DIY Maintenance For Your Garage Door

It's a good idea to have a garage door company inspect your system periodically. They will uncover minor problems that should be addressed before they turn into major headaches. In between those inspections, there are a few things that you can do to make sure your garage door is safe and working optimally.

Check on the Springs and Safety Cables

  1. Locate the large springs that are core to the garage door mechanism. They run parallel to the ceiling and just a few inches below it.
  2. Look at the connections of the springs to the ceiling, on one end, and to a pulley, on the other.
  3. Look for the braided steel safety cable running through the middle of each spring.
  4. Look at the connections on both ends of the safety cables.

If any of the connections look twisted or bent or the safety cables are frayed or kinked, contact a garage door repair company to fix the problem. Do not attempt to work on the springs yourself. They are under high tension and can injure you if not handled properly.

Check On and Maintain the Rollers and Track

Small rollers are attached to both sides of the garage door. The rollers travel in a steel track to guide the door up and under the ceiling.

  1. Look at each roller and make sure they are in the track.
  2. Check that each roller turns freely.
  3. Clean any dirt or grease off of the rollers.
  4. Spray a silicone lubricant on the rollers to make them move easier.
  5. Inspect the track to make sure it is straight and travels smoothly up to and under the ceiling.

If you spot any of these problems, contact a repair company for service:

  • Rollers have been knocked out of the track.
  • Rollers are broken or won't turn at all.
  • The track is bent or twisted.

Check on the Motion Sensor

This safety device prevents the door from closing when something is in it's path.

  1. Locate the two infrared sensors on the floor on either side of the garage opening.
  2. Open the garage door then close it.
  3. As the garage door closes, roll an object across the path between the sensors.
  4. The door should stop immediately and reverse. If it doesn't, call for service.

Check on and Adjust the Pressure Sensor

The garage door opener has a pressure sensor built into it that works as a backup to the motion sensors. When it senses resistance as the door closes, the door should immediately stop and reverse.

  1. Open the garage door.
  2. Place a chair in the path of the garage door closing with the legs straddling the motion sensor infrared beam.
  3. Close the garage door.
  4. As soon as the door touches the chair, it should stop and reverse.
  5. If the door doesn't stop immediately, or not at all, adjust the pressure sensor:
    • Find the dial marked "Pressure" on the back of the garage door opener motor.
    • Turn the dial in the direction indicated for "Less Pressure."
    • Test the door again.

If the door still fails to stop and reverse, have the service company inspect the system. The motor may have to be replaced.


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