If you do exactly one piece of garage door maintenance, make it this. Proper lubrication twice a year quiets the door, reduces wear on every component, and extends the life of your opener.
Use the Right Product
Use a silicone-based or white lithium garage door lubricant — sold in spray cans at any hardware store. Do not use WD-40 as a lubricant: it's a solvent that strips existing grease and attracts dust.
Where to Apply
- Springs. A light coat along the torsion spring coils reduces friction and corrosion. This is the biggest noise reducer.
- Hinges. Spray the pivot points of every hinge between panels.
- Roller bearings. Spray the bearings on steel rollers. Sealed nylon rollers only need lubricant on the stem, not the wheel.
- The opener rail. A thin layer of white lithium grease where the trolley slides (belt-drive rails generally don't need it — check your manual).
- The lock and armbar if your door has one.
Where NOT to Apply
Never grease the tracks. Rollers are designed to roll on clean, dry track — grease collects grit and causes the very binding you're trying to prevent. Just wipe tracks clean.
How Often
Every six months — spring and fall are perfect.
Rather have a professional handle it as part of a full tune-up? Straight Up Garage Doors serves the entire St. Louis metro. Call (314) 788-1106.