Is your garage door noisy and bothersome every time it opens and closes? A simple solution for garage door repair is to lubricate its parts. Over time, dust and debris can accumulate, causing friction and noise. Regular maintenance can not only reduce the noise but also extend the lifespan of your garage door. Here’s a comprehensive guide from the experts at Williamson Best Garage Doors on how to properly lubricate your garage door, which types of lubricants to use, and tips on maintaining it to keep it operating smoothly and quietly.
Supplies You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a thorough job:
- Garage Door Lubricant: Use a lubricant specifically designed for garage doors to ensure smooth operation. Avoid general lubricants like WD-40, as they can attract debris and cause more wear and tear on the moving parts.
- Clean Cloth: Have a clean, dry cloth ready for wiping down the garage door track before applying any lubricant. This will help in removing any surface grime and ensure better adherence of the lubricant.
- Vacuum Hose or Handheld Vacuum: Use a vacuum hose or a handheld vacuum to thoroughly remove dust, dirt, and debris from the garage door track. This step is crucial for preventing blockages that could hinder the door’s movement.
- Ladder: A sturdy ladder is necessary to safely reach the springs, hinges, and other high parts of your garage door. Make sure the ladder is stable and positioned on a flat surface to avoid accidents during the maintenance process.
Steps to Lubricating Your Garage Door
Regular lubrication is key to extending the life of your garage door system by reducing resistance and minimizing wear on its components. Follow these steps to lubricate your garage door properly:
Step 1: Close Your Garage Door
Ensure the door is fully closed to easily access all moving parts. Check that there are no obstructions in the doorway. This will help you work safely and efficiently on any necessary maintenance or repairs.
Step 2: Turn Off the Power to Your Door
For safety, disconnect the power source to avoid any electrical issues or accidental activation. Make sure to locate the main power switch or circuit breaker that controls your door’s power supply. Flip the switch to the “off” position and double-check with a voltage tester to ensure that the power is completely off before proceeding. Taking these precautions will help prevent any potential hazards during the installation or maintenance process.
Step 3: Clean Your Garage Door Track
Put on lightweight work gloves to protect your hands from any sharp edges or debris. Use a clean cloth to thoroughly wipe down the metal track from one end to the other, ensuring you remove all dirt and grime. Next, use a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove any loose dirt, dust, or cobwebs that might have accumulated in the track. This step is crucial as it prevents debris from causing further wear or sticking the rollers to the track, which can affect the smooth operation of your garage door.
Note: Do not apply lubricant to the track itself, as this can cause the rollers to slip and create further issues.
Step 4: Lubricate Your Door’s Moving Parts
Use the garage door lubricant to grease the following parts, wiping away any excess to avoid drips:
- Hinges: Lubricate the pivot points where the hinges bend to ensure smooth operation and prevent squeaking. Regular lubrication helps in maintaining their flexibility and prolongs their lifespan.
- Rollers: These small wheels are located next to the hinges and sit in the track, allowing the door to move up and down smoothly. Use a narrow hose attachment to apply lubricant to the small bearings inside the rollers to reduce friction and noise.
- Springs and Bearing Plates: Use a ladder to safely reach and lubricate the springs and the bearing plates on each side of the door. Proper lubrication of the springs is crucial as it helps in balancing the door’s weight and ensures smooth opening and closing.
- Lock: Spray lubricant into the keyhole of the lock to keep it functioning smoothly. This prevents the lock from sticking and ensures that the mechanism remains easy to operate.
- Top Rail and Armbar: Grease the top rail, which is a horizontal bar located about 6-8 inches below the ceiling, and the armbar, the piece connecting the door to the top rail. Keeping these components well-lubricated ensures the door moves seamlessly and reduces wear and tear on the moving parts.
Step 5: Test Your Door
Reconnect the power and open and close the door a few times. This helps distribute the lubricant evenly and ensures that the door operates smoothly.
Suggested Lubrication Schedule
To keep your garage door functioning optimally, follow this suggested lubrication schedule:
| Component | Lubrication Frequency | Recommended Lubricant Type |
| Hinges | Every 3-6 months | Garage door specific lubricant |
| Rollers | Every 3-6 months | Silicone-based lubricant or white lithium grease |
| Springs and Bearing Plates | Annually | Non-detergent motor oil or garage door lubricant |
| Lock | Annually | Silicone spray lubricant |
| Top Rail and Armbar | Every 6 months | Silicone-based lubricant or white lithium grease |
Regularly following this schedule will help prevent wear and tear, ensure smooth operation, and extend the lifespan of your garage door components. Always consult your garage door manufacturer’s guidelines for specific maintenance recommendations.
Let Williamson Best Garage Doors Handle Your Next Tune-Up
If your garage door still shows signs of needing lubrication or other maintenance, consider letting the professionals at Williamson Best Garage Doors assist you. We offer comprehensive garage door tune-up services that include lubrication and a thorough inspection to detect any underlying issues.
To schedule a service, give us a call or visit the Williamson Best Garage Doors location nearest you.
By following this guide, you can maintain your garage door’s functionality and prolong its lifespan, ensuring a quieter and more efficient operation.
