Garage doors need to have periodic maintenance to keep them operating efficiently. One of the most common problems with a garage door is a lack of lubrication. This is usually what causes the squeaking you hear and it can lead to breakdowns requiring a garage door repair. Fortunately, door lubrication can easily be done by the average home owner for a fraction of the cost of a service call.

Fehr Multi-Purpose Lubericant spray - The most popular Garage Door and Operator Lubricant. Safe and easy to apply. Sprays on like foam and sets up in minutes to a tough, protective grease.  Reduces wear & tear and premature breakdown on moving and stable garage door parts. Protects against rust and corrosion while keeping garage doors and openers functioning quietly. Use on tracks, rollers, where the cables connect to the bottom roller mount brackets, pulleys, hinges and other moving parts.

Genie Screw Drive Garage Door Opener Lubricant - Three applications- if you own a screw drive garage door opener, maintain it yourself in minutes. Extends the life of a screw drive garage door opener and keeps it operating smoothly and quietly. Apply once a year or more often for heavier usage. The only recommended lubricant for Genie screw drive garage door openers. Designed  for slow moving metal to metal parts. Holds up well in hot and very cold temperatures. Application instructions: With the garage door in closed position, squeeze a small amount of grease, approx. 1 inch in length directly on the screw shaft at intervals of approximately 9 inches. Activate the garage door 4 to 5 times to distribute evenly.

Do Yearly Garage Door Inspection and Maintenance: While you are lubricating the door take a few minutes to inspect your garage door and help prevent costly repairs. Inspect your garage door for any loose screws and tighten them as you go. Also, look for any frayed or damaged cables, broken springs, misaiigned track, or loose chain if the opener is chain driven. Inspect all moving parts whenever you lubricate the door and replace garage door parts as necessary.

Step 1

Garage doors should be closed prior to you lubricating and inspecting the door. The first step is to inspect the track to see in there is any grease or dirt buildup. If there is wipe or vacuum away any buildup in the tracks and on the rollers and roller pins before lubricating the door. Grease combines with sand and grit to form a sludge that acts as an abrasive and can interfere with the smooth operation of the door.

Step 2

Apply lubricant to where the cables connect to the bottom roller mount brackets. This is also a good time to check the cable for wear. Next run a line of oil along the top of the torsion spring. The oil will eventually work into the spring and help prevent corrosion and increase the life of the spring because it will reduce the rubbing of the spring against itself.

Step 3
Lubricate the roller bearings, door hinges and pulleys with Fehr Multi-Purpose Spray Lube . In addition, tracks should be lubricated using the same Fehr Multi-Purpose Lube.

Other Tips and Warnings:
Contrary to popular belief, WD-40 is not a lubricant. It is great for a cleaner to remove rust, grease, and other substances but if used as a lubricant it will not last and you will have to the re-lubricate the door sooner. It is however a good “quick fix” until you can lubricate the door properly with Fehr Multi-Purpose Lube.
Warning: Always unplug an electric opener before servicing the door. Garage door springs cables and bottom brackets are under a great deal of tension making them dangerous to adjust and can break without notice. They can cause serious injury and property damage. We recommend garage door springs replacement and adjustment by professionals. That being said, you should be able to safely lubricate them. Whenever working with tools or chemicals such as lubricants, safety glasses are recommended.

Should you have any further questions contact us at garagedoorpartsnow.com or by phone at 618-567-6335.