Our mind does not always go to garage door maintenance until we notice a problem. As a result, the garage door might start making noises and eventually stop working. To avoid this, you should lubricate the door every six months as a part of its maintenance. This way, it will operate properly and move smoothly. Learn how to lubricate a garage door in this blog.
Maintenance Tasks Before You Lubricate a Garage Door
Before you proceed, you should:
- Tighten all the nuts, bolts, and every other part of the door. But don’t over-tighten them.
- Replace any worn parts
- Examine the rollers, as their unsealed bearings can accumulate dust and gradually break down.
- Inspect the hinges to see if they are worn. If they are, the door might bind at each section while opening.
- Make sure that the garage door opener chain is tightened. Otherwise, you will hear slapping sounds, and the door might jerk around.
Now, you can start lubricating the door.
Steps on How to Lubricate Garage Door
You should be thorough and grease each moving part of the garage door. Below, you will find instructions on how to lubricate a garage door:
1. Close the Garage Door
First, you need to close the garage door to lubricate it thoroughly. Also, make sure that you turn off the power to the opener before you start the procedure.
2. Wipe The Tracks to Remove Dust & Debris
The garage door tracks can collect dust and debris and must be cleaned for the rollers to move smoothly. However, you should not lubricate them. If you do, the roller will not be able to move easily.
Hence, start by vacuuming the tracks of any dust or debris. Once the vacuuming is over, wipe away any remaining dust with a damp rag. If the grime or dirt is stubborn, you can use an automotive brake cleaner to remove it.
3. Lubricating the Hinges & Rollers
Now that you have cleaned the tracks, the garage door lubrication begins. Open the door and grease every hinge. After that, lubricate the rollers. You will find them next to the hinges, connected along the track of the door. Make sure to lubricate the rollers thoroughly, especially the tiny ball bearings inside them.
4. Lubricating the Bearing Plates & Springs
You can find the springs and bearing plates on the top of the garage door. Get a stepladder and start applying grease to these parts. Then, open the garage door to spread the grease evenly.
Remember that you will have to replace the garage door springs if they are worn. It is recommended to hire a professional, as doing it yourself can be dangerous.
5. Lubricating the Top Rail & Arm Bar
The next step is to lubricate the top rail and arm bar. The top rail runs parallel to the ceiling in the garage, with the chain traveling along it. You can also find the arm bar connecting the top rail and the door. Both these parts need lubrication for smooth operation.
6. Lubricating the Lock
Lastly, lubricate the lock on the garage door. This will keep the garage door lock from rusting, making it easy for you to lock and unlock the door.
When you are done, reconnect the door’s power supply. Then, test the door to know if it is working fine. To do so, inspect the door when it opens and closes. In addition, listen for any sounds. You might have to hire a professional garage door repair company if applying grease does not turn fruitful.
What Now?
Now that you have learned how to lubricate a garage door, make sure to do so every six months. You can also hire our expert services at Garage Door Doctor – Vincent by dialing 281-855-9300.
