How to lubricate your garage door to prolong its lifespan

Taking care of your garage door so that it operates well at all times will prevent any of these problems from happening.

First of all, to ensure that no part is broken or about to fail, check that the whole system is operating correctly. If you have a door opener, pull on the emergency release cord so that the door operates manually. Your door should be easy to lift and should weigh between 8 and 10 lb. (3.5 and 4.5 kg.). One hand ought to be enough. If not, you’ve put your finger on a much bigger problem. Contact us for an onsite check-up.

Is everything okay? Then here are the parts you need to lubricate.

The spring system

Whether you have an extension or torsion system, all you have to do is apply a long-lasting lubricant for metal parts. You can also certainly use motor oil (e.g. 5W30). Put it in a metal or plastic applicator.

Apply oil to the top of the spring. Wait for a few seconds then, using a cloth, spread it around the spring. Wipe off the excess so that it doesn’t drip on your car or the garage floor. Garages are very humid places during winter months. Humidity attacks metal and causes rust on steel surfaces.

Proper lubrication of the springs will also eliminate the clicking that comes from the friction between the steel coils.

The rollers

All metal parts, like rollers and hinges, that are in contact with other metal parts (ex.: tracks), must be lubricated… a little at a time. Go ahead, but with restraint. Apply with a dry cloth and wipe off the excess.

• For steel rollers, without coverings: a little oil where the ball bearings are located.
• For black nylon rollers(without ball bearings): a little oil between each roller and the shaft that holds it.
• For steel rollers covered with white nylon: no application is needed as the ball bearings are sealed.

The hinges

For the hinges, placing a small amount of oil where they open and close is enough. The same goes for the bracket at the bottom of the door and the one for the top section. For each metal-to-metal contact, apply a little oil.

The tracks

Only apply a little oil on the horizontal track. The movement of the rollers will take care of lubricating the horizontal tracks.

Other places?

There are a few other places to watch:

• the shaft containing your torsion spring location over the door: apply a little oil to the anchor plate.
• there is no point in putting oil on the drum coils or the lift cables.

The garage door opener

There is a difference between door openers equipped with a chain drive and those equipped with a belt drive. For the second type with a belt, there is nothing to apply. At installation time, the qualified installer placed a small amount of white grease on the drive sprockets located at the ends of the trolley and that is enough for as long as you own your house.

Now, for chain-drive openers (like the chain on a bicycle). There are two types: one with a chain attached to a steel cable, and one with a complete chain. In both cases, it is best to use white grease. If you can’t find any, contact us. We have some in inventory.

On the chain, it is possible to use a little oil. Apply it with a cloth, wiping off the excess. You don’t want any drops falling on your car later on.

If the trolley moving your door is made in three parts, now is the time to tighten, as needed, the bolts holding them together.

A last tip

Follow these instructions at least twice a year, in the spring and before winter arrives. You will save yourself a lot of hassle and a lot on repair bills that you will avoid.

Whatever your needs are concerning garage doors, or simply for annual maintenance for yours, make an online request for a service call or get a free quote at 519-326-5888. Our technicians are well trained as well as professional and courteous.