How To Disassemble A Treadmill (Taking It Apart Correctly)

It can be daunting to disassemble a home treadmill or one found in the gym, but it is crucial to understand how to gently take your treadmill apart when moving it. If you are hasty and quick with the breakdown process, you may damage your treadmill and keep it from functioning properly.  

Our guide will help you learn how to disassemble a treadmill by yourself so that you can safely move it around your home or even clean your treadmill properly 

Yes, most treadmills can be disassembled, but the process needs to be a careful one. Most people are interested in disassembling a treadmill because they are moving it into a new space, and it will not fit through the door or is difficult to carry downstairs or upstairs as a complete system.  

Taking it apart means that you can move small pieces of equipment at one time without taxing yourself. Before you disassemble your treadmill, consider where you want to move it and whether or not it will fit well in the new space.  

We recommend using a tape measure to help you visualize the treadmill in the new space before embarking on this process of disassembling, moving, and reassembling your treadmill.  

We also recommend visualizing the path and how you will transport your treadmill to your new space. Consider moving small tripping hazards out of the way before you start the move. 

How To Disassemble A Treadmill

Important Parts Of Treadmill (Guide To Taking A Treadmill Apart) 

Before moving your treadmill, a couple of different parts of the treadmill have to be carefully protected. Each of these following treadmill components is fragile and integral to the functioning of the treadmill.  

  • Treadmill's Frame and Rails 
    The frame and handrails are what help hold the treadmill together. When you take these apart, you need to carefully wrap the handrails so that they do not break (they tend to be more fragile than the frame itself). Also, make sure that you do not warp the frame when moving it because several pieces attach to the frame to make the treadmill work correctly. 
  • Treadmill Motor 
    The treadmill motor will not usually be removed from the treadmill when moving it. These motors tend to be internal mechanisms and should not be removed. 
  • Treadmill Belt And Deck 
    The treadmill belt and deck may be removed from the treadmill rails but typically will remain attached to the frame. You may want to protect the treadmill belt by wrapping it in bubble wrap for the move. If you are moving the treadmill from one room to another, this may be unnecessary. However, if you are moving apartments/houses or will be placing the treadmill in a moving van, we recommend bubble wrapping the belt. If the belt suffers from scratches and tears, it can ruin the belt completely which will end up needing a belt replacement.  
  • Treadmill Console 
    The treadmill console allows you to check your stats, including miles completed, incline height, speed, and other details depending on your particular treadmill. We recommend placing a piece of bubble wrap over the console to protect it from scratches. 
Parts Of A Treadmill

How To Disassemble A Treadmill: Instructions For Taking Apart  

We often get questions on “How to disassemble a NordicTrack treadmill?” or “How to disassemble a Proform Treadmill?” To disassemble your treadmill on your own, whether it is one of these brands or not, we recommend following these instructions.

Most treadmills have similar disassembly instructions, although referencing your treadmill's manufacturer guidelines can help you with any additional questions.  

1. Start By Gathering Your Tools

You will need a Phillips screwdriver or the rod that came with the treadmill for disassembly (not all treadmills come with one, but several do). You will also need a socket or ½” wrench. We recommend gathering a plastic bag, tape, and bubble wrap as well (this is particularly important if you are moving your treadmill into an entirely new location outside of your existing home/store). 

2. Move To Your Treadmill And Unplug It

From here, it is time to remove the screws covering the motor as well as the display. If your treadmill does not have an elevated display, then you may be able to leave it intact while moving the treadmill. The top assembly of the treadmill (the top component that holds the display and has the buttons you press to work your treadmill) also needs to be removed.

You can do this with your Phillips screwdriver or the treadmill rod. Push in, grab the top panel, and remove the wire connections behind it. Then you can gently remove the top panel. Wrap this panel in bubble wrap and tape it so that it is secure for your move. 

3. Remove The Rails

The next step is to remove the rails. Loosen the bolts on either side of the rail and place them in your plastic bag so that you do not lose them. Gently remove the treadmill rails and wrap those in bubble wrap as well. 

4. Move The Remaining Parts Of Treadmill 

You should now be able to move the treadmill lower frame, belt, and motor as one piece. If you need to further break these pieces down, then we recommend following your particular manufacturer’s instructions for this step. Blanket wrap the treadmill lower frame to keep it from being damaged during your move.  

Rescue Moving Services has a disassembly video breaking down this process if you need further instruction.  


Tips & Tricks For Dismantling & Moving A Treadmill

Now that you know the exact steps for taking your treadmill apart, there are still a few more helpful tips and tricks to cover that will make the job a lot easier, like:

  • Take Pictures: Even though almost all treadmill manuals come with pictures and diagrams for assembly, it's a great idea to take your own pictures while taking the machine apart. This will show you exactly how things should look when it comes time to reassemble. 
  • Set Up The New Space: A clean, organized space means that you won't have to work around additional (and unnecessary) obstacles when dismantling and moving your treadmill. Before you move any parts of the machine, make sure that you have a clear path with nothing in the way. 
  • Clean Treadmill Parts Before Reassembling: Dust and sweat can wreak havoc on a treadmill over time, so this is the perfect opportunity to clean all of the smaller components, like nuts and bolts, thoroughly. Just use a mild cleanser and a microfiber cloth. 
  • Lubricate Before Reassembling: Just like cleaning, this is also the perfect opportunity to re-lubricate your treadmill's belt to make sure it keeps running smoothly for you.
  • Test All Parts Before Using The Machine: After reassembling, you definitely shouldn't start running at full speed without checking things out first. Make sure to test the console and other functions (including checking your treadmill belt is tightened correctly) before actually walking, jogging, or running. 

Frequently Asked Treadmill Disassembly Questions 

How do you get a treadmill through a doorway? 

The best way to get a treadmill through a doorway is to try to move it through the doorway by turning it to the side and using a furniture dolly. If your treadmill has wheels, you may be able to roll it as it is. 

We recommend using two people to move your treadmill because they are heavy. If your treadmill cannot fit through the doorway because it is too wide, then it may need to be disassembled and reassembled in the new space.  

Can you remove wires from the treadmill? 

If you want to remove the treadmill wire, you need to first disconnect the wire from the inside. Make sure that the internal connector is disassembled before removing a wire. Then, you can slide it out of the treadmill and use a saw to remove it. The saw will cut the wire. However, this will void your treadmill warranty and should only be done if you know what you are doing.  

Can all types of treadmills be disassembled? 

Not all types of treadmills can be disassembled. This depends on the type of treadmill that you have and how it was originally assembled. Most treadmills can be disassembled, but there are a few basic models that come with very few parts and will not break down into several pieces. Check your manufacturer’s instruction manual for specifics on how your treadmill can be disassembled.  

Can movers disassemble the treadmill? 

This depends on the mover you hire. Some movers do have the ability to disassemble your treadmill and can move it for you. If you want to hire a mover specifically for disassembling and moving your treadmill, ask the mover if they have experience with your type of treadmill (brand and design).  


Conclusion

Disassembling your home gym treadmill is often necessary in order to move it around your home. However, this doesn’t have to be dangerous if you take the time to carefully remove each piece and slowly move your treadmill into its new space.  

Last Updated on January 25, 2023

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Andrew White

Andrew White is the co-founder of Garage Gym Pro. As an expert fitness professional (gym building nerd) with over 10 years of industry experience, he enjoys writing about everything there is to do with modern fitness & the newest market innovations for garage gyms. When he isn’t testing out products for his readers, he’s usually out surfing or playing basketball.