How to Lubricate a Garage Door

A garage door that is inadequately maintained will eventually make some noise. This noise is a reminder that the garage door is not lubricated enough, and may be on the verge of becoming even more damaged. However, if you maintain your garage door about once a year, and lubricate all of the necessary hardware, the noise will be significantly reduced, and the door’s lifespan significantly extended.

Close the Garage Door and Disconnect It From the Power Source.

Make sure that the garage door is fully closed, then disconnect the garage door from the power source (opener).

Pre-Clean Garage Door Parts

Before lubricating any parts, use a clean, dry cloth on them first, to remove any dust or debris.

Clean the Tracks

Use a wet cloth to clean the vertical garage door tracks. These do not have to be lubricated, just cleaned. The higher, horizontal portions of the tracks, can be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner, and as long as there is no debris on the tracks, lubrication of the moving parts can begin.

Lubricating the Moving Parts

Hinges: Spray the lubricant on all of the metal hinges at their pivot points. Do not apply lubricant to any plastic parts as some lubricants can damage plastic.

Rollers: Rollers are what move your garage door up and down along the tracks. These rollers contain ball bearings that have to be thoroughly lubricated; however, all excess lubrication should be wiped off. If you have nylon rollers, make sure you only lubricate the metal portion and do not get any lubricant on the nylon.

Bearing Plates and Springs: Locate the springs, which are usually directly above the garage door. The circular moving parts on the sides of the springs are the bearing plates. Spray the lubricant on the outside of the springs and around the center of the bearing plates, and then manually open and close the door to spread the lubricant. Keeping the springs lubricated will extend the lifespan of the springs.

Lock and Armbar: To prevent rust and make locking easier, lubricate the lock through the keyhole. Moreover, lubricate the armbar at the top of the garage door. All these steps will not only put an end to the noise of the garage door, but will also help to increase the life of the garage door!

Congratulations! You have now successfully lubricated your garage doors’ hardware and moving parts! Your door will show it’s gratitude by being quiet and not making any trouble for you!