This paper presents a new parameter identification method of the Stribeck friction model based on limit cycles. A single degree of freedom mass spring system driven by a belt is studied, and the Stribeck friction model is established between the mass and belt. Limit cycle oscillation will occur when the system is unstable. The limit cycle curve is described by some main shape characteristic parameters using the modified Freeman chain code method. Thus, the Stribeck friction parameters can be identified by using the ergodic search method to minimize the Euclidean distance of the theoretical and identified limit cycle shape characteristic parameters. The parameter identification method based on limit cycles is different from the traditional identification methods. It only needs the displacement and velocity responses of the system instead of the measurement of the friction force or motor voltage/current. All of these works can provide the reference for the research work of the friction parameter identification.