If your automated garage door has become sluggish or noisy, it might be time to lubricate it. As part of preventative maintenance, lubricating keeps your door operating smoothly and lengthens its lifespan. In case you are wondering how to lubricate your garage door, here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.
Identify the Right Product
Your choice of lubricant goes a long way in determining the effectiveness of the exercise. While you may be tempted to reach out for a can of WD-40, it is important to use a product specifically designed for this purpose. To illustrate, regular WD-40 is a degreasing product designed to remove gunk and rust, not to lubricate. On the other hand, WD-40 White Lithium Grease is designed for lubrication. Choose your preferred white lithium grease or silicone spray and make sure it is an all-weather product. Otherwise, it could thicken and become viscous when temperatures drop.
Disconnect the Power and Clean the Door
Before you begin the process, shut the power down and vacuum the moving parts of the door to remove debris and dirt. If there are any stubborn messes, use an automotive brake cleaner to remove them. Use a damp rug to complete the cleaning process. Cleaning beforehand will ensure the lubricant reaches every nook and cranny for better results.
Lubricate Key Points and Components
Among the main parts that require lubricant are the rollers, hinges, springs, bearings, chain drive, and locks.
- Hinges and Rollers: The best way to lubricate the hinges and rollers is to spray or wipe them with grease while opening the door. Be sure to cover all moving parts. To get to the small bearings in the rollers, use the thin straw that comes with your lubricant. Moving the door as you do this will help the grease spread evenly.
- Springs and Bearing Plates: Springs are located along the top of your door, and to their sides are the bearing plates. Lubricating them properly will reduce friction and will also limit corrosion. It is especially important to do this during cold weather as the low temperature makes them brittle. Without adequate greasing, they could snap. If you notice any damage on the springs, call in the experts immediately to avoid breakage which would be dangerous and costly to repair.
- Chain Drive/Belt Drive and Locks: The part of the door on which the chain or belt travels (chain/belt drive) also needs lubrication to prevent rusting. Lubricating the locks as well will prevent them from getting stuck due to corrosion.
Performance Testing
After lubricating all relevant components, reconnect the power and operate the door a few times to distribute the grease evenly. While doing so, confirm that the door is now moving quietly and seamlessly.
When to Seek Professional Assistance
While it is important to lubricate the garage door regularly, the frequency will vary depending on weather conditions and usage. Do it more frequently when the weather is harsh and if you use the door often. If after the exercise the sluggishness and noise persist, then it is time to seek expert help. At New England Overhead Door, we take pride in fixing the entire spectrum of garage door problems on the spot. Our professional technicians are available round the clock in Hopedale MA to provide emergency and scheduled service packages tailored to your needs.