You might not believe it, but your garage door is one of the hardest-working parts of your home, opening and closing countless times a day without so much as a second thought. But over time, the constant opening and closing motion can lead to squeaks, slow movements, and in worst cases, a complete breakdown of the door. One simple fix that can usually solve all of the problems defined is lubrication.
If you’re wondering how to lubricate garage door, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through a step-by-step procedure on how to lubricate the garage door, so it continues to protect your vehicles and home for years to come.
Contents
Prepare For The Job First
Before we get to the actual lubrication process, it’s important that you prepare yourself first and gather the right tools for the job.
1. Disconnect the Power
The first step is to make sure the garage door opener is powered off because this will prevent any risk of injuries while you’re working. If you have an automatic system, unplug it or simply disconnect it from the power source. If you have a roll-up garage door, it’s especially important since the automatic opener may engage while you’re handling components.
2. Wear Protective Gear
While lubricating the garage door, you will be handling tools and substances like grease, which can get messy. Wear gloves and goggles to protect yourself from any grease stains or splashes.
3. Gather Your Tools
Having all the right tools ready will ensure the lubrication process goes smoothly. You’ll need:
- Silicone-based or lithium grease
- Rags
- Cleaning Brush
- Ladder and Step Stool
How to Lubricate Garage Door? A Step-by-Step Guide!
A well-lubricated garage door will result in smooth operation and extend the lifespan of your door. Here’s your detailed guide on how to lubricate a garage door.
Step 1: Clean the Garage Door Components
Cleaning beforehand will get rid of any dirt, debris, and old grease that can interfere with how well the new lubricant adheres.
How to Clean:
- Vacuum the Tracks: Use a vacuum to remove any dirt, dust, and debris from the tracks. This prevents any particles from clogging the mechanism when you apply the lubricant.
- Wipe the Rollers, Hinges, and Springs: Use a rag to wipe down the rollers, hinges, and springs. These parts often collect grease, dirt, and dust, which can hinder their movement. During this step, inspect the components for any damage or obstructions that could affect performance.
Step 2: Lubricate the Springs
The springs are a small but crucial component of most residential roll up garage doors, and they need lubrication in order to avoid rust and unnecessary friction.
How to Lubricate:
- Apply a small amount of lubricant directly to the torsion and extension springs.
- Once applied, manually move the garage door up and down a few times. This allows the lubricant to spread evenly across the springs, ensuring proper coverage.
Step 3: Lubricate the Tracks
Next, we have to lubricate the tracks to prevent the annoying noise and friction that might be causing a jerky movement when you move the door.
How to Lubricate:
- Use a silicone-based lubricant spray and lightly apply it to the tracks. Don’t overdo the lubricant because it can attract dirt and grime, which will build up over time and cause more problems.
- Make sure not to lubricate the track sensors if you have electric roll-up garage doors, as this could affect their functionality.
- After application, wipe off any excess lubricant to ensure there’s no residue left that could gather dirt.
Step 4: Lubricate the Rollers and Hinges
Lubricating the rollers and hinges reduces friction, making the door open and close smoothly, which helps prevent wear and tear on these moving parts.
How to Lubricate:
- Apply lubricant directly to the rollers and hinges, focusing on the steel rollers if you have them.
- Rotate the rollers as you apply the lubricant to ensure that each one is fully coated.
- Afterward, wipe off any excess lubricant to prevent it from attracting dirt and dust.
Step 5: Lubricate the Opener Mechanism (Chain, Belt, or Screw)
Lubricating the opener reduces strain on the motor, ensuring that your garage door opener continues to function without effort. It helps keep the system running efficiently, preventing unnecessary wear and keeping the opener quiet.
How to Lubricate:
- For Chain-Driven Openers: Apply a small amount of lubricant to the chain and sprocket. This ensures the chain moves smoothly and doesn’t produce any noise.
- For Belt-Driven Openers: Lightly lubricate the belt with a silicone-based lubricant to reduce friction.
- For Screw-Driven Openers: Apply a thin coat of lubricant along the screw drive to keep it moving smoothly and reduce strain on the motor.
Step 6: Test the Garage Door
After lubricating all the moving parts, it’s essential to check that everything is working smoothly. Testing helps ensure that the door is opening and closing as it should, without any jerking or unusual noises.
How to Test:
- Open and close the garage door a few times. Pay close attention to how it moves and listen for any unusual sounds.
- Check for any jerks or stuttering as the door moves. If the door operates smoothly and quietly, you know the lubrication was successful.
Step 7: Recheck and Clean Up
Double-Check: Inspect all components to ensure they’ve been properly lubricated. Pay particular attention to areas that are heavily used, like the tracks and rollers. If you notice any dry spots, apply a bit more lubricant.
Clean Up: After you finish the lubrication, wipe away any excess lubricant that may have dripped onto the floor or components. This will prevent dirt buildup and ensure your garage door remains clean and functional.
Maintenance Reminder: Schedule regular lubrication every 6-12 months to keep your garage door in peak condition. Regular maintenance will extend the life of your door, keeping it running smoothly and quietly for years to come.
FAQs About Garage Lubrication
What is the best way to lubricate a garage door?
Start by cleaning all the moving components first, then apply lubricant to the springs, tracks, rollers, hinges, and opener mechanism. Use a silicone-based or lithium grease lubricant because it’s best for reducing friction.
What is the best garage door lubricant?
The best garage door lubricants are silicone-based or lithium grease sprays because they are long-lasting, reduce friction and prevent rust without attracting dirt.
Can you use WD-40 to lubricate a garage door?
While WD-40 can temporarily loosen stuck parts, it’s not the best lubricant for garage doors. It’s more of a cleaner and degreaser. For lubrication, use a silicone or lithium grease specifically designed for garage doors.
Should garage door springs be lubricated?
Yes, garage door springs should be lubricated. Lubricating the springs prevents rust and reduces friction, helping them function smoothly and last longer. Apply a small amount of lubricant to both torsion and extension springs.
Wrapping Up
Regular lubrication is key to keeping your garage door running smoothly and ensuring its longevity. Proper maintenance, such as cleaning and lubricating the springs, tracks, rollers, and opener, reduces friction, prevents wear and tear, and minimizes the need for costly repairs. By taking just a little time to perform lubrication at the recommended intervals (every 6-12 months), you can improve the performance of your garage door, extend its lifespan, and enjoy smoother operation.
Don’t wait until something goes wrong—start maintaining your garage door today! Proper lubrication is an easy and effective way to prevent issues before they arise. For the best quality lubricants and expert advice, check out Mannlee for all your garage door maintenance needs!
