Creaky Treadmill! Any Suggestions?
 

Hey guys! I am new here but am seeking some informative help regarding my treadmill. I purchased a treadmill in October and didn't really use it until a couple of weeks ago. Since using it, we have discovered that it creaks and cracks almost constantly and we have even had to readjust the belt already. I'm not sure what is happening. We are under the weight limit for the machine and only walking on the machine, no running. I'm puzzled. It gets louder and louder each time we use it. During my walk today it got so loud that I could hear it over my iPod turned all the way up. The motor sounds normal and is not straining, it runs smoothly and doesn't feel hot, so I'm certain it is not a mechanical issue. It just creaks and pops all the time. It's very annoying and makes you not even want to use it. It's a Golds Gym Trainer 420. Granted, it's no Cadillac of treadmills but it's not a super cheap one. Any advice? I'd hate to have the manufacturer replace it and the new one do the same thing. Is it crappy you think?

I think you absolutely have to call the manufacturer and explain your troubles with the machine. They may have dealt with similar issues before, and you could find that out from them.

And if they replace it and the new one creaks, at least you will know it's a quality issue, instead of a defect.

Yeah, I'm gonna call them in a couple of days when I'm off work. I may call them tonight if I flget home early enough. It's annoying for sure. I can't afford a high end one, but surely I can get an affordable one that works well! It's just disheartening. This is the "nicest" one that I've had, but it is by far the jankiest!

Oh sorry not advice but I have dealt with this at the gym and I hate it! Sorry!

I used to own a treadmill that did the same thing .. The faster I walked, the more it would creak. It was a low quality machine and I just blamed it on that but it did make me a little nervous when using it. The thing is still running fine, although I gave it to a family member so I am no longer using it.

I usually lubricate any parts that move (as well as some that don't) with a non-oil based silicone spray. You might try that.

Ok, I'm back..... The manufacturer is of no help at all, so I've decided to buy a new treadmill. The creaking from this treadmill is only when stepping and moving on the treadmill. If you run it without being on it, it does not happen, which tells me that there is a frame issue somewhere, but Gold's Gym is not helpful at all, so there you go.

So I'm looking at the nordictrack t 6.5z from Sears. Does anyone have a nordictrack and have you bought one from Sears? The info says that the warranty is a lifetime frame warranty and a 25 year motor warranty. Sears offers a 3 year extended warranty plan that covers all parts and labor and service calls to the home. It is $185. I typically am against extended warranties of any kind, but am cautious since the machine I have currently is a piece of crap. If you have a nordictrack machine, what are your thoughts regarding the quality and customer service as well as manufacturer's warranty?

Thank y'all so much for all of your suggestions! I really enjoy the treadmill and would like for the machine I have to be equally enjoyable instead of aggravating like it is now!