How to Lubricate a Garage Door
A squeaky, grinding garage door isn't just annoying — it's wearing itself out. Fifteen minutes and the right lubricant can add years to your door's life and restore whisper-quiet operation.
Disconnect the opener
Pull the emergency release cord so you can manually move the door. This lets you access all the moving parts safely.
Clean the tracks
Wipe down the vertical tracks with a rag. Do NOT lubricate the tracks — the rollers need to grip them. Remove any built-up grime.
Lubricate the rollers
Spray silicone or garage door lubricant on the roller bearings (the round part that sits in the track). Spin each roller to work the lube in.
Hit the hinges
Spray each hinge pivot point where metal meets metal. Cycle the door up and down to distribute the lubricant.
Spray the springs
Give the torsion springs (above the door) a thorough coating. This prevents rust and reduces the grinding noise that comes from dry springs.
Lubricate the lock and latch
A quick shot of dry lubricant in the keyhole and on the latch mechanism keeps everything operating smoothly.
Reconnect and test
Reconnect the opener and cycle the door 3-4 times. Listen for remaining noise and reapply to problem areas.
Recommended Products
B'laster
B'laster Garage Door
One spray. Instant relief. Your garage door will thank you.
3-IN-ONE
3-IN-ONE Garage Door
Quick squirt. Quiet door. Problem solved.
WD-40 Company
WD-40 Silicone
Slick. Silent. Won't leave a mark.
WD-40 Company
WD-40 White Lithium
Thick protection. Lasts all night. And the next one.
Expert Advice
Do this twice a year — spring and fall. More often if you live in a humid or salty climate.
Never use WD-40 Multi-Use on garage doors — it's a temporary fix that attracts dust and dries out.
If nylon rollers (white) squeak, replace them — they don't need lubrication and squeaking means they're worn.
Metal rollers with sealed bearings last longer. Upgrade if your current rollers are open-bearing.
Related Reading
Best Silicone Lubricant
Top silicone lubricant sprays tested and reviewed. For rubber, plastic, and everything that needs to slide without a trace.
Expert PicksBest Garage Door Lubricant
Top garage door lubricants reviewed. Silicone, lithium, and specialty formulas tested on real garage doors.
Expert PicksBest White Lithium Grease
Top white lithium greases tested and ranked. For metal-on-metal lubrication that stays put and lasts all night.
Head-to-HeadWD-40 Silicone vs 3M Silicone
WD-40 for wet applications; 3M for dry, residue-free lubrication.
Head-to-HeadWhite Lithium Grease vs Silicone Lubricant
White lithium for metal-on-metal. Silicone for rubber, plastic, and multi-material.