Lubricate hinges, rollers, spring coils and bearings twice a year, and never lubricate the tracks. That single rule prevents most of the noise complaints we are called about, and the second most common mistake is using the wrong product.
What to use where
- Hinges and roller stems: white lithium grease or a silicone-based spray.
- Torsion springs: a light coat of lithium grease on the coils. Not oil, which collects grit.
- Bearings and the torsion shaft: a few drops of light machine oil.
- Weather seal: a silicone spray to stop it drying and cracking.
- Tracks: nothing. Clean them with a damp cloth and leave them dry.
What not to use
WD-40 as a lubricant: it is a solvent and water displacer, and it strips what is left of the factory grease. And never grease the tracks: they are meant to be dry, and grease there collects dust into a paste that makes the door bind and the opener strain.
The ten-minute routine
- Close the door and cut power to the opener.
- Wipe the tracks with a dry cloth.
- Spray each hinge at the pivot, not over the whole strap.
- Two drops per roller stem.
- Light grease on the spring coils.
- Restore power and run the door twice, listening for what is still noisy. Whatever still makes noise is a worn part, not a lubrication problem.
Noise that lubrication will not fix
A grinding or popping sound after lubrication usually means a failing roller, a loose hinge or a spring about to go. Lubricant quiets a healthy door; it does not repair a worn one, and continuing to run it just delays the day it stops.
Same-day service across South Florida and a 100% workmanship guarantee. Free estimate: (305) 885-8088.
If the noise persists, our maintenance visit identifies the part.