You have used your treadmill for a period, and now it starts to move slowly and produce a lot of friction? Or, maybe you have also spotted a few rust stains on it? Regarding this issue, many people have suggested using white lithium grease to tackle it.
Yet, does this solution work out? If yes, how can you use it properly to keep the components inside moving smoothly again? Let’s find out the answer to the question “Can you use white lithium grease on treadmill?” in this blog now!
Table of Contents
Can You Use White Lithium Grease On Treadmill?
Can you lubricate the treadmill using white lithium grease?
Yes, of course. White lithium grease is such a great lubricant for your running machine. In fact, it is the most versatile solution among a wide range of lubricants for home, automotive, marine, or shop usage.
This lubricant is not only easy to use but also safe on almost all kinds of metal. White lithium grease hardly splatters, runs, or freezes when using. Also, it is especially helpful in protecting the treadmill against rust and makes surfaces friction-free. You can apply white lithium grease when your treadmill creaks, sticks, or jams.
Then, how to lubricate your treadmill using white lithium grease? Here are the steps to follow:
- Step 1: Purchase white lithium grease from a hardware store.
Most white lithium grease brands pack the grease in aerosol cans. Thus, you should only use the grease in a well-ventilated area. Be mindful of the fumes during the process! - Step 2: Move the mechanical parts so that you can easily access the area that needs lubrication.
- Step 3: Test the quality of all drive belts and replace them if necessary.
- Step 4: Loosen the walking belt at the rear of the running machine.
- Step 5: Clean the deck and the underside of the belt using a soft cloth.
- Step 6: Lubricate the treadmill with the help of white lithium grease.
Spray the grease in areas where metal comes in contact with other metals. Then, wait for the grease to move slowly into small crevices and fill tiny spots.
Be careful in this step and keep the grease out of the eyes. If it is into your eyes, try to flush it out with plenty of water! - Step 7: Let the grease dry and arrange the parts in the proper position.
- Step 8: Wash your hands, and let the white lithium grease provide outstanding protection for your treadmill.
What Are The Tips To Remember When Lubricating A Treadmill With White Lithium Grease?
Go over the instructions
It is a must to go over the instruction manual before doing any maintenance on the running machine. This way, you can discover the particular maintenance your machine requires for the best performance.
For instance, some treadmills come pre-lubricated, which means you might damage your running machine if you add more before that time.
If you do not have any manual, look for the online instructions based on the treadmill’s serial number.
Lubricate treadmill before storing
If you intend to say goodbye to your running machine for a couple of weeks or more, it would be best to put lubricant on it before storage. This prevents the belt from being brittle and cracked.
Keep a towel handy
You could spill the lubricant on the treadmill or the floor during the lubricating process. To prevent this situation, you need to put a towel underneath the running machine.
Besides, preparing another towel to clean up any extra spills that appear on the sides of the belt is also a good idea!
Tighten the bolts before re-using the running machine
If you need to loosen the bolts to touch underneath the belt, it is necessary to tighten everything back up before using the machine.
Specifically, this small action guarantees that you will not accidentally break any part of the machine!
Quickly clean any lubricant on the top of the belt
A few drops of grease might cause the belt to be slick, which can lead to a hazard for you when using the treadmill.
For this reason, it is a must to remove any leftover lubricant on the belt immediately to avoid it from stepping in.
Treadmills Lubrication Facts
Do Treadmills Need Lubrication?
Yes, proper lubrication is a must for your treadmill to work smoothly. Without lubrication, many parts might end up badly damaged and need to be replaced after a period of time.
At the same time, over-lubricating your running machine can also damage your treadmill.
For instance, skipping the lubrication before storage causes the belt to become brittle when you restart the machine for a while. Moreover, without lubrication, the friction between the belt and the motor might increase, decreasing the track life.
Do Treadmills Need Maintenance?
Unless you purchased a self-maintaining treadmill, you would need to take the time to clean it regularly. So, how often should you clean your running machine?
For the motor area, once per three to four months is enough. The deck and belt require monthly maintenance, while the other portions of the machine need weekly cleaning.
How Do I Know If My Treadmill Needs Lubrication?
Once you notice that the belt is loosened, gently lift it. Then, touch your deck surface under the walking belt to check wherever the inner surface is dry or oily.
If you feel slightly waxy, there is a high chance that your machine does not need lubrication. On the contrary, it is time for lubrication!
How Often Should You Lubricate Your Treadmill?
According to the recommendations of manufacturers, low-cost treadmills require lubrication every 40 hours of use. If the treadmill sits in a warm environment, it might need more frequent lubrication as the oil is likely to evaporate faster.
Does White Lithium Grease Damage Rubber?
Does white lithium grease damage rubber?
Well, the lithium-based lubricants might harm the rubber or plastic parts. The reason is that lithium is based on petroleum, which is likely to increase the rubber and plastic components’ decay. Hence, it is not advisable to use them on these parts of the machine.
What Are White Lithium Grease’s Alternatives?
In fact, white lithium grease is not the only solution!
You can choose to go with silicone lubricant, as it will not damage plastic and rubber parts. This lubricant is available in two different forms: silicone grease and silicone spray. For lubricating treadmills, most running machine manufacturers recommend using 100 percent silicone.
Along with silicone lubricant, you can also use marine grease, formulated to lubricate high-load items. This lubricant is thicker and better in water resistance than white lithium grease. As such, it works pretty well in inhibiting rust and protecting metal parts.
Final Thoughts
So, can you use white lithium grease on treadmill? Yes, you can! With the help of this lubricant, your machines will get rid of corrosion and rust. Please take note of all the important things we’ve mentioned during the process for the best result!
We hope that you can take advantage of this useful information and lubricate your treadmill properly!
Good day, readers! My name is Jason Gwinn, a 35 years old man who specializes in physical fitness. With 15 years of experience being a personal trainer, I will help you conquer the fitness challenges. Besides guiding you through my unique workouts, I can also help you choose the best fitness equipment to assist you in achieving your goals and exercise regimen.
