Garage doors are one of the most important parts of your home. They provide security and protection from the elements, but they can also be a source of problems if they’re not properly maintained. If you have a garage door that isn’t working correctly, one of the first things you should check is the wheels. Learn how to replace garage door wheels.
Over time, the wheels on your garage door can become worn down, making it difficult for the door to open and close. In some cases, the damage to the wheels can be so severe that they need to be replaced.
If you need new garage door wheels, there are a few things you’ll need to do to replace them. First, you’ll need to identify the type of wheel that’s on your garage door. After purchasing the correct type, next, you’ll need to remove the old wheels from your garage door. To do this, you’ll first need to disconnect the garage door from the power source.
After the door is disconnected, you can then remove the old wheels and replace them with the new ones. Finally, you’ll need to reconnect the garage door to the power source and test it out to make sure it’s working correctly.
Different Types of Garage Door Rollers
The following are different types of garage door rollers that are available in the market:
Plastic rollers
Plastic rollers may be found in some of the lesser-costly new construction homes or anywhere the builders try to save money. They’re usually black in color and don’t require any lubrication. They’re only meant to be used until you can replace them with something stronger.
Steel rollers
Steel rollers are what you’ll find on most garage doors. They’re strong and can take a lot of abuse but they require periodic lubrication or they’ll start to squeak and bind.
Nylon rollers
Nylon rollers are the newest type of roller on the market and they’re becoming increasingly popular because they don’t require any lubrication. They run quietly and smoothly and can take a lot of abuse.
When Do Garage Door Rollers Need to Be Replaced
This may come to personal preference as you may not mind the squeaking and noise or extra force needed initially but more obviously, as the wear and tear build-up and you can no longer open the garage doors, it’s definitely time for new rollers.
4 Signs That Your Garage Door Rollers Need to Be Replaced
You can look out for the following signs that may indicate that your garage door rollers need to be replaced:
1. Loose roller
If the roller brackets are loose, it will cause the door to be unbalanced and can put undue stress on other parts of the door, which may cause them to break. They shouldn’t wiggle or move from side to side.
2. Cracked or missing rubber
If the rollers are worn out or damaged, they will no longer be able to support the garage door’s weight, which may cause the door to come crashing down.
3. Vibrations when opening/closing the door
If you feel vibrations when opening or closing the door, it could be a sign that the rollers are worn out and need to be replaced.
4. Rust
If the roller bearings are rusty, they will need to be replaced. Rust can cause the bearings to seize up, which will prevent the door from opening or closing properly.
How To Replace Garage Door Wheels
Try the following methods to replace your garage door wheels:
Materials Needed:
- Garage door rollers
- Pliers
- Flathead screwdriver
- Claw hammer
- Clamp
- Ladder
Steps to follow
Opening the Garage Door
Firstly, you’ll need to open the garage door. If your door opener doesn’t work, you can open the door manually by pulling on the release cord.
After that, disconnect the opener from the door. Pry open the track brackets with a flathead screwdriver or pliers and pull the opener off the door.
How to Replace the Bottom Garage Door Rollers
To replace the bottom garage door rollers, you’ll need to remove the bottom bracket. Use a claw hammer or pliers to remove the pins from the brackets. Once the pins are removed, lift the bracket off of the roller. To remove the old roller, pull it out of the bracket and slide in the new roller. Make sure that the roller is seated firmly in the bracket before replacing the pin.
How to Replace the Top Garage Door Rollers
To replace the top garage door rollers, you’ll need to remove the lift cables. The cables are attached to the brackets with clamps. Use a flathead screwdriver or pliers to loosen the clamp and slide the cable off of the bracket. Once the cable is removed, lift the bracket off of the roller. To remove the old roller, pull it out of the bracket and slide in the new roller. Make sure that the roller is seated firmly in the bracket before replacing the cable and clamp.
How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Rollers
In order to extend the lifespan of your rollers, you should:
- Clean the tracks regularly
- Lubricate the tracks and rollers
- Inspect the tracks and rollers for damage
- Replace damaged or worn-out parts
- Make sure that the door is balanced
- Check for loose hardware
In conclusion, replacing garage door rollers is a fairly easy task that you can do yourself with just a few tools. By following these instructions, you can replace your garage door rollers in no time.
