I have a 5.op Smooth folding treadmill that I bought in 2002 and has worked perfectly until now. the walking belt has frayed on the right side and now has a cut in it. I've tried to readjust the

Tighten belt then center it.

The bow flex tc5 is an overpriced piece of equipment. The build quality is not great. There are ongoing documented problems with the belts fraying on this model. You can always order a new belt or adjust the side (loosening or tightening) your primary foot stepping side, but I would call bow flex and demand a new belt or replacement. You can mention there is a "risk of fall" due to poor workmanship. This will get their attention and you may even get a new treadmill or at least free belt. Call Bow flex customer service at 1-800-436-6549.

You have not properly aligned and / or adjusted the tension. If it is SLIDING then you do not have enough Rear Tension. Once you get the right amount of REAR TENSION, then you have to adjust the left right (balance the belt). Your belt should go straight, right now you have it too far to the FRAYED SIDE. Turn the Machine on, have your Hex Wrench in the Bolt and turn it slowly CW and as the belt come back to Center, watch the adjustment. If it continues to go past, then loosen it a little until you have the right balance. Remember REAR TENSION FIRST... THEN BALANCE for Alignment

proceed according. God bless you

HI, its sounds like the running belt is too loose. i have had the same problem, when my wife uses our treadmill its works fine but when i step on it jurks and struggles to move propley, so i tightened the belt a fraction and works perfectly. also try not to put any oil or greese on the belt rollers. that just makes the belt slip.

Discription: WALKING BELT W/FASTENERS, Part # 193575, Model # PCTL49820, Price $48.83
In humble opinion you should replace the part, it sounds like an accident waiting to happen Call Icon Fitness @ 800-999-3756 and give them the info above.

If the walking belt is off-center, first remove the key and UNPLUG THE POWER CORD. If the walking belt has shifted to the left, use the allen wrench to turn the left rear roller bolt clockwise 1/2 of a turn; if the walking belt has shifted to the right, turn the bolt counterclockwise 1/2 of a turn. Be careful not to over tighten the walking belt. Then, plug in the power cord, insert the key, and run the treadmill for a few minutes. Repeat until the walking belt is centered.

Be extremely careful when trying to trim a belt. Understand that many hazards exist when performing these steps that can result in serious injury. If you have any question whether you can perform these steps or not, please call a professional and do NOT attempt this repair.
There are two methods that can be used to trim a walking belt when it has developed a tattered edge:
1) Remove the belt from the treadmill for trimming.
a) All walking belts are cut at some point during their life, whether in manufacturing or later during service, so this will not compromise the integrity of the belt as long as you cut a straight line and do not leave a rough edge.
b) Remove the walking belt from the treadmill, lay the belt flat and even on the ground, and measure and equal distance on each end of the belt and mark the belt for cutting on each end of the belt. Cut no more than necessary to restore a smooth edge.
c) Use a piece of flat steel or other metal object that is straight and long enough and connect the two markings on the belt with the metal object.
d) Using a new razor knife, box knife, or similar instrument, cut the belt along the steel object. If the knife has a new edge, you should cut through the belt in one or two passes of the knife.
e) Check the belt for a smooth edge and reinstall the belt.

2) Cut the belt while it is mounted on the treadmill. This method should only be considered by those who are familiar with treadmills and very good with tools. This can be a dangerous process.
a) Track or center the belt off center to the opposite side of the tattered edge (i.e.- if the belt is tattered on the right side, track the belt off centered to the left side by about 1/2 to 3/4").
b) Operate the treadmill at a very slow speed. Usually 1.0 or 1.5 MPH will be sufficient.
c) Using both hands, line a new razor knife up on the tattered side of the belt. Make sure to cut no more than necessary to make a smooth edge.
d) With the belt moving and using both hands, lift the knife up and contact the belt making sure to hold the knife steady and keeping your hands and clothing as free from the moving roller as possible. You will not damage the roller to the point where it will hurt the operation of the treadmill.
e) Do not lower the knife until you see the belt separate from the tattered edge. Once this happens, turn the treadmill off, unplug the treadmill, and cut the tattered strip off the treadmill.
f) Track or center the belt and operate normally.

It sounds like one of the adjusted bolts or endcaps that adjusts the walk belt is broken,look at the bolts where you adjust and see if the side the belt is shifting to is broken.It may have ruined the belt also but you wont be able to tell till you correct the tracking problem.

To tighten the belt, start by locating the two bolts that adjust the rear roller (one on each side of the unit in the back). Run the unit at about 3 mph. Tighten the bolts a 1/4 turn at a time. Make sure that what you do to one side, you MUST do to the other side or the belt will get off center. After you tighten it 1/4 turn, check the belt to see if it is still slipping. If it is then tighten the belt 1/4 turn again. Continue until the belt does not slip, but do not tighten the bolts more than 2 full turns.