Do you have a Peloton Tread knocking noise problem? We’ll help you handle this.
The Peloton Tread offers advanced training features to keep you motivated, but knocking noises disrupt your workout experience.
The error points to a mechanical issue or a problem with the internal components.
To get rid of your Peloton Tread’s knocking noise, you want to check the lubrication of the belt and deck of your treadmill to reduce the friction. Inspect it for worn-out or damaged parts as those create unwanted noises.
Okay, let’s explore other solutions.
Peloton Tread Knocking Noise – How to Fix in 10 Easy Steps
Here are 10 working solutions arranged from the easiest to most complex.
Start with the first and work your way down until you find the right fit.
1. Make Sure Your Peloton Tread is Level and Stable
The first thing you should do is check whether your Peloton Tread is level and stable.
An uneven or unstable surface causes your belt to move unsteadily, creating knocking noises.
To prevent this problem, check and adjust your treadmill.
Here are the steps to do this:
- Place a level on your Peloton Tread.
- Check if it’s even in both directions (front-to-back and side-to-side).
- Adjust the feet of your device using a wrench until it’s level.
- Ensure it is on a hard, flat surface like a concrete floor or plywood board.
Note: Don’t place your Peloton treadmill on soft, uneven surfaces like a carpet, mat, or rug, as this leads to wobbling or tilting.
2. Inspect the Belt Alignment
Next, inspect the belt alignment.
Ensure your belt is centered and parallel to the deck and rollers to prevent misalignment and resolve the knocking noise issue.
This important step maintains your Peloton Tread and promotes uninterrupted workout sessions.
Here’s how to inspect the belt alignment:
- Turn off and unplug your Peloton Tread.
- Stand behind your treadmill and look at the belt from the rear.
- See if it is centered and parallel to the deck and rollers.
- If the belt is not aligned, adjust it using the hex keys.
- Locate the two hex bolts on the rear roller bracket on each side.
- Turn the hex key clockwise to move the belt to the left or
- Turn the hex key counterclockwise to move it to the right.
- Make small adjustments (¼ turn at a time) until the belt is aligned.
Note: You should see equal space on both sides of your Peloton Tread’s belt.
3. Lubricate the Belt and Deck of Your Peloton Tread
One of the best solutions to fix the Peloton tread making knocking noise is lubricating the belt and deck.
It reduces friction and makes your device run more smoothly and quietly.
Be sure to use the lubricant recommended by Peloton to avoid damaging your treadmill’s components.
- Turn off and unplug your Peloton Tread.
- Lift one side of the belt.
- Spray a thin layer of silicone lubricant on the deck along the centerline.
- Repeat on the other side of the deck.
- Plug in and turn on your treadmill.
- Run or walk on it for 10 minutes at a low speed (3 mph or less) to spread the lubricant.
- Wipe off any excess lubricant with a clean cloth.
Pro Tip: Lubricate your Peloton Tread every 150 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first.
To check your mileage, follow these steps:
- On your Peloton Tread’s screen, tap Settings.
- Go to About.
- Select Mileage.
4. Tighten the Belt
Tightening the belt is another effective way to eliminate the knocking noise from your Peloton Tread.
It prevents any belt slippage or vibration that causes the issue. Don’t overtighten it; it will damage your Peloton Tread’s motor.
Here’s how to do this:
- Turn off and unplug your Peloton Tread.
- Press down on the belt with your thumb to check the tension.
- If the belt is loose, locate the adjustment bolts at the back of your device.
- Use the hex key to tighten the bolts.
- Turn them clockwise to increase the tension and counterclockwise to decrease it.
- Tighten the belt ¼ turn at a time until it’s taut.
- Plug in and turn on your treadmill.
- Give it a test run.
Note: Tighten your Peloton Tread belt every 50 hours of use or every month, whichever comes first.
To check your usage time, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap on About.
- Select Usage Time.
5. Clean the Belt and Rollers
Cleaning the belt and rollers of your Peloton Tread also eliminates the knocking noise issue.
Dirt, dust, debris, or hair all cause friction or interference with the belt movement, leading to the problem.
To fix this, ensure the belt and rollers are spot-free.
Here are the steps to do this:
- Turn off and unplug your Peloton Tread.
- Wipe down the belt and rollers with a damp cloth.
- Dry them off with a clean cloth or hair dryer on low heat.
- Plug in and turn on your treadmill.
- Give it a test run and see if the knocking noise is gone.
Alternative: A vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment is another way to clean the belt and rollers. Don’t use harsh chemicals or solvents.
Tip: Clean your Peloton Tread’s belt and rollers every week or every after use.
6. Make Sure the Motor Mounts are not Loose
Loose motor mounts cause movement or vibration of the motor, leading to the knocking noise issue.
To fix this, ensure your Peloton Tread’s motor mounts are secure and tightened properly.
Tighten them with a wrench or consult a professional for assistance.
To do this:
- Turn off and unplug your Peloton Tread.
- Remove the front cover using a Philipps screwdriver.
- Check the motor mounts for looseness or damage.
- Tighten them if they’re loose with a wrench.
- Replace them with parts from Peloton if they’re broken.
- Reattach the front cover.
- Plug in and turn on your treadmill.
- Give it a test run for 10 minutes at a low speed (3 mph or less).
Note: Check your Peloton Tread motor mounts every 6 months or every 500 miles of use, whichever comes first.
7. Consider Using a Noise Dampening Mat
Using a noise-dampening mat underneath your Peloton Tread helps reduce the impact and vibration of your device on the floor.
This prevents knocking noises caused by the floor or the surrounding environment.
To do this:
- Buy a noise-dampening mat compatible with your Peloton Tread size and weight.
- Place it under your Peloton Tread.
- Ensure it covers the entire base of your machine.
- Give it a test run for 10 minutes at a low speed (3 mph or less).
8. Dry Off the Magnets on Your Tread’s Flywheel
Another potential solution to Peloton tread making knocking noise is to dry off the magnets on the flywheel.
It will prevent any moisture or corrosion from interfering with the magnetic resistance system of your device.
- Turn off and unplug your Peloton Tread.
- Remove the front cover.
- Locate the flywheel.
- Wipe off moisture or dirt with a clean cloth or paper towel.
- Replace the front cover.
- Plug in and turn on your treadmill.
- Give it a test run for 10 minutes at a low speed (3 mph or less).
Note: Dry off your Peloton’s flywheel every month or after every use if you live in a humid or rainy area.
9. Inspect Your Peloton Tread for Worn Out or Damaged Parts
Check your Peloton Tread for worn-out or damaged parts if the issue persists.
Doing this prevents any malfunction or breakdown that causes a knocking noise.
Contact Peloton customer support or a professional technician to diagnose and fix the problem.
To inspect your Peloton Tread, follow these steps:
- Turn off and unplug your Peloton Tread.
- Remove the front and rear covers.
- Inspect all the parts of your treadmill.
- Replace worn-out or damaged parts.
- Reattach the front and rear covers.
- Plug in and turn on your treadmill.
- Give it a test run.
Note: Inspect your Peloton Tread for worn out or damaged parts every year or every 1000 miles of use, whichever comes first.
10. Update Your Peloton Tread
If none of the above solutions work, update your Peloton Tread software.
Doing this ensures your machine has the latest features and bug fixes to improve its performance and eliminate any misaligned movements from its components.
To update your Peloton Tread, follow these steps:
- Tap the Settings icon in the top right of the touchscreen.
- Select the Device Settings option.
- Tap on System Updates.
- Select Download Now.
- Wait for the download and installation process to complete.
Note: Your Tread will restart once the update is installed.
The update takes around 15 minutes, so don’t unplug your treadmill or turn it off.
We recommend contacting Peloton Support for technical assistance if you run into more issues.
Quick Recap
If you’re experiencing Peloton Tread knocking noise, it’s likely a mechanical problem.
However, don’t rule out software issues, as it can also cause unwanted noises with your machine. Ensure your device is well lubricated and level for the parts to run smoothly.
To read up on Peloton troubleshooting steps and fix guides, visit our blog!
Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.