Repairing Squeaky Garage Doors

A garage door squeaks when certain parts need lubrication or the hardware becomes loose. The noise produced by the door every time it is opened or closed does not dampen its structural integrity but it can get annoying. While it may be necessary to replace the door at some point, perform a basic maintenance check that includes tightening the bolts and lubricating the parts before taking such drastic steps. In most cases, the door opens and closes soundlessly after performing the check.

Wrench
Nylon roller with sealed bearings
Garage door lubricant

Instructions

- 1
  Inspect the door’s hardware for loose nuts and tighten these firmly with a wrench. Be careful not to over tighten the screws, as you could strip the holes or pull the bolts through the front of the door.
- 2
  Check that the rollers do not wobble when the door is operating. Unsealed metal bearings on most rollers typically wear out after a few years of operating in a dirty environment, causing them to wobble. Unbolt the hinge and slide the worn out roller out of the track before replacing it with a sealed nylon roller that lasts many years, is quiet and does not require frequent oiling.
- 3
  Inspect the door hinges and tighten those that are loose. Avoid over tightening the hinge since some play is required for smooth operation. Replace the hinge if you notice gray dust around the hinge pin. Check the number on the back of the hinge and make sure the number on the replacement hinge matches it.
- 4
  Spray rollers, hinges and springs with garage door lubricant after replacing worn out parts. This lubricant dries on the particular part soon after application to form a non-greasy coating that does not attract dust.

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