How to Repair a Garage Door That’s Noisy
There are numerous ways to repair a garage door that’s making noise. Depending on the sound and its source, you may or may not need a garage repair service. Noise is often an early sign of a problem or that garage door parts need lubrication. We’ll look at simple fixes and discuss when to call a professional.
Noises You Should Investigate
If your garage door starts making loud or unusual noises, parts of it may be wearing out. Wear and tear is inevitable and occurs with the movement of various parts. Minor repairs can eliminate noise and increase the door’s lifespan.
Check for the source of the following noises:
- Squeaking: Potential causes include dried-out weatherstripping or worn rollers.
- Squealing: Poorly lubricated parts can make noise as the garage door is operated.
- Vibration: Loose parts and poor lubrication can cause the door to vibrate.
- Grinding: Hinges, rollers, chains, and belts can be the source of a grinding noise.
- Rattling: Loose parts or a misalignment can cause the door to rattle.
- Slapping: If a chain is loose, it can hit other parts and make a slapping sound.
DIY Tips for Fixing a Noisy Garage Door
Noise doesn’t always mean you need a professional to repair the garage door. If the system is becoming increasingly noisy, you can try the following methods to address the problem.
Tighten Nuts and Bolts
Nuts, bolts, and screws can loosen over time, causing the door to rattle as it moves along the rails. Check for loose track bolts and lag screws. Fortunately, they can be easily tightened using a wrench and socket.
Securing them can quickly stop the noise, but be careful not to overtighten anything. It can strip the screw holes or damage the garage door. To be safe, have someone with you to help and disconnect the garage door opener so it doesn’t turn on as you’re working.
Lubricate the Garage Door’s Moving Parts
Applying a lubricant is simple and doesn’t require a garage repair service. However, it can make a big difference in reducing noise and preventing damage. Be sure to lubricate these parts of the garage door system:
- Rollers: Loud squeaking or grinding sounds when your garage door opens or closes indicate a roller problem. Lubricating the roller shafts every couple of months can reduce or prevent such noise.
- Track: Use grease or a lithium-based lubricant, which often comes in a spray can. Apply the grease to the top rail and tracks with a rag or glove. Operate the garage door opener to spread the lubricant. You can use silicone-based grease, but avoid WD-40.
If you have a screw drive opener, apply a white lithium grease lubricant, ensuring an even coat and that the grease absorbs into the grooves. Use the lithium grease for a chain- or belt-drive opener rail and where it meets the trolley, and a spray lubricant for the chain.
- Hinges: Inspect the hinges if your garage door is noisy. They should be replaced by a technician if worn, broken, or rusty or if there are metal filings around them. Unless a hinge needs to be adjusted, repaired, or removed, lubricate it to help the door move more smoothly. This can reduce the need to repair a garage door over time.
- Springs: If a torsion spring is not damaged or worn but is noisy, lubricate it. Various types of lubricant can be used for garage door springs. Spray lubricants are often preferred. After you spray the roller shafts and hinges, place a piece of cardboard behind the spring and spray it thoroughly with the lubricant.
Install Rubber Buffers
Rubber buffers absorb vibrations so they can prevent noise from the garage door frame. Installing them can be tricky. First, unplug the garage door opener motor. Then, rest the door on a ladder and remove the bolts holding the tracks to the door. Slide the rubber between the bolts and door; then replace the bolts and tighten them. Test the system to ensure it works properly and more quietly.
Install Anti-Vibration Pads
Anti-vibration pads can isolate the garage door opener and reduce noise. Insert one pad between the mounting bracket and ceiling and a second pad under the bracket. To secure the assembly, slip a fender washer onto a new lag screw (you’ll need a longer one since the pads add thickness to the assembly). Use an impact driver or socket wrench to drive it into the garage rafter. Another effective method is to bolt the garage door opener’s brackets to the rafters.
Replace the Weather Strip
The insulating weather strip under the door can wear out or be damaged. It can also fall off. If it’s broken or missing, the door may make a banging sound as it closes. The air in your garage may also be too warm and humid or too chilly. A weather strip can be easily purchased and installed yourself. Hire a professional if you’re unsure how to do this or want to save time.
Readjust the Locking Mechanism
The locking bars can make noise if improperly aligned. In this case, they may not catch or could hit the track. You can realign a lock bar by removing the screws on the leader brackets or L-shaped plates. Tap the guide up or down and then retighten the screws. This should be done on both sides and the noise should be gone once the locking bars are secured.
When to Call a Garage Repair Service Company
Contact a professional to repair your garage door if, while inspecting it, you notice damaged or broken springs. It’s too dangerous to replace them yourself. Also, call for help if the door is off-balance, crooked, or it slams shut. Whether you should call for garage door repair also depends on the type of noise. Call for help if your door makes the following sounds:
- Banging: The door may be misaligned or damaged to the point it must be replaced.
- Popping: This is a sign of a broken torsion spring, which a professional can quickly replace.
- Rumbling: A rumbling noise is a sign of a loose spring or improper coil tension.
- Clunking: The spring may be broken or the opener may be malfunctioning.
- Clinking: A sign springs and coils are rubbing together, or a roller may be defective.
- Rubbing: If the door makes a rubbing sound, the tracks may be bent or too tight.
- Scraping: This is a sign of a misaligned garage door.
- Straining: If the door strains and is noisy when opening or closing, it may be underpowered or the motor may be failing.
How to Prevent a Noisy Garage Door
Garage door noise can be avoided through proper care and maintenance. You may not have to repair a garage door as often if it’s well-maintained. Lubricating springs a few times a year, tightening loose bolts, and replacing weather stripping can reduce or prevent noise and slow down wear. Installing vibration isolators can also help.
Also, springs, rollers, and other parts eventually need replacement. Keep track of when torsion springs are changed and how long they’ve been in use. Lastly, hire a trained professional for routine maintenance to keep your garage door in top shape. They can address the root cause of any noise and take steps to prevent it.
Call Mesa Garage Doors
We are a trusted garage repair service based in Anaheim that serves Los Angeles and much of Southern California. Our experienced professionals are available 24/7 to address any issue. If your garage door is making noise due to a problem you can’t easily fix, call (800) 893-1107 to request a garage door repair.
