If you’re having problems with your garage door rollers, you’re not alone.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most common roller problems and how to fix them.
We’ll also cover how to replace garage door rollers in a hurry, how often they should be replaced, and which type of roller is best for your situation.
Note: If you click some of the links or pictures in this article we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Common Garage Door Roller Problems and How to Fix Them
If your garage door isn’t rolling smoothly, there are a few things you can do to fix the problem.
Dirt, Debris, or Obstructions in the Tracks
First, check the tracks for any debris or dirt that might be blocking the path of the rollers.
You can use a vacuum cleaner attachment to remove any dirt or debris.
Rollers Coming Off the Tracks
There are a few reasons why garage door rollers come off the tracks.
The most common reason is that the rollers are not properly aligned with the tracks.
To fix this problem, you’ll need to loosen the screws that hold the tracks in place and adjust them until the rollers are back on track.
Another reason why garage door rollers come off the tracks is that they’re worn out.
If this is the case, you’ll need to replace the rollers.
A third reason is that the tracks themselves are damaged or bent.
In this case, you’ll need to repair or replace the tracks.
Bent or Damaged Tracks
If your garage door tracks are bent or damaged, they need to be either repaired or replaced.
You can usually tell if the tracks are bent if the door isn’t rolling smoothly or if the rollers keep coming off the tracks.
You can try and bend the tracks back into place, but if they’re severely damaged, you’ll need to replace them.
Worn Out Roller Wheels
Rollers can become worn out for several reasons.
The most common reason is simply age – over time, the material that the roller is made out of will break down and wear out.
Another reason is if the rollers are used too often.
If you use your garage door multiple times a day, the rollers will wear out faster than if you only use it occasionally.
The last reason is if the rollers are made of lower quality material.
Some garage door companies cut corners by using a cheaper material for their rollers.
These rollers will wear out much faster than higher-quality ones.
Rollers Getting Stuck or Jammed
If your garage door rollers are getting stuck or jammed, there are a few things you can do to fix the problem.
First, check the tracks for any dirt or debris that might be blocking the path of the rollers.
You can use a vacuum cleaner attachment to remove any dirt or debris.
Next, check the rollers themselves.
If they’re damaged or worn out, you’ll need to replace them.
Finally, check the bearings.
If the bearings are worn out, you’ll need to get new rollers.
Roller Bearings Wearing Out
The bearings in your garage door rollers can become worn out over time.
This is usually due to age or use, too much dirt and dust inside the garage, and not regularly lubricating the rollers and keeping them clean.
When the bearings are shot, the rollers will start to make noise and eventually get stuck or jammed.
If this happens, you’ll need to replace the rollers. Let’s cover that next.
How to Replace Your Garage Door Rollers Without Bending the Track
Replacing your garage door rollers is a fairly easy DIY project that anyone can do with a little patience and the right know-how. You’ll need to purchase new rollers (they typically come in a pair) that are the same size and weight as your old ones. Once you have the new rollers, follow these steps:
- Close the garage door and disconnect the opener (and unplug it as well to be safe).
- Unbolt each hinge one at a time, remove the old roller and add the new one.
- Reattach each hinge after replacing the roller.
- Reconnect the opener, plug it in, and test the door.
Watch this video to see this in action.
How to Replace Your Garage Door Rollers By Bending the Track
If you have an older garage door where you can’t unbolt the hinges you’ll need to bend the track to release each roller using these steps.
- Open the garage door and disconnect the opener (if you have one).
- Pry open one side of the track near the front with pliers. You want just enough space so you can pop out each roller from the track.
- Pull out and replace the roller.
- Slowly pull down the garage door then pop out and replace each roller in turn from the gap you made in the track with the pliers.
- Repeat for the other side.
Watch this video to see it in action.
Average Cost of Materials and Labor to Replace Garage Door Rollers
If you’re planning on replacing your garage door rollers yourself, you can expect to pay an average of $13-$50 for each roller. If you’re hiring a professional to do the work for you, expect to pay an average of $200-$300 for labor.
Extending the Lifespan of your Garage Door Rollers
To extend the lifespan of your garage door rollers and avoid having to replace them prematurely, follow these tips:
- Inspect and clean your rollers regularly (about once a month) to remove any dirt or debris.
- Lubricate your rollers with WD-40 or a similar product every few months to keep them operating smoothly.
- If you have steel rollers, use a rust inhibitor every few years to prevent rusting.
How Often Do Garage Door Rollers Need To Be Replaced?
Garage door rollers should be replaced when they show signs of wearing out. At a minimum, they should last 5 years but well-maintained high-quality rollers can last up to 20 years. However, if you notice that your garage door is not opening and closing as smoothly as it used to or that the door is making a lot of noise, it might be time to replace them sooner.
Which Garage Door Rollers Are Best: Nylon, Steel, or Plastic?
There are three main types of garage door rollers: Plastic, nylon, and steel.
Nylon rollers are the most expensive but they last the longest (12-20 years) and are the quietest.
Steel rollers either include ball bearings or they don’t. Ball-bearing rollers will last the longest but they are also the most expensive.
Plastic rollers are far less popular. Plastic rollers are not as long-lasting or robust as nylon or steel, and they must be replaced more often.
Do You Need to Bend the Track to Change out Rollers?
If you have an older garage door where you can’t unbolt the hinges, you will need to bend the track slightly to release each roller from the track.
Conclusion
Replacing your garage door rollers is a relatively easy process that anyone can do with the right know-how and a little patience. Be sure to purchase the same type of roller or better and follow the steps outlined in this article (or the corresponding videos) to ensure a successful replacement. If you’re unsure about anything, it’s always best to consult a professional before attempting any repairs yourself.