Troubleshoot A Noisy Garage Door

An automatic garage door doesn't work in complete silence. The motor in the opener will make some noise, as will the automatic operation of the rollers and other moving parts. Yet, if these noises have become louder or are extremely loud, there may be some things you can do to minimize the sounds.

Lubricate

A garage door opener is made up of many moving parts. There are the rollers in the tracks, the springs and cables that attach the door to the opener, and the moving parts of the motor and its drive. All of these items require lubrication or they can begin to squeak and grind. Use a silicone-based lubricant formulated for garage doors. Check your opener owner's manual to determine the lubrication points for each part of the door and in the motor itself. Then, clean out any dust from the tracks and use a rag to coat the inside of the track with a thin layer of lubricant.

Tighten Bolts

Loose bolts on the door and tracks can also lead to noises, such as bangs and grinding sounds. Work from one side of the door to the opposite and methodically tighten each bolt. Avoid over-tightening, though, as that can strip out a bolt hole. Use a screwdriver or wrench, depending on the bolt type, to tighten the bolt by hand as well as possible, but not so tight that you can't loosen the bolt with a non-powered hand tool.

Replace the Rollers

Sometimes the rollers, which are the garage door wheels that sit in the tracks, get jammed. The cause is usually loose bearings inside the rollers. You can repack the bearings in some rollers if you have the tools and know-how. Rollers are also relatively cost-effective, so it is also just as simple to replace the damaged rollers with new ones.

Tend to the Springs

Adjustment issues can also cause issues. The springs and drive that connects the door to the opener do wear out over time. Worn springs can lead to a noisier operation. If the springs appear worn or stretched out, you need to bring in a technician to replace them. Don't attempt to do it yourself, since the high tension of the springs can result in injuries if you don't have the correct training or tools. If the springs and drive are in good condition but the noise seems to come from them, then you may need to have the opener professionally adjusted so it operates more smoothly and quietly.

Contact Raynor Door Company service for more help.


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