Garage door rollers are an important part of every overhead door system. In order for a paneled door to move up and down safely and predictably, it must move smoothly along the metal tracks, and the rollers are designed specifically for this task.

If your garage door is starting to make a lot of noise, it may be time to replace your garage door rollers. Garage door rollers are one of the most important parts of your garage door, and they play a big role in how smoothly your door opens and closes. There are a few things you can do to prolong the life of your garage door rollers and keep them working properly for as long as possible.

What are Garage Door Rollers?

Every time you operate your garage door, the rollers are doing their part. The rod-and-wheel system connects the garage door to a set of tracks and allows it to move smoothly. Over time they can become worn down or damaged. If your garage door isn’t functioning smoothly, you may be having trouble with your garage door rollers.

First, it’s important to inspect your rollers regularly for signs of wear and tear. If you notice any cracks or chips in the roller or loose parts, it’s probably time to consider replacing them.

How to Identify Worn Rollers

If you have a garage door, it’s important to know how to identify worn rollers and replace them before they cause further damage. Here are some tips:

  1. Look for cracks, chips, or breaks in the rollers along with any bent parts or loose components. These are signs that they are beginning to wear down and need to be replaced.
  2. Pay attention to how your garage door sounds. If you notice that your door is making creaking or grinding noises, this could also be a sign that the rollers need to be replaced.
  3. Inspect the tracks for any debris or build-up. This can prevent the rollers from moving smoothly and cause them to wear down more quickly. If you see any build-up, simply clean it out with a rag or brush.
  4. Check for loose hardware. Over time, screws and bolts can become loose, which can cause the roller to come out of alignment and wear down prematurely. Tighten any loose hardware using a screwdriver or wrench.
  5. Take a look at the overall condition of your garage door and its parts. If you notice any rusting or other damage, it’s best to call a professional for repairs or replacement.

Tips for Maintaining Your Garage Door Rollers

If you want your garage door rollers to last as long as possible, it’s important to take proper care of them. Here are some tips to help you keep your rollers in good condition:

  1. Inspect your rollers regularly and look for any signs of wear or damage. If you notice anything, don’t hesitate to replace the roller.
  2. Keep your rollers clean and free of debris. Sweeping the garage, using weather sealing, and wiping or vacuuming the rollers may help prevent buildup.
  3. Lubricate your rollers with a high-quality lubricant designed for garage doors. This will help reduce friction and wear.
  4. Make sure the tracks that your garage door rollers run on are always clean and free of debris. You can clean the tracks with a damp cloth or a brush. For grease or any other unwanted buildup, mineral spirits can help with keeping the tracks clean.

Our Recommended Garage Door Rollers

Rollers are made to be very heavy duty, as they must be able to support the weight of the door when it is lifted overhead. They are installed in hinges and brackets that allow the stem to move back and forth to follow the track and hold the door in place. The rolling mechanism is provided by ball bearings contained inside the wheel. Some contractor-grade rollers are just a metal shaft with a plastic wheel and have no bearings at all, and some use metal wheels.

The nylon wheel that interacts with the track is made to withstand a lot of use, but rollers will eventually fail, often due to long-term wear on the bearings. This is very common for unsealed rollers, which have no protection against dust, dirt, and other debris that clog up and wear down the bearing mechanism over time.

Example of an unsealed roller, the bearings are accessible to dust and small debris.

At A Plus Garage Doors, we source, stock, and recommend premium sealed rollers that last much longer than their unsealed counterparts. The cap on top prevents any unwanted debris from mingling with the ball bearings, which prevents premature failure on critical garage door parts.

A premium, sealed roller with the bearings completely covered from dirt, dust and debris.

At A Plus Garage Doors, we do our absolute best to ensure that every garage door is safe and easy to use for years to come, and take pride in using the highest quality parts we can source from trusted manufacturers.

FAQs about Garage Door Rollers

Checking your garage door rollers once a month would be ideal, but even once per year will help. Check for any cracks, warping, or other signs of issues or impending failure.

Check for cracks, chips, and bent or loose components. If your garage door rollers are showing serious signs of wear, they may make a squeaking, grinding, or other unusual noise. Roller failure can lead to a serious garage door emergency such as a door falling off track. When in doubt, contact a qualified professional to inspect your system.

The best way to lubricate your garage door rollers is to use a silicone- or lithium-based spray lubricant. Degreaser products such as WD-40 will break down and remove grease, which can cause more harm than good.

A garage door’s moving parts should be greased about once every six months to ensure smooth operation. Anyone can learn how to grease garage door rollers and other components with the right tools and materials. Replacements should be done when rollers are showing serious signs of wear and degraded performance.

Garage door tracks themselves do not require lubrication. They are a surface for your rollers to interact with to keep the door positioned properly. Tracks do, however, need to be clear of anything that could impede the movement of your rollers. Objects such as brooms, yard tools, and other objects commonly found in garages can cause serious trouble if they prevent your rollers from moving freely in the track.

Are you having issues with your garage door rollers? Contact us to set an appointment today!

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