How to Fix a Stuck or Seized Garage Door Roller
It goes up and down every day. It has stopped enjoying it.
A roller that has stopped spinning drags in the track and makes the door grind. Most of the time the bearing just needs penetrant and lube. Replacing rollers is a different matter, especially the bottom ones.
Step by Step
- 1
Close the door and unplug the opener
Work with the door down and the opener disconnected from power.
- 2
Clean the track
Wipe dirt and old gummy grease out of the track. Rollers should roll in a clean track.
- 3
Penetrant on the bearing
Spray the roller bearing where the stem enters the wheel. Spin it with your finger until it turns freely.
- 4
Lubricate
Follow with a garage door lubricant on the roller bearings and hinges. Wipe off what drips.
- 5
Run the door
Open and close it a few times to spread the lube and listen for remaining noise.
No heat. Nylon rollers melt, and nothing on a garage door needs it.
- Never loosen the bottom brackets, cables or torsion spring. They are under extreme tension and cause serious injuries. Call a garage door technician.
- Bottom roller brackets are attached to the cables. Leave those rollers to a professional.
Which Penetrant, and Why
Amazon links are affiliate links. Disclosure.
First pickLiquid Wrench
Low odor for work inside an attached garage, and fine for light corrosion.
Read our review
3-IN-ONE Garage Door
PTFE-based and dries without attracting dust, which is what you want on rollers.
Read our review
Common Mistakes
Packing the track with grease. It collects dirt and makes rollers skid.
Related
How to Lubricate a Garage Door
Complete guide to lubricating your garage door. Which parts need lube, which products to use, and what to avoid.
PicksBest Garage Door Lubricant
Top garage door lubricants reviewed. Silicone, lithium, and specialty formulas tested on real garage doors.