clockwise.
  4. Continue to make 1/4 turns until the belt stabilizes in the center of the running deck.

The belt may require periodic tracking adjustment depending on use and walking/running characteristics. Some users may affect tracking differently. Expect to make adjustments as required to center the tread-belt. Adjustments will become less of a maintenance concern as the belt is used. Proper belt tracking is an owner responsibility common with all treadmills.

ATTENTION: Damage to the running belt resulting from improper tracking / tension adjustments is not covered under your XTERRA Fitness Product Warranty.

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