Is your garage door making loud, unpleasant noises? Is it sticking, jerking, or just not moving as smoothly as it once did? The solution may be as simple as proper lubrication. Proper lubrication ensures that a garage door operation will go along smoothly and quietly. It reduces wear and tear, adding years of life to both the door and the opener. In this post, we will show you how to lubricate a garage door correctly. Call Overhead Door of Puget Sound of Bellingham at (844) 643-3667 for skilled service and maintenance.
Why Lubrication Counts
Your garage door is the largest moving piece of your home, composed of many different parts that must be maintained. When not lubricated, parts begin to grind on each other. This causes very loud noises, as well as wear and tear before its time. Proper lubrication:
Has friction-reducing properties to prevent parts from wearing out as quickly
- Noise is reduced, and that screeching and grinding sound will disappear.
- It makes it smoother. The door will glide open and shut with ease.
- It extends the life of the garage door and its opener.
Tools and Materials You'll Be Using
Before you begin, make sure you have the correct tools and products. Here is what you’ll need:
- Garage door lubricant- preferably silicone-based or lithium grease, NOT WD-40
- Clean rags or paper towels
- Ladder-to reach higher components
- Small brush, to remove dust and debris
Choose the Right Lubricant: The key is choosing a lubricant! Avoid WD-40 as that is a degreaser and not a lubricant. Go for a good garage door lubricant intended to minimize friction and protect metal parts from rust.
How to Lubricate Your Garage Door: A Step-by-Step Process
Before you begin, make sure you have the correct tools and products. Here is what you’ll need:
- Garage door lubricant- preferably silicone-based or lithium grease, NOT WD-40
- Clean rags or paper towels
- Ladder-to reach higher components
- Small brush, to remove dust and debris
Choose the Right Lubricant: The key is choosing a lubricant! Avoid WD-40 as that is a degreaser and not a lubricant. Go for a good garage door lubricant intended to minimize friction and protect metal parts from rust.
How to Lubricate Your Garage Door: A Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Shut off the Power
For safety reasons, the power feeding your garage door opener should be disconnected. You don’t want the door moving along when you’re working.
Step 2: Clean the Tracks (But Don’t Lubricate Them!)
Using a damp rag, clean the tracks free of dust, dirt, and grime. While this helps keep things running smoothly, don’t lubricate the tracks. Lubrication will attract dirt and debris and, over time, cause blockages.
Step 3: Lubricate the Hinges
Hinges allow the door panels to bend while it is moving. Apply small quantities of lubricant at each hinge’s pivot point. Open and close the door a few times to distribute the lubricant.
Step 4: Lubricate the Rollers
These rollers guide the door up and down along the tracks. Apply lubricant to the roller bearings but avoid spraying plastic parts. Replace your rollers if they are worn out or do not spin freely.
Step 5: Lubricate the Springs
The torsion or extension springs hold the tension needed to lift and lower the door. Apply a light coat of lubricant to the coils. Be careful—these are under high tension! If you notice any rust or breakage, contact a professional for repair.
Step 6: Lubricate the Bearing Plates and Pulleys
Bearing plates are located at the ends of the torsion springs. Lubricate these to keep them running smoothly. If you have an extension spring system, lubricate the pulleys.
Step 7: Lubricate the Lock and Arm Bar
For manual garage doors, remember to lubricate the lock mechanism. A quick spray of lubricant will keep it from sticking. If your garage door opener includes an arm bar, apply lubricant where it connects with the door.
Step 8: Lube the Garage Door Opener Chain-if It Has One
Chain Drive: If your garage door opener happens to be a chain drive, you can use a little lube on the chain itself to cut down on noise and enhance smooth operation.
How Often Should You Grease Your Garage Door?
A good rule of thumb is to lubricate your garage door every six months. However, if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions or high humidity, you may need to do it more frequently. Regular maintenance will help prevent major repairs down the road.
When to Call a Professional
While lubricating your garage door is an easy DIY task, some maintenance issues require a professional touch. If you notice:
- Frayed Cables
- Worn-out rollers
- Broken springs
A garage door that still is problematic in going up and down even after lubrication
That’s when the experts need to be called. Let Overhead Door of Puget Sound of Bellingham help you. Give us a call at (844) 643-3667 for all your professional garage door maintenance and repair needs.
In Addition To
Learning to lubricate a garage door is quite easy but very important for maintaining the house. You will only need to have a few tools with you, besides the lubricant, to help you make the garage door move along really smoothly, quietly, and efficiently. Remember to schedule it regularly for maintenance and call for professional help should you notice anything serious.
By taking care of your garage door, you’re not just preventing annoying noises—you’re extending the life of your entire garage door system!
Need expert assistance? Call Overhead Door of Puget Sound of Bellingham at (844) 643-3667 today!
The best way to lubricate a garage door is to use a silicone or lithium-based spray on the rollers, hinges, and tracks while avoiding excess buildup.
A high-quality lithium-based or silicone spray lubricant is best for roller garage doors as it reduces friction without attracting dirt.
No, WD-40 is not recommended for garage door rollers as it is a cleaner, not a long-lasting lubricant.
Yes, garage door chains should be lubricated with a light coat of chain lube or lithium grease to ensure smooth operation and reduce wear.
