Some people simply assume that, over time, their garage door will begin to make noise during operation and that this sort of thing is normal. Often, the noise is even so loud that the homeowner can hear it from well inside their house. Again, for whatever reason, many expect that this noise just comes with having a garage door.
Nothing could be further from the truth, though. This type of noise means that the garage door isn’t properly lubricated. It can also precede the kind of problem that keeps your door opening. To avoid the need to call a professional technician and pay to have your door fixed, simply ensure you properly lubricate it regularly.
Begin by checking the entire system
Before you begin lubricating your garage door, make sure you start by looking at the entire system. You want to make sure that none of the parts are broken or on their way to failing. Let the garage door go up and down and take a look from several angles to see if you notice any component struggling to do its job.
Then, use the emergency release cord to disengage the door opener and move it around manually. If it’s in good condition, your door won’t resist and should only feel like it weighs 8 or 10 pounds (3.5 to 4.5 kg).
If you aren’t able to move your garage door with just one hand, then there’s a much bigger problem occurring. Contact us right away before it becomes worse.
Now, assuming you checked out the entire system without any problems, it’s time to proceed with lubrication.
The spring system
Whether you have a torsion or extension system, all you need to do is use a long-lasting lubricant and apply it to the metal parts. Even a simple motor oil like 5W30 will do the trick. Just load it into a plastic or metal applicator and you’re ready to begin applying.
Begin with the top of the spring. Apply some oil, wait a few seconds and then use a cloth to spread it around. Wipe off any excess oil or it will end up dripping on your vehicle or the garage floor.
Proper lubrication of your garage’s spring system should eliminate any clicking that results from friction between its steel coils. As garages become very humid during winter, the springs can become rusty, but lubrication will protect them.
The rollers
Basically, any metal part of your garage door system that makes contact with other metal parts needs to be lubricated. This would include rollers and hinges. However, you only want to do a little at a time. Just like before, apply it with a dry cloth and then wipe away any excess amount.
Use this guide for specific parts:
- For steel rollers that don’t have coverings, apply a little oil to the ball bearings.
- For black nylon rollers that don’t have ball bearings, put some between each roller and apply it to the shaft that contains it.
- For steel rollers covered with white nylon, you actually won’t need to apply any because the ball bearings come sealed.
The hinges
When it comes to your garage door’s hinges, place a small amount of oil at the point where they open and close. Do the same for the bracket located at the top and bottom of the door and for any other areas where there is metal-to-metal contact being made.
The tracks
Tracks need lubrication, but only a little is necessary because the movement of the rollers will handle the rest.
Other places to lubricate
Along with the above, you also need to apply oil to the shaft containing the garage door’s torsion spring. A little oil should go on the anchor plate for it. You don’t need to worry about lubricating the lift cables or the drum coils, though.
The garage door opener
There are two types of door openers: those with belt drives and those with chain drives. The first type doesn’t need any type of lubrication. As long as a qualified professional installed it, they will place a small amount of white grease on the garage door’s drive sprockets. That will be enough for the entire time you own your home.
Those with train drives use a steel cable or have a complete chain. Either way, it’s important to lubricate yours with white grease. If you need help finding any, just contact us as we always have some on hand.
Use a cloth to apply the grease to the chain; a little will go a long way here. Once again, after application, get rid of any excess with a clean cloth or it will end up falling off on its own.
Also, if the trolley responsible for moving your garage door is made from three parts, this would be a great time to tighten the bolts that hold the entire thing together. It may not be necessary to do so, but it’s definitely worth checking.
One final tip
This type of necessary maintenance only takes a few minutes, but should be done twice a year – in the spring and right before winter. As long as you stick to this regimen, you’ll avoid the hassle of a broken door and the repair bills that come with it.
If you have any questions about the above, need help maintaining your door or need repairs done, call 860-668-7991 or make an online request for a service call. You will always get a free quote from us too.
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