Garage Door Maintenance

[macarose]

We replaced our garage doors about seven years and wanted to figure out the best way to keep them going well.

Are any lubricants recommended?
What parts need to be lubed or maintained?

Finally, are there any danger signs such as excessive slack on the chain that should be inspected?

Thanks! Hope you have a wonderful weekend.

 

[Warstud]

Dont use grease. I was visiting my sister and some how rubbed against the door rail and got grease on my shirt and tracked it into the house and onto her couch. Bro in law greased the door rail which doesn't need lubricating. Here's a Vid showing what to lube >>>>>>>>>>

 

[StumblingElk]

Garage door lube exists. But don't use it on the tracks as those need to stay clean and dry

Lube the chain and lube the hinges and pins on the door itself. Make sure chain is appropriately tight(not too tight or loose)

Can also check the brackets that hold the rails and motor. I found my screws had backed out over time.

 

[Warstud]

Garage door lube exists. But don't use it on the tracks as those need to stay clean and dry

Lube the chain and lube the hinges and pins on the door itself. Make sure chain is appropriately tight(not too tight or loose)

The chain doesn't get lubed either .

 

[Dave9]

^ If it's really got a metal chain, or screw, yes it does get lubed. I saw how the guy in the video claims it's "lubed for life" but that's a little like a transmission or differential, transfer case, etc, supposedly lubed for life... at some point, you reduce its lifespan if you don't relube it. At seven years old, I would relube it if never done before.

Also in the video, he was using spray lithium grease on the rail. That's fine for warmer climates, but in colder ones that can literally cause the opener to sense excessive resistance and stop opening or closing the door. It has happened to mine when it gets much below 20F, so after greasing I also wipe a little oil on with a rag. The key here is "little", not enough to drip off and make a mess.

 

[Malo83]

This is what I use.

 

[StumblingElk]

The chain doesn't get lubed either .

Metal chains need lube

Agreed on rail

 

[JohnnyG]

I had my garage door adjusted and lubed the other day. The worker sprayed some lubrication on the spiral springs above the door as well as the door hinges/rollers.

 

[dishdude]

I'm of the opinion that you shouldn't lube anything involving the garage door, especially the track. I replaced the rollers on mine a few years ago and cleaned the track with brake cleaner and a red shop towel. Most openers have a tensioner on the chain that will keep it tightened. If something is making noise, it needs cleaned or replaced, which is what prompted my roller replacement. It's been silent and smooth operating since - not bad for a 25 year old door!

 

[Warstud]

^ If it's really got a metal chain, or screw, yes it does get lubed. I saw how the guy in the video claims it's "lubed for life" but that's a little like a transmission or differential, transfer case, etc, supposedly lubed for life... at some point, you reduce its lifespan if you don't relube it. At seven years old, I would relube it if never done before.

Also in the video, he was using spray lithium grease on the rail. That's fine for warmer climates, but in colder ones that can literally cause the opener to sense excessive resistance and stop opening or closing the door. It has happened to mine when it gets much below 20F, so after greasing I also wipe a little oil on with a rag. The key here is "little", not enough to drip off and make a mess.

He says it has a protective coating "not lubed"
I agree with you regarding lithium grease in colder climates . I prefer a thick oil here in MI .

 

[RitcheyRch]

I'm of the opinion that you shouldn't lube anything involving the garage door, especially the track. I replaced the rollers on mine a few years ago and cleaned the track with brake cleaner and a red shop towel. Most openers have a tensioner on the chain that will keep it tightened. If something is making noise, it needs cleaned or replaced, which is what prompted my roller replacement. It's been silent and smooth operating since - not bad for a 25 year old door!

Ditto that and I need to get my garage door and opener checked. I usually have it done every 5-7 years.

 

[Wylie6G72]

I've cleaned the door tracks, lubed all the wheel bearings, all of the panel hinges, and the belt track slider, and I still have a squeal somewhere when the door goes up. It sounds like metal against metal and it's been doing it for a year, can't localize it. I suspected a wheel was dragging in a track somewhere, so I coated all the wheels with a light silicone lubricant, the squeal remains. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[dishdude]

I've cleaned the door tracks, lubed all the wheel bearings, all of the panel hinges, and the belt track slider, and I still have a squeal somewhere when the door goes up. It sounds like metal against metal and it's been doing it for a year, can't localize it. I suspected a wheel was dragging in a track somewhere, so I coated all the wheels with a light silicone lubricant, the squeal remains. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Have you checked the hinges between the panels? They can make a surprising amount of noise.

 

[Wylie6G72]

Have you checked the hinges between the panels? They can make a surprising amount of noise.

They all got drenched in silicone lube.

 

[RhondaHonda]

One of my openers is annoyingly loud, groaning is how I’d describe it. I’m not sure if it’s just thee nature if the beast (builder grade) or something wrong. Once it dies I’m getting either a belt drive or a jackshaft opener.

 

[Warstud]

Have you checked the hinges between the panels? They can make a surprising amount of noise.

That's what I was thinking . Because of the design I dont think they get properly lubricated . It would be better if they had a hole at the top / middle of the hinge for oiling.

 

[reemoeMO]

My garage door maintenance guy recommended WD-40 White Lithium grease. I spray it on all the rollers and hinges twice a year. It seems to be doing a great job of lubricating and keeping the door quiet!

 

[Hall]

Spray the hinges and the roller's pins or shafts, but NOT the rollers themselves. If the rollers are nylon, just keep the tracks clean and don't add lube, especially grease. I can't imagine a silicone spray lube would hurt though.... Touch or rub the chain and if anything ends up on your fingers, leave it alone. Only lube it if it's dry.

 

[Hall]

Have you checked the hinges between the panels? They can make a surprising amount of noise.

What kind do you have ? All the ones I've seen attach to the face and the "hinge" itself is fully exposed.

 

[CarbonToast]

I had my garage door adjusted and lubed the other day. The worker sprayed some lubrication on the spiral springs above the door as well as the door hinges/rollers.

Oiling the springs is important. As the spring winds up the coils are rubbing against each other. I spray the springs down with motor oil and wipe off the excess.