How to Lubricate a Garage Door
Written by Nir S. Garage Door Technician – B&W Garage Doors
How do you lubricate a garage door, especially an automated one? Well, B&W Garage Door Calgary is here to help answer the question “How to grease a garage door?” to ensure it is always maintained and in tip-top condition.
The truth is that you need to do this at least once a year to make sure that everything works smoothly.
Using a garage door track lubricant and oil on moving parts, it spends little money on costly repairs.
Table of Contents
Why Must You Keep a Garage Door Lubricated?
Using the best lubricant for garage doors prevents them from making a noise when you open or close them.
When it makes a noise, it is the first sign showing that the door needs lubrication.
Start lubricating when you hear the first noise to prevent further damage to the moving parts.
This simple task can be done at home on your own.
Still, before you attempt lubrication, it helps to know what components need lubrication.
What Garage Door Parts Need Lubrication?
As part of the B&W Garage Door Specialists routine maintenance, we first wash the parts using a damp cloth to remove grime.
We then use a dry cloth to dry the areas, and once done, we start lubricating the following components:
- Lubricate all the fixed points of the hinges, but only use the lubricant on metal parts, not plastic ones, as it will degrade with time.
- Also, lubricate any metal rollers that help the door go up and down.
If the rollers are made of nylon, we recommend oiling them without spilling the oil on the material.
It helps to cover the floor with plastic to prevent leaks. - Next, find the spring that elevates or lowers the door.
It is an important part that needs oiling.
Apply only enough garage door spring lubricant to improve the motion.
A note of warning: Do not let the solution go over the rails or bearing surface.
While they can be cleaned, lubricating them will not help them work effectively.
How to Oil Your Garage Door
Before attempting to lubricate a garage door, do the following:
- First, clean the tracks to remove dust and debris, as they should not be greased. Brush out any grime and follow it up using a damp rag to remove any traces of dust and dirt.
For stubborn stains, we recommend using an automotive brake cleaner. - Then, use a garage door lubricant, such as silicone or lithium, to oil the different parts.
Start by disconnecting the door from the power and keeping it closed.
Apply some grease to the hinges using a brush, or you can mist it while the door moves over the tracks. - Next, oil is applied to the rollers, and the small bearings are greased using a nozzle connector.
- Get a step stool and locate the springs at the top with the bearing slabs on both sides.
Spray or brush the lubricant on the part’s surface before opening the garage door. Also, check if the door springs are worn and need replacing. If they do, we recommend calling us, as this is a dangerous procedure. - Now, move on to greasing the top rail and arm bar by spraying the oil on them.
The top rail you find swinging parallel to the ceiling and see where you find the rope running.
Lubricate the part where you find the chain along the top, as it is connected with an arm bar. - Lastly, lubricate the locks to prevent them from degrading, and reconnect the door back to the power to see how it operates. Listen for any noise when it opens and closes.
If there is still noise, it helps to schedule a garage door service to come and look at the problem.
What to Use to Lubricate Garage Door
We recommend using a garage door opener lubricant like a lithium-based or silicone spray.
You can also get a special grease to oil the garage door.
A common one is WD-40, but we do not recommend using it.
It is not a lubricant but is used for corrosion cleaning.
The best garage door opener lubricant is a silicon or lithium one.
FAQs
How often should I lubricate my garage door?
Lubricate your garage door at least once a year to ensure smooth operation and prevent costly repairs.
Can I use WD-40 to lubricate my garage door?
While WD-40 is a popular choice, it is not a lubricant.
The best garage door lubricant is a silicone—or lithium-based spray lubricant.
What garage door parts need lubrication?
The hinges, metal rollers, and springs are the main components that need lubrication. However, avoid lubricating plastic components.
How do I lubricate my garage door?
First, clean the tracks and parts using a damp cloth.
Then, apply a silicone or lithium-based spray lubricant to the hinges, rollers, and springs. Finally, reconnect the door to power and test it for smooth operation.
Why is it important to keep my garage door lubricated?
Lubrication prevents the door from making noise when opening or closing, extends the lifespan of components, and reduces the risk of costly repairs.
Contact Us For All Your Garage Door Opener Maintenance
When you ensure that your garage door operates smoothly, it will last a long time.
This will improve its longevity and save you loads of money on costly repairs in the long run.
If you are not able to maintain your garage door yourself, give us a call to help with routine garage door maintenance.
