If your garage door emits an annoying squeaking noise with each opening and closing, you are likely eager to find a solution. While applying lubricant might be your first thought, what happens when it doesn’t work? In such cases, a more complex issue might be at play. Bob Beacham, Onions Australia’s expert carpenter and remodeler, suggests that the noise could be due to issues with your rollers. If the rollers are indeed the culprits, Beacham advises replacing them to resolve the noise.
Before proceeding, confirm the sound’s source. Various issues can cause a garage door to squeak. “Chains tend to rattle,” Beacham explained in an exclusive for Onions Australia, highlighting the different components that can create noise. “Similarly, any worn or loose parts of the mechanism might contribute. Springs can also be noisy. Essentially, anything that moves or comes into contact with other parts but lacks proper lubrication can cause sounds.” If replacing the rollers is necessary, follow Beacham’s outlined steps to restore your garage door’s quiet operation. Remember, hiring a professional is advisable if you’re unsure about tackling this common garage door issue on your own.
How to replace the rollers on your garage door
In an exclusive discussion with Onions Australia, Beacham detailed the process of replacing noisy garage door rollers. “An appropriately sized socket and wrench, or an adapter and drill, are required, as demonstrated in the video,” he noted. “Replace one roller at a time to ensure the others continue to support the door. I recommend working in horizontal pairs—change one on the left, then the corresponding one on the right.” Beacham also emphasized proper alignment of roller brackets to avoid further complications.
If your garage door features rollers attached to a wire, a different approach is necessary. “Attempting to change them in the same manner is very dangerous,” Beacham cautioned. Instead, follow the video instructions above. “Additional safety measures include disconnecting the power and informing everyone of your work to prevent anyone from opening the door while you’re engaged,” the expert added.
Tips to prevent garage door squeaks from happening in the first place
To avoid replacing your garage door rollers, regular maintenance is crucial to prevent squeaking from occurring initially. Fortunately, the recommended prevention method is straightforward. “The best approach is to stop a garage door from becoming noisy through routine maintenance and lubrication,” Beacham advised in an exclusive with Onions Australia. “If the rollers are problematic, try spray oil (not WD-40, which isn’t a true lubricant) or, preferably, apply synthetic grease.” Beacham recommends using Super Lube Multi-Purpose Grease instead of WD-40.
Understanding that different components and roller materials can cause squeaking and other unpleasant noises is also beneficial. “Metal rollers on metal rails can be noisy,” Beacham shared. “Worn bearings might rattle, and seized bearings will prevent roller rotation, causing them to scrape along the runner.” Examining your rollers closely can help identify whether these problems are causing the squeaking sound.
“`
