Common Noises; Clicking Noises - Bodyguard T-30 User Manual

8.3

COMMON NOISES

There are different types of noises that can be heard from a treadmill depending on the workload,
age and condition of the equipment. Treadmills do have a lot of moving components creating
operational noise but if you feel there is a noise over and above what is considered normal then
diagnosing the cause of noises can be made easier by taking a simple step-by step approach.
1) What type of noise is it? Is it a loud banging or knocking sound or does it sound more like
something rattling due to vibration or something being loose. Is it a constant rubbing sound
where two things are in permanent contact or a clicking sound where there is a frequency to
the contact? What type of materials does it sound like are causing the noise, metal, wood or
something synthetic?
2) Attempt to understand the noise by trying to replicate it under different circumstances such as
running, jogging, walking and even when the treadmill is stopped. Does the noise volume or
frequency increase when the walking belt goes faster? Does it only occur when you pull or
lean on the handrails, foot rails, or when the feet strike the deck etc.? Can you replicate it
when the belt is stopped or just when the walking belt is moving?
3) Attempt to isolate the location of the noise? Is it at the front or back of the treadmill? Is it
isolated to the treadmill base or is it something in the upright masts or top of the console. You
can separate the upright masts from the base and still operate the treadmill to isolate the two
sections to see if the noise is a result of vibration from the base passing through the masts to
the upper frame. Remove the motor cover and see if the volume increases indicating it may
be related to a component in the motor compartment. Safely place your hands on parts of the
treadmill to see if you can isolate the noise to that area or feel vibration.
Once you have a good understanding of the type of noise and how it changes based on or actions
you can look at the nearby components to see a cause. Below are some common causes for
different types of noises heard on treadmills.
8.3.1

CLICKING NOISES

A clicking noise that sounds as if something repeatedly makes contact with a moving part is different
to a rubbing noise as there is a frequency of contact involved as opposed to permanent contact. You
almost certainly will have to turn the treadmill on to hear the noise and maybe able to hear it when no
one is on the walking belt. You may also be able to increase its volume and frequency by increasing
the speed.
Drive Motor Pulley
The Drive Motor Pulley slides onto the drive motor shaft and on some drive motors is secured by
several setscrews. If those set screws become loose the drive pulley can have some small
movement in it causing a clicking/chirping noise that emanates through the drive motor. If any
clicking/chirping noise is heard from the front of the treadmill check your drive motor to see if it has
setscrews and if so, ensure they are securely tightened.
Optic Disc
A warped optic disc can make temporary contact with the speed sensor as it spins causing a clicking
or quick scraping sound. Attempt to straighten the optic disc or realign the speed sensor by
loosening the speed sensor bracket screws and shifting the speed sensor laterally then retighten.
Drive Motor Fan
The Drive motor fan may be situated internally or externally on the drive motor depending on the
model. If one of the fan's wings is bent and making contact with the drive motor casing a loud clicking
noise will be heard that will change frequency with the drive motor speed. The simplest solution is to
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