Is your garage door noisier than before, making train sounds when it travels up and down? Or you’re tired of thinking whether or not your garage door will open the next time you hit that garage door opener remote button? If this is what you are currently going through, it might be comforting to know that you’re not alone. Most homeowners have had their fair share of garage door issues that require the attention of garage door repair pros in Vancouver.
Because garage doors are one of the home’s most used entrances, whether you’re a handy DIY enthusiast or just someone tired of those unprecedented garage door dramas, getting acquainted with some garage door fix tips and tricks can save you from some headaches.
With this in mind, we’ll discuss one garage door fix in this post: how to change garage door rollers. The article will cover the step-by-step procedure for safely changing garage door rollers.
Let’s help you become familiar with garage door rollers and their functions.
Garage Door Rollers And Their Function
Garage door rollers, commonly small cylindrical wheels crafted from materials like nylon, steel, or plastic, play a major role in the seamless operation of your garage door. Regardless of their composition, these rollers are designed to fit snugly into the tracks on the sides of your garage door. These rollers serve as the connection between the door and the tracks. Their primary function is to guide the door in the tracks, mitigate friction, and aid the garage door’s smooth opening and closing process.
These rollers are positioned in most garage door designs at every section of the garage door. They bear the substantial weight of the door and allow it to move easily and gracefully. However, when garage door rollers wear out, issues such as excessive noise, misaligned movements, and operational difficulties may arise. It is, therefore, necessary to recognize the significance of these unassuming components, as their proper functioning is integral to a smooth and noise-free garage door.
How To Change Garage Door Rollers: Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Get The Relevant Tools and Materials
Before you start replacing the rollers on your garage door, it’s important to ensure you have all the tools and materials. Here’s a list of items you’ll need;
- A 7/16 socket wrench for removing bolts. A drill or impact driver will work as well.
- C-clamp or vice-grips to help hold the door in place as you repair
- Pliers will assist with various tasks during the process.
- A flathead screwdriver is useful for prying or removing certain components.
- A mallet can come in handy for gently tapping parts into place.
- High-quality replacement garage door rollers, ensuring they match the type and size required for your specific garage door. You can find this information in your garage door’s manual or seek professional advice.
- step ladder
Step 2: Safety First
Safety is paramount; hence, you must ensure the work area is safe before you proceed. Start by disconnecting the power to your garage door motor to avoid accidents. If your garage door opener is hardwired, simply switch off the breakers to disconnect the power supply. If your opener is not hardwired, you can disconnect the plug by pulling the emergency release rope of the opener and then unplug the opener from the outlet. Be cautious while unplugging the opener; use a ladder for easier access to the release rope and the outlet.
Also, use a C-clamp or vice-grips to hold the door in place and keep it steady to prevent accidents.
Step 3: Unwind the Torsion Springs (optional)
Torsion springs are an integral component of your garage door’s counterbalance system, storing energy to assist in the door’s movement. Before proceeding with the roller replacement:
- Use extreme caution when dealing with torsion springs.
- Insert steel winding bars into the winding cone on each spring.
- Turn the winding bars slowly to unwind the tension from the springs.
This step is crucial for ensuring a safe roller replacement process. Be sure to follow precise instructions from your garage door’s manufacturer or consult a professional if you are unfamiliar with handling torsion springs.
Step 4: Remove The Door Hinge
Maintaining the structural integrity of your garage door is also important during the roller replacement. Use a socket wrench to unscrew and remove the bolts, securing one door hinge at a time. Starting from the top of the door and working your way down is a systematic approach that helps keep the door balanced. As you remove each hinge, take note of their placement and any specific features to ensure accurate reassembly.
Pro tip
Hinges are usually numbered from 1-5, 1 being the first hinge from the bottom and 5 being the last from the top.
Step 5: Remove the Old Rollers
When removing a hinge, replace the roller with a new one in the same manner and reinstall the hinge back to the position it was before
Be cautious when reinstalling the hinge, and do not over-tighten the screws.
Step 6: Test the Garage Door and Lubricate
After installing the new rollers:
*if you released the tension on the torsion spring, you will have to reinstall them*
- Test the door’s operation to be sure it moves smoothly without hiccups.
- Keep an eye out for any unusual sounds or movements.
- To reduce friction, lubricate the new rollers and other moving parts with a silicone-based lubricant.
- Reconnect the garage door to the motor by pulling on the emergency release cord. This action should re-engage the door to the opener carriage.
Step 7: Reconnect the Power
Finally, reconnect the power to your garage door opener by reversing the process you used to disconnect it. Your garage door should now operate more quietly and smoothly with the new rollers in place.If you diligently follow these steps, changing the rollers of your garage door will become a walk in the park, and ultimately, your garage door will operate seamlessly. Visit https://titangaragedoors.ca/ for expert garage door repair services and more.
