How to Repair Worn Rollers and Bearings on Your Garage Door
Garage doors are commonly the biggest and most weighty movable feature in a house. That is why it is important to make sure that all the garage door components are in good working order, including the rollers and bearings that allow smooth sliding of the garage door along the tracks. Over time, rollers and bearings can wear out or become damaged, which can cause the garage door to operate poorly or even become stuck. Here is how to repair worn rollers and bearings on your garage door.
Step 1: Check the Condition of Rollers and Bearings
The first step in repairing worn rollers and bearings on your garage door is to inspect them. Wear and tear and damages are usually visible, including wear marks or flattened areas on the rollers and chips or cracks in the bearings. Sometimes, rust or corrosion may be present in older parts. Also, listen to the sound of your garage door as it moves up and down. If it makes squeaking noises, it may be a sign that the rollers or bearings are worn or damaged.
Step 2: Purchase and Replace the Rollers and Bearings
The next step is to replace the worn or damaged rollers and bearings. However, it is important to ensure that you purchase the right size and type of rollers and bearings for your garage door. A wrong size can cause problems and damage to other components in the door. Once you have made sure that you have the right type of rollers and bearings, you can begin removing the old ones. Make sure you do the replacement one at a time. Remove any nuts or bolts that secure the rollers and bearings onto your garage door and remove the rollers and bearings.
Step 3: Clean and Lubricate the Tracks
With the rollers and bearings removed, take the time to clean the tracks. This will help ensure the smooth operation of the door in the future. To eliminate dirt, debris, or small rocks from the tracks, employ a gentle brush. Also, clean and lubricate any parts of the operating mechanism that need it, including hinges, springs, and chains. Use a silicone spray lubricant and apply it carefully to these parts.
Step 4: Install the New Rollers and Bearings
Now that you have clean tracks, it's time to install the new rollers and bearings. Start by pressing the new bearings into the holes in the garage door panel where the old ones were, and secure them with bolts. Next, slide the new rollers into the tracks, being careful not to mix left and right sides, and use a light touch when doing this. Always ensure that the rollers roll smoothly while sliding the door along the tracks.
Step 5: Test the Garage Door
Before closing everything up, test your garage door to ensure that everything is working properly. Open and close the door several times, listen for any abnormal sounds, and check that the door rolls smoothly without interruption. If it is working well, you are done!
Reach out to a local garage door repair service for more info.