How To Lube A Garage Door

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Shannon from www.house-impr... shows you how to lubricate a garage door. This is a good maintenance item to do yourself (DIY) to stop any squeaks or noises from your door.
If you have questions about your home improvement projects, stop by the forum on our website, where Shannon will answer your questions in detail for free.
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Video © 2018 SKS Media. Videos produced by SKS Media (House-Improvements.com) are provided for informational purposes only. The information contained in the videos is intended to give general guidance to simplify DIY (do it yourself) projects. Because tools, products, materials, equipment, techniques, building codes and local regulations are constantly changing, SKS Media cannot and does not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy of the information contained therein. Further, SKS Media will not accept any claim for liability related to, but not limited to, omissions, errors, injury, damage or the outcome of any project. It is the responsibility of the viewer to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, rules, codes and regulations for a project. The viewer must always take proper safety precautions and exercise caution when taking on any project. If there are any questions or doubt in regards to the element of a project, please consult with a licensed professional. SKS Media conducts all matters in accordance with the laws of Saskatchewan, Canada.
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[@lindaluck4502]

My door has never been this quiet thanks to your detailed instructions. If a 70 year old woman can do this it must have been a good video. Thanks!

[@iamOAKland]

70? You look like your in your 50’s….

[@donethatbefore100]

70 years young! 🙂

[@luishandal]

Pfffftttt. Women.

[@oreojsn92]

My garage door used to be the loudest on my street! Right after following this video it's now the quietest! Feel like a real homeowner now 😁

[@dronesouth9098]

Excellent video. The only tip I can add is: If you disconnect the chain drive by pulling the cord and getting the door free of the opener, you can easily lift the door up and down and hear and feel if there are any spots that are still dragging or making noise (without the noise of the door opener running). By doing this, I found that one of my wheels was locked up and it was easy to find without the motor running.

[@blickygobrrrrr]

Great tip. Thanks!

[@blickygobrrrrr]

Great tip. Thanks!

[@Dkriedt]

Remove your car when you run the door up and down while your work the lubricant in. Avoid drips on your car!

[@elephantgrass631]

You can’t even do the job with your car in the way.

[@maxsno]

​@@elephantgrass631yeah DUH . WHITE lithium collects dirt and dust .wd 40 also .

[@ChunChuee28]

​@@maxsnowhich one do you recommend?

[@bejbenn]

Thank you for the instructions. My husband has sprayed the lubricant on our garage door rails, etc for 19 years. All I did was move the car from the garage! He passed October 22, 2021 and all I knew how to do was buy the can of lubricant. Hopefully I can take care of the noisy door now. I remember the door was so very quiet after each time my husband lubricated the door parts. Again, thank you.

[@trevorbuehler3273]

Passed as in passed away? If so even though I don't know you, that doesn't mean I am any less sorry for your loss.

[@DerekPresti]

Bev - Hope you are well and hope your garage door is still nice and quiet!

[@bejbenn]

It isn't any quieter! It's been so danged hot here that I haven't done anything else about it. Thx.

[@bejbenn]

@@trevorbuehler3273 Yes, my husband passed almost 9 months ago from covid after effects he fought for 6 months.

[@cliffbooth7075]

@@bejbenn Do you think a Chinese lab developed covid, or do you think it was born in a stressed animal?

[@surfordie82]

I'm American and I swear that Canadians make the best DIY KZbin videos. Idk what it is. Btw this is a great video in particular. I'm very handy but still wanted to look this topic up to make sure I wasn't missing amy critical spots. Nice lil walkthrough

[@DerekPresti]

Hello Sean - This was the best advice a young man could ask for! Thank you very much. I asked several people at Home Depot and watched many KZbin videos on this topic, couldn't believe how everyone said different suggestions for the same problem! After it was all said and done, something told me to follow your advice. Thank you, white lithium grease plus your suggestions sure did the trick. You saved me money on a repair company but even better, now my 4-month old baby won't wake up whenever the garage opens. Can't thank you enough, sir!!

[@piper6084]

Always figured it was difficult to do this, given the fact that my dad absolutely refused to do any maintenance care on my garage door as I grew up! So, watched this video and, after I was over the shock of how easy this actually was, went ahead and lubricated my garage door and it is SO much quieter - and, most importantly, the parts will last longer and cost less over the lifetime of the door. THANK YOU!

[@Supersquigi]

The reason was probably something related to the spring, because you SHOULD NOT EVER attempt to take the spring off without proper training. It is wound tight enough to kill you if it comes undone the wrong way, and you'd want someone who is properly trained to take it off/replace it.

[@jacobhitcher7102]

This guy needs his own tv show he's 10 times better then the other guys on tv.

[@al2969]

I second this..His videos are well done and very helpful. I love how he takes his time..explains everything.

[@ugabrew]

Once I saw that Shannon had a video on this, I knew that I could skip over the others. He is always excellent!

[@blakehatton1]

This fixed my squeaky door that would get stuck halfway up all the time. Now it glides beautifully and only cost a $13 can of garage door lubricant from my local hardware shop. Saved me hundreds of dollars if I would have called my garage door company to come out and do a service/ try and fix the issue.

[@bkinouye]

I've always wondered why there aren't lubrication holes that would make it easier to lubricate the entire roller shaft. Instead, you can only apply the lubricant at either end of the shaft.

[@screaminpotato]

Great video! WD-40 does have a white lithium grease and it’s great. A little goes a long way with this stuff! It’s also the best stuff for door hinges. It lasts for years!

[@martinradtke5181]

Good video. There's special lube spray for torsion springs. I suggest putting a long piece of cardboard under torsion springs to catch drips. Opening & closing the garage door will work the torsion lube in. It would help to explain that lubing torsion springs stops rust and helps twisting without friction.👍

[@brianburt3712]

😮😅oor NJ mom k😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😅😮😮😮😮😮😮ooo

[@corneliuswowbagger]

I am fairly new to power garage doors, so this has been a most useful video.😊

[@saleasylum]

Took 10 minutes for a quiet door. Thank you very much!

[@blastoff2022]

Fall chores---2nd year and thanks to this great video- lubed the garage door-again. forget my "can't even change a light bulb" husband. 🙄 so thanks again!!

[@merky6004]

I had no idea my garage door opener could be as quite as it is now. My neighbors thank you.

[@mistertee5503]

Excellent video! One thing I would mention while lubricating the track rollers is NOT to lubricate the track itself. The track should be dry so the rollers can grab and roll freely. Otherwise, the opener is pulling the dead weight of the garage door.

[@huejanus5505]

Lubricating the track leads to dirt build up on them.

[@joelcazares9986]

Best things in life are free: love, family, life, KZbin. Thanks for a great video.

[@Birdnird1776]

Shannon, thank you sir! You are one of the best on youtube! I find myself reminded to do tasks like this when you post them. (I'm a DIYer). Thanks from your friends in Michigan/SW Ontario!

[@douglasdever6134]

Noticed when you spayed the rollers you had some grease get into the track. Would you not recommend to clean the inside of the track after spraying with grease since you never want grease inside the track? But I will also add using grease will cause it to drip down on your vehicle when the door is open. Not a pro, but have a nice quiet door and only use dry lube on all those pivot points and roller sleeves you note in your presentation. And yes, do it about every two years, not a big deal. (Grease is ok for the large spring on the at the top...

[@ibiAKALyricaLBeasT]

You don't want to lube any of the coils at the last inch of either end of the spring. It can cause the spring to slip off of the winding cone.

[@myalynnferry7213]

Thanks, I would have.....

[@shadowopsairman1583]

Yup only grease the center, dont touch the cones

[@johnalcorn9099]

@@myalynnferry7213 😅

[@KudaFamily]

My door has been loud for years… my sons bedroom is right above the garage and it would wake him up. I found this video and it is so quiet now. Thank you!

[@michaelluna1968]

I like this guy. A bit humble and sounding very honest for the every day person whose puzzled with garage doors. Thanks for the nice video presentation. I subscribed for the other items you present.

[@HouseImprovements]

I appreciate that!

[@brendachristian582]

I hired a company to do regular maintained to my noisy door . He just spayed a tiny bit , and charged me $200. I wasn’t happy . Then he “tightened “ something . My door is louder than ever . I’m afraid he over “tightened “ something . Thank you for this video . I will attempt this .

[@markschirripa3607]

Excellent video. I'm sprayed my door for another reason besides noise. Many times, the door won't lower. It starts, then stops. It happens in only cold (Michigan) weather. And it's sporadic. All is well with the sensors. I sprayed it and it's still not going down all the time but I'm learning from your video hat it may just need time for the lube to infiltrate the parts. The opener is date stamped "1995" if that makes a difference. Thanks.

[@MrEddieG420]

WD40 is a cleaner and degreaser not a lube. That being said, I apart the piss out of all the pivot points and springs and track to clean ants debris and get rob of any old broken down grease then after a wipe down with a clean rag you apply white lithium or any other comparable grease or lube. You also slipped the wires off the pulley that attaches to the bar with the springs. If you lube in there the wire winding and unwinding will be quieter

[@victorcervantes8164]

Thanks for the video. I just bought the lube and now I know how to do the job.

[@Mikej1592]

white lithium grease is the best stuff, I use the stuff in a tube for door hinges as well, I take the door (house doors) apart, clean them up, stick the hinge pin in a cordless drill and spin it with a blue paper towel then I add some lithium grease on there and spin it to get good coverage then in-between each joint of the hinge, works great for making doors in the house stop squeaking. the spray might be faster if you have a lot of doors but when I am doing one at a time it is just fun for me, I don't have many hobbies.

[@Frazer247]

Excellent presentation and instructions! Short, effective, and practical! Thank you. Cheers!

[@jodrukuil1623]

Great video, did you forget about the chain and the sprocket gear drive or do you let those go dry?

[@iboakyol9180]

??

[@lauracullenphd]

Thank you so much! Liked and subscribed! Great presentation! Worked perfectly!

[@robertrocco5793]

Thank you for this instruction video. It was unbelievably helpful! Made the job easy!

[@leoneg8892]

Great video, I have two questions. What about the rails, what can I use to clean them, there's some type of smudge on mine? I just bought my home and don't know what the previous owner used on the rails. Second question, when I disconnect the garage door from the garage opener and open my door manually, my door doesn't stay open halfway nor does it stay open fully on its own. Any suggestions?

[@michaelwilliams4391]

If you have sludge in the rails, its because someone lubricated the door with grease. Its best to clean it all out with paper towels or shop towels. The reason the door won't stay up is because the tension needs to be added to your door springs. I hope this helps.

[@rolenle8794]

This video was super helpful. I followed the steps and the squeeks went away.

[@herrdirektor1969]

Fabulous instructions. Many thanks! :)))

[@rockm6772]

Very helpful. Been waiting all winter for our first garage door lube. Got a bunch on my hands, but overall went well.

[@Peter12029]

What about the the rollers / guide rails on the side should that be lubed up,?

[@HouseImprovements]

Many of the rollers re sealed bearings anyways but it won't hurt . I would avoid lubing the tracks.

[@hammy2711]

Dude you are awesome. Canadians are the nicest!

[@xdragon2k]

If I happened to already put WD40 on these hinges (after 20+ years of never get any maintenance), can I just go over it again with White Lithium Grease? Or did I screw those hinges up completely?

[@HouseImprovements]

You will be fine

[@khomaha]

Very, very helpful. Thanks so much!

[@neta1538]

yeah shannon. thanks so much for sharing your experience!! helps a lot. greetings from germany

[@americusdeville865]

You're good at the job. Hit the pivot points. That metal on metal friction is no bueno. Garage door nice and quiet.

[@mikezieg80]

I am 70 and am starting to squeak.

[@RErnie-gv1hv]

An exceptionally effective lubricant is what I like to call, "Bourbon". There'll still be squeaks but you won't care so much.

[@divinetiming8422]

When you were at the top where chain at ceiling, ours is bunching up there/sticking on that track when very hot and humid, jamming up the door and it wont open, almost buckeling it. Does the humidity cause this? I had a door once buckle due to not having a long enough pin in and had to have the door panels replaced, the door just caved and bent panels up. Now have a problem when it's hot and humid, gets stuck on the top track when its lifting and keeps trying to close in its own then tries to open to only get stuck again . Now I cant open it because it just gets stuck. I can see it getting stuck on top track pulling door up.

[@HouseImprovements]

If you join the forum and add a picture or two we may be able to help.

[@austin6526]

WD-40 has a white lithium grease version that works perfectly. But yes the "normal" version is not appropriate for this objective

[@HouseImprovements]

interesting.

[@jimm1028]

It's surprising how many people think WD 40 is a lubricant and even a rust penetrate.

[@metallitech]

It is actually a lubricant (contains mineral oil). Would have been better for this task than grease. Why are Americans always puting grease on things?

[@shoebert31]

anything is lube if you're brave enough

[@tacomaken15]

metallitech A true idiot you are. This is a CANADIAN KZbin provider and not a American provider. Keep up the GREAT content. Your hanging microwave video and how to install a new counter top with a new sink help our install imensly. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@metallitech]

Tomatoes, a lot of us say American for North American. And please, disagree all you want but there's no need to insult.

[@weerares]

I would use WD40 instead of the grease. Why? because if you have grease and add dust in time, you will get a sandpaper effect. Please try one on the left side and the other one on the right and let us know after one year of intense usage

[@iamhere233]

Hi Shawn - thank you for your video instructions. The white lithium grease is useless. I mean, 100% useless. I bought it, applied it to your instructions, and two days later the garage door was as loud as before the work. I'm glad to see that some people report that it works. But it did not work on my garage door. White lithium grease is a waste of money, and worst, of time.

[@cindygardner3221]

Thanks so much. I need to do this, THIS weekend. Now I'm 100% confident I know what to do!! Any advice for CHEAP casters on expensive plantation blinds? White lit didn't help or, I was too late with it?!!? The caster have cracked and disintegrated (FL, 2023) after six years. Advice? Thanks AGAIN!!

[@g.e.5723]

"All-encompassing" video demonstration. Thanks very much for it. I probably would've reached for the WD-40, but I'll be ordering white lithium grease online. (I thought I detected an accent, eh? you're "about" page confirmed Canada. I'm a Blues fan but the Leafs are my #2).

[@hotcher2]

The WD-40 website recommends first spraying with regulard WD-40 to clean and then going back over with their White Lithium Grease spray. Seems logical to clean it first but I'm not sure if it's really necessary or their just promoting their product.

[@kastironwoman6009]

I am always glad when your video's pop up. Very down to earth and concrete (why do we say concrete to illustrate solid and strong- concrete is fairly brittle) and granite advice.

[@HouseImprovements]

Thanks

[@KS-uo4br]

@@HouseImprovementsHi Sean- great video- can i use regular pittsburg auto grease from a grease gun on the chain? Wld it work?

[@gg-gn3re]

Use a piece of card board for the spring put it behind it and move your nozzle back like 15-25 cm / 6-10 inches and it'll give a really good thin coat to the spring

[@greenskynz]

thanks for the video. what about the chain, do you spray any lube directly on the chain?

[@HouseImprovements]

I would not, you may get drips .

[@utek66]

Great video! You saved me with the safety glasses. It squirted all in my face, lol. That's $120 I can keep for myself.

[@PierreSeattle]

Thank you and we see too much of your hand. We don’t see the very spot that you touch with your straw. Precious advice. Need to retake the video. With more lights as well.

[@comeacross728]

excessive force at opening and closing errors appeared right after the lube process and not sure what to do next, now the door does not close or open properly.

[@HouseImprovements]

I can't see how the lube can cause anything like this? Too much or thick lube I could see maybe?

[@MasterSumai]

You need to adjust your chain there. Way too saggy. About 1/2 inch above the bottom part of the rail, with a little bit of play.

[@annieyue9184]

Thank you very much for the clear and informative instructions! Very professional !

[@Breeze44100]

Thank you! Very helpful information. Worked like a charm too. Very quiet garage door now.

[@cdgodsell]

Great vid....nothing like a little bit of lube!😂😂

[@haroonmustafa8683]

Anyone got tip for me as my husband suffering back pain because of the stif shutter as he work in the market every day he have to open the old shutter.

[@floydbertagnolli944]

Thank you so much! You pointed out things that I would’ve never thought of. very helpful.😊

[@truthseeker4431]

Either your hand is in the way or the camera shot is too far away to actually see what you are doing once you stopped talking and got going. Grrr...

[@jenniferverwiel2244]

I feel handy!! Never been able to say that before! This worked--thank you! Wonderful video, shared with my family.

[@PoliticoAVO]

This video ROCKS 🤘💯🔥 Instant follow. TY so much, I’ve been struggling with our door since we bought our home a little over a year ago - this solves my problem!! Also, love your knowledge around WD; now I’m going to research more so I can avoid other mistakes I may have been making 😅😬🤓🤷‍♂️

[@SlavaUkraini-h2k]

You helped me with my deck and now with my garage door. Thanks.

[@ClickAndMortarMedia]

Picked up a can of garage door lubricant from Home Depot. Thank you.

[@RitaWilson-l2n]

I will have to get some of this, I have always used the wd 40... Thank You!

[@onetakeadventureswithjoeld4679]

I use garage door Lube found at box stores cleaner look

[@gregorydamienmech]

Thank you.

[@kernd217]

Question - all my pivot points are thick with dirt and yuck. Can i use brake cleaner to get that off? Is that safe to do?

[@HouseImprovements]

That would work. You may be able just to blow the crud off with compressed air.

[@kernd217]

@@HouseImprovements awesome, thanks!

[@badlilstang]

My mom had to tell multiple garage door guys hold a damn piecde of cardboard behind the spring so you don't spray the sheetrock... fkin annoying for those of us who have nice garages..

[@choof9]

Thanks! Gonna see if this'll save me $115 visit fee! Vids like this are so helpful!

[@raytailor9251]

Great information. Thank you! New subscriber.

[@DovidM]

I use lithium grease for the spring, applying it to the top and sides of the spring. It doesn’t drip.

[@mulupurunrao1]

Would hv been nice if the squeaky door before n after this treatment! Will try n revert

[@khiz5755]

great video. How often should we do maintenance of garage door

[@HouseImprovements]

Give it a once over every year if you can. Does not take long

[@stephaniebrown3490]

What about the rollers, and chain, do they need to be lubed?

[@HouseImprovements]

I would not do the chain unless its sparingly but the shafts on the rollers you could.

[@rkba4923]

the rollers on my gdoor don't have bearings. Why do they need lube?

[@stantonfriedman]

Grease doesn't work good for garage parts because it doesn't creep into the tight areas that need lubricating. Grease also thickens in the cold which makes your opener work harder. Use a liquid aerosol lubricant with a straw for hinges, bearings and springs.

[@rebecca5969]

Great video! Thank you for sharing.

[@dirediredude]

Awesome stuff thanks cant wait to try this out. Just curious in all the videos I've seen on this nobody mentioned cleaning things first, its always to just relube them. My brain says cleaning them first would be ideal but maybe I'm just being too paranoid 😂

[@HouseImprovements]

it can't hurt

[@sixtomidnight1492]

DO NOT USE ANY KIND OF GREASE! Grease attracts and retains dust and dirt. ONLY USE DRY LUBRICANTS FOR GARAGE DOORS AND DOOR LOCKS!

[@durango8882]

Thank You! It was SKREECH now Quiet. Awesome. New subscriber 😄

[@emilywelsh1072]

Thank you, this video was wonderful!

[@nourdawood4470]

Detailed and simple to follow. Thank you 👍🏽

[@thedr309]

white lithium based lube is worse than WD-40 about attracting dirt and dust the white lithium gets hard with the addition of dirt and dust and becomes like sand paper. only place you need to lube is the roller it's self. NOT the track! I have been working on doors for 40 years these video's are used as what not to do for tech's simply due to the people who make these video's have no clue what they are doing. as far as your springs rub a good coat of vasoline on them twice a year and you will never have issues with them also use vasoline on your trolley rail and it will stop all the noise. I was just wondering, do you do a video on lung transplants too? or how about open heart surgery? cause you obviously know as much about them as you do doors.

[@HouseImprovements]

Yes, check them out and save money on your next major surgery !

[@johnbarbopoulos1803]

I just got my garage door opener installed. How often do you recommend I do this maintenance. On the top part where the chain is, do you recommend still spraying if its belt drive?. Your video was very informative, thank you

[@jimsomerville3924]

I think typical suggestion is once a year or two. Careful of any petroleum based lubricant on rubber as can damage it over time. Seems like lithium would be okay. I use the lubricant labeled for garage doors, which is silicone, and clearer so don't get white residue.

[@hokinsont3681]

Thanks for the helpful video. Going to do this on my garage door.

[@jessebuenrostro2080]

My Torsion Springs were recently installed and the car the steel not coasted so I'm sure they are galvanized? Would I be able to lubricate them with white lithium grease like I did with my coated torsion springs? Thanks!

[@HouseImprovements]

Good question for the supplier.

[@nabig62]

Thank you Shannon very much for all the videos you make in HouseImprovements. I always watch them and learn a lot from them.

[@HouseImprovements]

I'm so glad!

[@triciamssensensensibility3350]

When I had some maintenance done on my garage door, the guy used wd 40. Is that ok or should I buy the white lithium grease and respray it?

[@HouseImprovements]

it will be ok.

[@hollywood5703]

Thank you. But what if it's gunked up with black grease. I would use WD40 first to clean it off.

[@kraigster71]

Thank you for the advice and recommendations! ❤

[@nickromano8851]

Would you put white grease on chain gear/spocket at opener?

[@blastoff2022]

great video - just took care of that job! got tired of waiting for hubby!!!!

[@bullshark3000]

Do you recommend spraying this white lithium in the ball bearings of open rollers?

[@HouseImprovements]

Would be fine.

[@martinaee]

What about the wheel/wheel tracks on the sides? We have a garage and doors now and it looks like a thick "lube paste" has been pushed all the way to the end. Should those tracks have lubricant of the same or a different kind on them too?

[@HouseImprovements]

No ,I would not lube the roller tracks

[@ChandlerBinh]

Hey... Just here for the eye candy. Giggity