Did you know that there are specific parts of a garage door that need to be lubricated regularly?
If you didn’t, don’t worry – most people don’t. But it’s important to do if you want your garage door to last as long as possible.
In this article, we’ll show you what parts of a garage door need to be lubricated and how to do it.
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What Parts of a Garage Door Should Be Lubricated?
The tracks, rollers, hinges, chain drive (if you have one), and springs are the parts of your garage door that should be regularly lubricated. This will help keep them working smoothly and prevent noise.
You should lubricate the parts of your garage door at least once a year, and more often if they seem to be making noise or not working as smoothly as usual.
Some lubricants, like silicone-based ones, have great waterproofing properties but don’t last as long so should be reapplied every 6 months. Others like white lithium-based grease can last for a year or more but don’t have the same waterproofing ability.
We’ll cover which types of lubricants to use in greater depth below. First, let’s go over step by step how to lubricate your garage door components.
How To Lubricate a Garage Door
Lubricating Garage Door Tracks
If your garage door is making noise when it opens and closes, the tracks may be the problem. The tracks are what the rollers ride on as the door opens and closes. Over time, they can become dry and dusty, which causes friction and makes noise.
To lubricate the tracks, first vacuum and wipe them down.
Next, lubricate the rollers. Use white lithium-based grease if you have metal rollers with metal bearings. Repeat this annually.
If you have nylon or plastic rollers use a silicon-based spray. Repeat this twice a year.
Lubricating Door Hinges
The hinges that connect the door panels can also become dry and dusty. This can cause the door to squeak when it opens and closes.
To lubricate the hinges, first, wipe them down.
Next, use a silicon-based spray as it offers the best water protection. Repeat this twice a year.
Lubricating the Chain Drive
If you have a chain drive opener, the chain can become dry and dusty. This can cause the door to jerk when it opens and closes.
To lubricate the chain, first, wipe it down with a rag.
Next, apply a white lithium-based grease. Repeat this annually.
Use a white lithium spray if the grease tube or can option is too inconvenient, but you’ll have to re-spray twice a year.
Lubricating the Door Springs
The springs on your garage door do the most lifting and strain, as they are in charge of lifting the weight of the door. They can also cause significant property damage or personal injuries if they break.
For that reason, it’s important to regularly lubricate your springs. You should use a white lithium-based grease and apply it liberally to the springs. Repeat this annually.
You may also use a spray if you’re in a hurry since it’s easier to cover the larger surface of the springs with a spray than with hand grease.
What Lubricants Should I Use on My Garage Door?
You’ll want to use different lubricants for different parts of your garage door. In general use a silicone-based spray lubricant on moving parts like hinges, and plastic rollers. Silicone sprays wear off faster than twice a year. For the tracks, chain drive, and metal-on-metal moving parts like pulley and roller ball bearings use a white lithium-based grease tube or can. Lithium grease lasts longer so you only need to apply it annually.
Silicone vs Lithium Lubricants
Silicone and lithium are the two most common lubricant bases.
Silicone lubricants are the most popular choice because they’re inexpensive and easy to apply. Common WD-40 is an example of a spray-based silicone lubricant though they also make a white lithium grease version.
Silicone lubricants are more waterproof than white lithium lubricants. That makes them great to use on hinges and other parts exposed to rain. They’re also suitable for non-metal contact points, such as rubber, plastic, wood, and a variety of other materials.
Lithium grease lubricants are designed to endure temperatures ranging from minus 30 to 150 degrees Celsius. They’re ideal for metal-on-metal applications such as the chain drive or steel rollers on metal tracks.
Lithium grease protects against rust and provides longer-term lubrication. It isn’t as runny as silicone lubricants, making cleaning overspray simpler and keeping it in place better.
What About Oil-Based Lubricants?
Oil-based lubricants are no longer as popular as they once were. They’re not as effective as silicone or lithium grease and can attract dirt, which leads to more wear on the door components.
They’re dirty, time-consuming to apply, and prone to dripping off over time. They also don’t do well in extreme heat or cold.
Where to Use Lithium Grease Lubricants on A Garage Door
Lithium grease lubricants are best applied to metal-to-metal contact points that are exposed to the elements. This includes:
- The chain drive (belt drives don’t need additional lubrication)
- Chain drive sprocket
- Metal on metal ball bearings in the rollers and pulleys
- Tracks if using metal rollers
Where to Use Silicone Lubricants on A Garage Door
Silicone lubricants can be used on any moving part of the garage door but do best on materials that don’t have a metal-on-metal contact like:
- Plastic or nylon rollers
- Springs
- The hinges that connect the door panels. Silicone gives better water protection for these elements that contact the rain.
How Often Should You Use Lithium Grease Lubricants?
You should apply lithium grease lubricants to your garage door at least once a year. If you live in an area with salt air, you may need to apply it more often to prevent rust.
How Often Should You Use Silicone Lubricants?
Silicone lubricants don’t last as long as lithium grease lubricants so you’ll need to apply them more often. In general, you should apply silicone lubricants to your garage door at least twice a year.
