NordicTrack incline making a ding ding ding sound, common cause?

Thomas Martinez

Thomas Martinez

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May 5, 2026
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Others has commented on this topic in other threads so figured it would be worth discussing here. The topic relate to the treadmill making a “ding” noise when the treadmill is rising or declining in incline. It dont seem to matter if individuals are running or if the treadmill is empty, the “ding” noise will be made with the rising or declining of the treadmill.
The general consensus about the cause of the noise is either because of the hardware working itself loose over time, or that the metal bar for the incline motor are dry. To fix this individuals are recommended to remove the hood of the motor, remove the incline motor, and ensure that all of the bolts and nuts for the motor are properly set and not loose. Additionally, individuals can fold the treadmill to gain access to the metal frame for the incline and decline portions of the treadmill, and then ensure that the frame screw is correctly set to the frame. Finally, applying some lube to the metal bar for the incline motor can fix the issue.
This general solution make sense to individuals who commented on the topic due to the fact that the noise is most likely coming from one of these two causes. However, individuals are curious as to the type of lube that many of the treadmills use for these incline bars. Nordictrack is not specific about what type of lube to use and various individuals note the use of white lithium grease, synthetic grease (with PTFE), marine grease, and even silicone spray.


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white lithium grease, end of discussion. Silicone spray flashes off way too quick on a part thats under load like that incline screw.
 
It turned out to be the incline motor itself dying. Replaced it about 6 months ago and the “ding” sound is gone. I’d suggest checking those things out before replacing the motor though.
 
wait so is the noise coming from the actual lead screw threads or the bracket the motor bolts to? im trying to picture where the metal on metal contact would even be
 
Elegant Eel said:
white lithium grease, end of discussion. Silicone spray flashes off way too quick on a part thats under load like that incline screw.
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Not white lithium. That stuff gets gummy after a year and traps dust. I use a synthetic grease, Super Lube with PTFE which is way better for slow moving lead screws.
 
Planet of the said:
Not white lithium. That stuff gets gummy after a year and traps dust. I use a synthetic grease, Super Lube with PTFE which is way better for slow moving lead screws.
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super lube is fine too i guess but ive had white lithium on my incline screw for 4 years no issues. You saying its gets gummy after a year is just not my experience.
 
Elegant Eel said:
super lube is fine too i guess but ive had white lithium on my incline screw for 4 years no issues. You saying its gets gummy after a year is just not my experience.
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Then you must be cleaning it more often than you think or its dry in here. White lithium in a basement with high humidity becomes peanut butter. Ymmv
 
checked all the bolts last weekend. 3 of them on the motor were so loose you could turn them by hand. Didn’t need to lube it up, noise is gone.
 
People jump to lubricating the incline motor without realizing that 9 times out of 10 the issue is loose hardware. When the motor is supposed to push against the frame and there is a slight gap, that makes the tap tap tap noise people describe. Tighten it all down before lubricating.
 
fwiw, NordicTrack support told me over the phone to use some lithium grease specifically. Take that for what its worth since they also told me to factory reset the console for the same issue.
 
Had this problem on a Commercial 1750. Took the hood off the treadmill and discovered that one of the motor mount bolts had worked itself almost all the way out of its hole. Once I re tightened it, I hit the lead screw with some marine grease and the problem was gone for 2 years now and counting. Just be sure to not overtighten the plastic shroud on the lead screw, its made of cheese. A quick wipe of the lead screw before application of the new lube will work better than dumping the lube directly on the contaminated lead screw portion.
 
Inquisitive Iguana said:
Had this problem on a Commercial 1750. Took the hood off the treadmill and discovered that one of the motor mount bolts had worked itself almost all the way out of its hole. Once I re tightened it, I hit the lead screw with some marine grease and the problem was gone for 2 years …
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marine grease seems like overkill for an indoor treadmill no? whats the reasoning
 
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