Is your garage door making a loud noise? Or does it get stuck while opening or closing? It’s lacking smoothness and lubrication. But how to lubricate the garage door to keep it operating smoothly without noise?
Using a good lubrication oil, you can easily lubricate your garage door. But don’t think of using WD-40. Yes, you’ll worsen the situation. Your garage door, a hardworking giant, needs a little care to keep operating without that squeaky noise.
This guide will walk you through the simple steps of giving your garage door the lubrication it needs, ensuring it operates quietly and efficiently. Let’s dig in.
Why Lubricate Your Garage Door?
Imagine your joints without any fluid—stiff and painful, right? Your garage door’s moving parts are similar.
A garage door has many moving parts. Over time, friction might build up. Metal grinds against metal, and the door struggles to move. If ignored, this can lead to broken parts and expensive repairs.
Lubricating your garage door basically-
- Eliminates annoying squeaky noises and groans.
- Extends its lifespan by preventing wear and tear.
- Improves performance by ensuring smooth, effortless operation.
- Prevents rust as the lubricant acts as a barrier against moisture.
Experts recommend lubricating the garage door every 6 months to keep it in top condition.
Choosing the Right Lubricant Is Important
Not all lubricants work for garage doors. Some can cause more harm than good. Here’s what you need to know:
Best Lubricants for Garage Doors:
White Lithium Grease: Ideal for hinges, rollers, and tracks. It’s thick and long-lasting. The best part is that it does not spread bad odor.
Silicone Spray: Excellent for garage door springs and other moving parts. It’s clean and doesn’t attract dust. You can also use synthetic spray. Silicon or synthetic spray might have a bit of odor compared to the lithium grease.
Teflon-based or PTFE sprays: It’s another good choice. These generally come in aerosol cans and are safe to use on any type of garage door. These sprays dry out quickly and provide long-lasting lubrication.
Lubricants to Avoid:
Don’t use WD-40!
Everyone is talking not to use WD-40. But did you know that WD-40 has another special version with white lithium grease?
Yes, the general WD-40 is mainly a degreaser, not a lubricant. It can clean the parts or help keep the parts rust-free. But it won’t provide long-term protection. Instead, using WD-40 can worsen the situation.
You see, one guy shared his experience on the Reddit forum that he thought WD-40 would work to fix his noisy door. But, a few days after using it, dust and dirt stuck to the door’s parts, making them stiff and noisy. Within months, the rollers wore out completely, costing him over $300 in repairs.
But the WD-40 Specialist White Lithium Grease can be suitable to lubricate the garage doors.
Household Oil Can Be Another Disaster!
Household oil can attract dust and grime, making the problem worse. A woman used a cooking oil spray on her garage door. It was quiet for a day. But then, the door smelled like food. And the oil was sticky. Bugs came to eat it. So she understood it was a bad idea.
So, don’t make the mistake of using cooking oil. It never works in lubrication rather than making a call for expensive repair.
Know Where to Install Garage Door Opener – Locations for Different Types
How to Lubricate Garage Door Parts: Step-by-Step Guide
Before jumping into the steps, gather your supplies. So, you won’t have to look to and fro in the middle of working.
Things You’ll Need:
- Suitable spray for lubrication
- A clean rag to wipe dirt away
- A ladder to reach high parts
- Safety glasses to protect your eyes from debris
Ensure Safety First
Oh! Don’t forget about your safety. And before you work with your garage door, make sure to disconnect the garage door opener.
According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety guidelines, if the door opener is plugged in, there is a high chance it can cause accidents and injuries while working with garage doors.
Now, let’s start lubricating your noisy garage door-
Step 1: Clean the Tracks
Take a rag or clean cloth and wipe down the tracks, rollers, and hinges.
Note: Do not apply lubricant to the tracks. The rollers should glide smoothly without extra grease.
Step 2: Lubricate Garage Door Rollers
Spray the white oil or clear oil on the bearings inside each roller. Make them wet, not too much. Apply just a little.
Note: Avoid applying lubrication to plastic rollers—lubricating them can damage the plastic.
Step 3: Lubricate Garage Door Hinges
The hinges are like elbows. They bend. Apply a light spray of lubricant on each hinge where it pivots. Make them move easily.
Step 4: Lubricate Garage Door Springs
The springs are like muscles. They work to lift the door. Without lubrication, they can rust and build up corrosion.
Spray a light coat on the springs and wipe off any excess.
Safety Tip: Be careful when working with the door springs. They are under high tension and can be dangerous.
Step 5: Lubricate Garage Door Bearings and Pulleys
The bearings and pulleys guide the cables that lift the door. Apply a small amount of lubricant to keep them moving freely.
Step 6: Lubricate the Garage Door Opener Chain (If Needed)
A chain-drive or screw-type garage door opener comes with a chain. So, to keep the door operating smoothly, you can apply some lubricant along the chain or screw.
Step 7: Connect the Opener & Test the Door
Now that you are done with lubricating all the door parts, it’s time for testing. Connect the opener and check. Move the door up and down. Listen. Is it quiet now?
Open and close the door a few times. This will spread the lubricant evenly.
Expert Tips
- Using too much grease can attract dirt and clog parts. So, wipe off excess grease.
- Tracks should stay dry. If they need cleaning, wipe them with a damp cloth.
Final Thoughts
Lubricating the garage door is a simple but must-have maintenance task for the upkeep of your garage door. Now that you know how to lubricate a garage door to keep them working smoothly, don’t delay when you hear those squeaky noises. Using the door with such noise can damage the parts, causing you a big expense at the end.
But yes, for any repair or replacement regarding your garage door, contact Upstate Doors and get premium garage door service within budget.
Regular maintenance goes a long way. Set a reminder every six months, and your garage door will thank you with years of trouble-free operation!
FAQs
What Is the Best Lubricant for Garage Door Tracks?
White lithium grease or silicone spray is proven to be the best lubricant for garage door tracks. They are like gentle rain for your metal tracks. They make them smooth and quiet.
How Often to Lubricate Garage Door?
It is recommended to lubricate your garage door twice a year when the season changes. If you live in a dusty or humid area, check it every 3 months.
How to Lubricate Garage Door Screw Drive?
If your garage door has a screw drive opener, apply a thin layer of silicone spray or lithium grease along the length of the screw. Wipe away any excess.
Can You Use WD-40 to Lubricate a Garage Door?
No, don’t use WD-40. It’s just a cleaner, not a lubricant. It removes rust and grease but doesn’t protect the parts. But yes, WD-40 has another version—WD-40 Specialist White Lithium Grease. You can use that to lubricate the garage door.
Is Silicone Lubricant Good for Garage Doors?
Yes, silicone lubricant is a great choice. It provides a smooth coat and doesn’t attract dirt. Consider it a good friend of your garage door.
