How to Properly Lubricate a Garage Door

Most people use their garage door every single day. With this constant use, maintenance tasks are essential. While there are a few different maintenance tasks to consider, lubricating your garage door is one of the most important. Make sure to complete this task every six months. If you wait too long, you may hear loud noises when your garage door is in operation. However, failing to lubricate can also shorten the lifespan of your garage door.



In this post, we’ll discuss the simple steps on how to properly lubricate a garage door.

Pre-Lubrication Checklist

First things first, you need to take care of some other maintenance tasks before lubricating your garage door. This is to ensure the lubrication process is done successfully.

Here are the steps you'll need to complete:

• Tighten all parts of your garage door. You want every bolt and nut to be snug.
• Look for worn-out parts and replace them if necessary.
• Examine the rollers, including their bearings. Roller bearings often accumulate dirt over time, which can wear down the roller. This can cause wobbling and excessive noise when the door is in use.
• Check the hinges for any debris or other issues. Worn-out hinges can cause a noisy door and other problems.
• Tighten the garage door chain to ensure it doesn’t bang around and cause the door to jerk.

These steps should be a part of your routine maintenance process. Once they’re complete, you’re now ready to lubricate your garage door!

Step-by-Step Garage Door Lubrication Guide

Lubricating your garage door can make it last for many years to come.

Here are the steps on how to properly lubricate a garage door:

1. Make sure the garage door is closed, then disconnect the power from the garage door opener.
2. Clean the inside and outside of the garage door tracks using a damp cloth. Try to remove all dirt and debris. Never use lubricant on the tracks; this can actually cause problems and make it harder for the rollers to work properly. This can also make the garage door opener work harder than it should. If a damp rag isn’t doing the trick, try using automotive brake cleaner to loosen up the dirt and grime.
3. Open the garage door and lubricate the hinges near the bottom of the door where the track bends. We suggest using lithium grease as a lubricant instead of WD-40 or any type of oil. WD-40 or oil will lubricate, but it will also eventually attract dirt and other debris.
4. Add lubricant to the rollers, including every tiny ball bearing inside each roller. Thoroughly lubricate these parts and wipe up any excess lubricant. Also, never use lubricate if you have nylon rollers.
5. At the top section of the garage door, lubricate the springs and bearing plates. Open and close the garage door so the lubricant is evenly distributed.
6. Add lubricant to the armbar and lock (if you have one). This will help when you need to manually lock the door. You should also lubricate the keyhole and large armbar near the top section of the door.
7. Apply lubricant to the top of the rail where the chain sits. Use a rag to spread the lubricant around the area. However, don’t lubricate the chain itself, as this already has a natural lubricant.

After you’re finished, do a final check to ensure you didn’t miss anything. You should also test your work by opening and closing the garage door. If you still hear loud noises, you may need to apply more lubricant or call a professional for help.

Uplift Garage is here to help with all of your garage door troubles. Whether you notice broken springs, loud noises, or something else, we can fix the problem in no time. Contact us today for the most trusted garage door opener service in Aurora, IL, and surrounding areas!