Reduce Garage Door Noise | Screw Drive Cleaning & Lubrication

Proper cleaning and lubrication of your garage door hardware will ensure proper and reliable operation of your door for many years. This video will provide you with the practical instructions and the necessary steps needed to eliminate a significant level of noise specific to your garage door opener and door. I'll provide you all the steps associated with cleaning the garage door tracks, the screw drive rail and the screw drive trolley.
🟡 Subscribe: / budssmarthome
🟡 I highly recommend this Chamberlain Opener:
🛒- My NEW 'Whisper Quiet' Chamberlain Garage Door Opener: amzn.to/3v3Rarl
🔗- How to Automate you Garage Door: • Control LiftMaster & C...
~-~~-~~~-~~-~
🟡 Support my channel by purchasing your home improvement items via my product links:
🛒- Lucas Oil 10533 White Lithium Grease: tinyurl.com/y2na62j7
🛒- CRC 5037 White Lithium Grease: tinyurl.com/y4fubavx
🛒- Genie GLU-R Screw Drive Lube: amzn.to/32EEG9B
🛒- WD-40 Specialist Protective White Lithium Grease: tinyurl.com/y699owto
🛒- Simple Green Industrial Cleaner and Degreaser: tinyurl.com/yy4uhlxs
🛒- Ultra-Life MAX 2 Nylon Garage Door Roller: amzn.to/2TI2h3I
🛒- LiftMaster - Garage Door Opener Vibration Isolator Kit 89LM: amzn.to/2I4sAQh
🟠 How to support Bud's Smart Home:
🛒- Shop my Amazon Store: www.amazon.com/shop/budssmart...
💳- Buy me a Coffee via PayPal: paypal.me/BudsHomeAutomation
🔵 Check out my home automation website at: www.budshomeautomation.com
You can access Aeotec and countless other SmartThings compatible devices on my Amazon Store, The Popp/to website or via my Home Automation website:
🔵 Amazon Store: www.amazon.com/shop/budssmart...
🔵 Save 10% on the Aeotec Hub for SmartThings here: popp.to/?ref=BudsHomeAutomations
🔵 Aeotec/SmartThings Hub @ popp.to: tinyurl.com/kv7jc268
Amazon Links for Aeotec/SmartThings Devices:
🔵 Aeotec/SmartThings Hub: amzn.to/3hG653a
🔵 Aeotec/SmartThings Motion Sensor: amzn.to/3AklqOt
🔵 Aeotec/SmartThings Window/Door Sensor: amzn.to/3hI48n2
🔵 Aeotec/SmartThings Water Leak Sensor: amzn.to/3klfHC8
🔵 Aeotec/SmartThings Camera: amzn.to/2XEjC4x
🔵 Aeotec/SmartThings Smart Plug: amzn.to/3lBpqE4
🔵 Aeotec/SmartThings Button: amzn.to/3kfDBiC
🔵 Aeotec/SmartThings Range Extender: amzn.to/3hDwLSn
~-~~-~~~-~~-~
Music Selections used in this video include:
Intro Music - "DC Love Go Go" by Silent Partner
Intro Music - "Dumb as a Box" by Dan Lebowitz
Background Music - “Blue Creek Trail” by Dan Lebowitz
Exit Music - “World_Map” by Jason Farnham
~-~~-~~~-~~-~
DISCLAIMER: The links in this description are affiliate links, which means if you click on a link to make a purchase I may receive a small commission. You will not incur additional cost for using my affiliate links and your purchase will help support this channel. Thank you for your support!
CHANNEL DISCLAIMER
Due to factors beyond the control of Bud’s Home Automation’s and Repairs, aka Bud’s Odd Jobs, and (hereafter referred to as Bud’s Channel), I cannot guarantee against improper application, use or unauthorized modifications of the information provided in my instructional videos. Bud’s Channel assumes no liability for property damage of incurred injury as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use of any of the information contained in this or any video produced by Bud’s Channel is at your own risk. Bud’s Channel recommends safe practices when working with power tools, machines, home electrical circuits or products featured in my videos. Due to factors beyond the control of Bud’s Channel, no information contained in this or any other video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from the application of information contained in my videos is the sole responsibility of the user and not Bud’s Channel.
LubricateGarageDoor #NoisyGarageDoor #ScrewDriveOpener

[@BudsSmartHome]

Don't remove garage door hinges to replace rollers! USE a CLAW HAMMER INSTEAD: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2qahZyOpbNmm6c

[@1suckface2]

that was the best straight foward video i found ! it amazing how other people tell you to use wd 40 on the roller tracks and on the rollers ! that was the perfect step by step video !!!!!

[@BudsSmartHome]

Thanks 😊

[@r.joseph8911]

Great delivery of great content. Thanks, Bud!

[@BudsSmartHome]

I’m happy you found it useful R. Joseph. Thanks for commenting.

[@garyneal2670]

I had a very noisy screw drive Genie garage door opener. About 6 months ago, I used standard grease on the screw, and it quieted it down nicely. Now, maybe related to the cold weather, the screw drive is even noisier than before. I spent ~2 hours removing as much of the old grease as possible (paper towels, brake cleaner) and replaced with white lithium grease. Door is quiet as new again!

[@AmplifyDIY]

Nice job! I love how much quieter my door is now that I've properly lubricated it. It's amazing how much grease was in your mechanism!

[@mudfan061]

Thank you so much for the video. I have been looking for a video specifically for this type of opener

[@BudsSmartHome]

Sure thing Wes. I am glad that you found the video helpful. Thanks for commenting.

[@jackwhitehill9096]

VERY FINE JOB BUD THE BEST VID ON THIS SUBJECT I'VE SEEN. THANKS

[@BudsSmartHome]

Thanks Jack!

[@5Serranos]

Great video. I have the same garage door opener. Super helpful! Thank you.

[@BudsSmartHome]

Glad it helped Michael! Thanks for commenting!

[@zaneaggie]

Thanks, perfect instructional video 🦬

[@BudsSmartHome]

Thanks Sara!

[@dloweatl]

very helpful. Thanks Bud

[@BudsSmartHome]

You’re welcome Doug. Thanks for watching! Glad the video was helpful.

[@TexasEmperor]

Thank you Bud!

[@BudsSmartHome]

You're Welcome. It’s not every day that you get to help the "Emperor of Texas"!

[@rsturkey]

I just finished cleaning my garage door according to your guided instructions. It took two hours to clean the roller guides, track, etc., but it was not difficult. Many of the videos do not discuss cleaning everything first before greasing it. I was very pleased with the results! Thanks for your instructions.

[@marcomilano6486]

Great video! What product do you recommend to remove the old dried out grease from the tracks?

[@shawncuddeback4461]

That video was excellent, my garage started freezing up in some subzero temperatures we had last week, and it was also a bit louder than I would expect. I hadn’t replaced the rollers up to this point because I was a bit intimidated by the danger factor with the bottom rollers. I also have a screw drive driven garage door, and it is running smooth as butter now. Cleaning all the excess grease out of the tracks, was the worst part. You rock 🤟🏼

[@BudsSmartHome]

Glad it helped Shawn. 😊

[@johnreese3762]

Good info and video! Off to work I go!!!

[@rocklava110]

Fantastic! On on it this weekend.

[@BudsSmartHome]

Sounds like a good plan Rock Lava!

[@flawns]

THAAAAAAAAAAAAANKKK you!!! majority of these type of videos are chain not screw

[@vinzo2385]

Thank you! I did the grease maintenance the same exact way you did it and my garage door is soooo much quieter now!!

[@BudsSmartHome]

Yes it makes quite a difference.

[@BudsSmartHome]

Agreed, Preventive maintenance is key to ensuring longevity. Just as we maintain wheel bearings, it’s crucial to prioritize regular care for screw drives.

[@madisonmasontv]

Really good, Bud, thanks. And you're so personable. It's like I know you. Very cool.

[@BudsSmartHome]

Thank you Madison. Welcome to the channel.

[@benzun9600]

great, only video I found that was for the screw drive. Will try this and check back

[@BudsSmartHome]

Thanks Ben! Looking forward to the feedback on your results.

[@benzun9600]

@@BudsSmartHome I already finished this on 2 doors. This worked great! SO much quieter. Saved me on a service call and I can return the garage door opener! Thank you

[@BudsSmartHome]

That’s awesome Ben! It’s amazing what a little cleaning and lube can do to eliminate that noise. Thanks for letting me know how it worked out.

[@michaelbeckman1794]

Finally found a video that shows my 3/4 hp craftsman worm drive, garage door. It's a 2003, double garage door. I have two areas where the door emits a banshee squeal. I've installed new nylon rollers and cleaned and lubricated all the roller hinge points as well as the trolley guide parts. Will remove the trolley carrier next, clean and lube the worm gear. Hopefully that will solve my problem. Thanks, Mike

[@BudsSmartHome]

Let me know about your success Michael.

[@michaelbeckman1794]

Well for the first time in many years and attempts to fix the squealing with my 3/4 hp, 20 year old, Craftsman door opener there is silence!!! I removed the trolly and deep a compete cleaning of the trolly rail with mineral spirits and dried the rail off. Then applied the white lithium grease to the worm screw as well as the Blaster silicone garage door lubricant. Not a squeak or screech was heard. Yes it was a bit tedious and time-consuming cleaning and drying the rails but well worth the silence. Thanks, Mike

[@BudsSmartHome]

Awesome Mike!

[@michaelbeckman1794]

@BudsSmartHome thanks to you for your tutorial. It definitely helped me out. I guess that I didn't need the new sealed ball bearing rollers, but it works like a charm.

[@BudsSmartHome]

@@michaelbeckman1794- I'm happy that you got the noise out. That can be extremely aggravating, for sure.

[@myabut]

I agree. Removal and cleaning first before lubricating.

[@BudsSmartHome]

👍 agree

[@HarshColby]

I watched AmplifyDIY's explanation of how to clean the door parts. I said to myself: "Self, I have a screw drive door. How to I clean that?" So here I am, and you feature that AmplifyDIY video! You're a great team. I got my White Lithium Grease so here I go out to the garage to fix it. Thanks!

[@BudsSmartHome]

Thank you Sir!

[@HarshColby]

@@BudsSmartHome Just finished. OMG! Why didn't I do this before ;) I found out it was so loud I didn't hear the squeaks. I hit the squeaky parts again. All is so much better.

[@BudsSmartHome]

Glad to hear that the lubrication did the trick. Enjoy your quiet garage door.

[@stevelew47]

Very nice video! I have the same everything and putting on that lithium grease helps totally. Much quieter. I may try to put more grease in using a toothbrush to work it in. Dirty work. Always use gloves! Thanks!!!!!

[@BudsSmartHome]

Definitely dirty work Steve, but worth the effort. Glad you found a video helpful. Thanks for commenting. Stay safe.

[@stevelew47]

I took that white cover off to clean the machinery. With the cover off, that opener just purrs! Maybe I'll just leave that light cover off. That's one of the reasons the thing was so noisy.@@BudsSmartHome

[@BudsSmartHome]

Either that or just tighten or shim it to take the vibrations out.

[@NordicDan]

6:02 this is a perfect example of a great use for an ultrasonic cleaner. I've used mine to degrease old parts like this in mineral spirits MANY times and it works amazingly well. The mineral spirits won't corrode softer metals like Simple Green can (made that mistake with an aluminum carburetor body from my old chainsaw) and will evaporate away completely after a short while. In the summer I just leave the part in the sun for a couple hours or if you can tolerate the smell, bake them at the lowest temp (mine goes down to 180 degrees) your oven can go. Stinks for a while but it does go away, and I have old nasty cookie sheets I use for drip trays.

[@BudsSmartHome]

Thanks Daniel. Good tip!

[@MisterDoug1649]

Nice video. But do you know where I can find rollers that have a 5/16 shaft on my Stanley door

[@BudsSmartHome]

Hi Doug. The most common shaft size options are 7/16″ diameter and 4″ length. I found Stanley Garage door roller on the Amazon site with the specifications of 3-1/2 In Length X 7/16 In Diameter Shaft. See here: amzn.to/3ZmttHe If you want to replace these with the four inch shaft length sealed nylon roller bearing rollers with a 7/16" diameter stem I would suggest these: XiKe 10 Pack Blue 2" Nylon Garage Door Roller 4" Stem: amzn.to/3vNvHSo

[@diy_bulshit6153]

Good video. I started from the middle and liked it. Correct lubricant. Some stupid videos was telling to use wd-40 and I listened to them and noise was so horrible. Then I decided to use white lithium and was better. I wish I would find this video earlier and that could save my ears. Also like to find those assholes who are paid by wd40 and misleading people. Good job here. This is helpful video.

[@BudsSmartHome]

Thanks for taking the time to comment DIY. Yes white lithium grease is what specified by the manufacture. Some of us have problems reading the instructions.I’ve been guilty of that in the past so I don’t have a lot room to criticize.

[@thilankasamarasekera1429]

Do you have an idea as why a garage door would sometimes close properly and sometimes hits the floor and closes with a loud bang, hits the floor and goes right back up or closes but with a little gap? I have adjusted the open and close force and also adjusted the open and close travel distance.

[@BudsSmartHome]

It sounds like your limit switch is bad on the side it’s supposed to stop your door while it’s closing. You may want to talk to the manufacturer oF the garage door opener, or consult the manual.

[@thilankasamarasekera1429]

@@BudsSmartHome Thank you for the quick response. This gives me something to look into. I am wondering if the limit switch was bad, wouldn’t it malfunction every time?

[@BudsSmartHome]

Yes, logically it would happen every time if the limit switch is damaged.

[@1suckface2]

my genie manual says to use only there specific.grease only ! is it ok to use the lucas white lube on it i live in florida

[@BudsSmartHome]

You should be fine with any white lithium grease. My manual specifies their white lithium grease as well. The formulations of the various brands are essentially the same.

[@BudsSmartHome]

www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/proper-lubricant-for-an-old-genie-screw-drive-opener.409443/

[@dmt66]

Should I also apply white lithium grease to the rail that contains the screw drive assembly and not just the screw itself? It seems that would be another friction point.

[@BudsSmartHome]

I believe that the rail is adequately lubricated as the screw drive assembly rotates within the rail. But it would not hurt if you want to go the extra measure. Just be aware that on hot days the lubricant may run and drip on your garage floor if there is a excessive amount of lubricant on the drive.

[@craigf7165]

One of my two 17-year old Craftsman openers sounds like a squirrel got caught in the screw drive. Maintenance instructions in the owner's manual state, "Oil door rollers, bearings and hinges. The opener does not require additional lubrication. Do not grease the door tracks", implying that the opener (sans door) is maintenance-free. Should I lube the screw drive, or not?

[@BudsSmartHome]

According to the manual, bottom of page 31, found here: bluemate.com/garage-door-openers/pdf/A1846M.PDF , it states exactly as you stated above. If it were my door, I would try a white lithium spray lubricant on the rollers, bearings and hinges, and if that did not eliminate the noise I would apply a small application of lithium grease on the screw drive to try to eliminate the noise issue.

[@kenvh8569]

Great video thanks. One note though: Your sound reduction math isn't right. You can't just add and subtract decibels. They are logarithmic and cannot be manipulated without being converted back to a linear scale. You must first antilog each number, add or subtract and then log them again. Or just find a decibel calculator online. Either way, your 10db reduction and 5db reduction together equal an 11.2db overall reduction. Still a great reduction. Thanks again for the video.

[@BudsSmartHome]

Thanks Ken. I learned a new thing today! I appreciate your insight. 👍😃

[@jackwong64]

I have a question, can I just use the regular blue bottle wd-40? And what’s the good thing about the one you use in the video?

[@BudsSmartHome]

When it comes to lubricating garage doors, WD-40 is not recommended as it acts more like a cleaner and removes lubrication. Garage door manuals specify white lithium lubricants like the ones I an recommending.

[@dannyscarpati7049]

WD40 is not a lubricant. its a cleaner/water displacer hence the letters WD

[@BudsSmartHome]

Thanks for the clarification Danny

[@_JEBUS]

My garage door screw track makes a very loud noise when the trolley passes through it. It quiets if I grab the bar and pull it down with tension. I've cleaned and greased it and still it makes this noise. Sounds like the angle is slightly off. Not sure what to do it's an annoying noise that likely annoys my neighbors every time I open it.

[@BudsSmartHome]

I eventually got this belt drive Chamberlain garage door opener that I automated to automatically open and close based on or presence or lack thereof. It is controlled by our SmartThings Hub and the hub uses our smart phones to determine if we have arrived home or left home. The unit here: (Chamberlain Garage Door Opener: amzn.to/3v3Rarl ), is whisper quite in operation. I love it! Here is the video I made showing how I set up the Chamberlain with SmartThings, assuming you have interest: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lanVppasd5pmbac

[@deancitroni4447]

Reducing noise isn't just a matter of convenience. It's about wear and tear on your garage door which can cost you thousands of dollars

[@BudsSmartHome]

I agree 👍

[@HateDietPepsi]

If I'm going to to through the trouble of taking off the trolley, instead of cleaning it, I'm going to replace that trolley with a new one.

[@BudsSmartHome]

Makes perfect sense!

[@John-gm8ty]

the drawback of using pretty much any lubrication is it WILL attract grime and dirt/dust over time, and crud things up having spent three hours pulling off each individual roller to remove a decade of build up lubricant , grime and dirt in petrol, I'd say, don't use lubricants. if it squeaks, remove the roller, clean it with degreaser of some kind to make sure there's no crud in it and reinstall it. if you just want a stop gap, use ultra fine sewing machine oil in a syringe applicator and make sure you only oil into the bearings/friction junctions directly. (but you will eventually have problems as crud will cling to the lubricant over time.

[@BudsSmartHome]

Installing garage door rollers with sealed bearings helps as well.

[@John-gm8ty]

​@@BudsSmartHome my house was built in 1974, and the roller door is so old it has fiberglass panels lol it has to be from the 80s at least, it does have a newer motor which was installed not too long before we bought the place 3 years ago. the rollers are all steel even. the grease was VERY old and chock full of grit and crud. it was a big job indeed. (custom door is just over 2 SUVs wide for a custom build quad bay garage (2 cars deep) the next adventure is trying to replace the fraying cable, which they haven't made in a decade. and standard cable is simply not strong enough for the size of the door. ahh the fun and games.

[@BudsSmartHome]

Sounds like you definitely have your work cut out for you.

[@Z-Ack]

So i cleaned the shit outta every single screwdriver i got and damn door still loud as hell.. do i gotta clean the bits off also?

[@BudsSmartHome]

After you thoroughly cleaned the screw drive did you lubricate the screw drive with white lithium grease?

[@flagmichael]

@@BudsSmartHome I think he was being a wise guy - talking about screwdrivers instead of screw drive garage door operators.

[@BudsSmartHome]

@@flagmichael - I think that you hit the proverbial nail on the head. :)

[@jacec5855]

80 dB in most industries is the point where hearing protection is required to avoid hearing loss. Never realized my garage door could be deteriorating my hearing. Thanks Bud

[@BudsSmartHome]

Thanks Jase. Actually the action level is at 85 dBA. NIOSH recommends that workers shall be required to wear hearing protectors when engaged in work that exposes them to noise that equals or exceeds 85 dBA as an 8-hour TWA (Time Weighted Average).

[@rickbarger5161]

Thanks for the video I'll try it out. I'm gonna use my wife's toothbrush to clean All my parts. Just kidding

[@BudsSmartHome]

LOL! Yes the wife's toothbrush idea could get you in a little hot water for sure! 😛

[@joederue2392]

I am a door Tech of 20 years, and i would never recommend to change the rollers with a claw hammer to residential home owener that does not have this experience. And should make sure that the Door is in the Down position when changing out rollers.

[@BudsSmartHome]

Thanks Joe. It's always good to have an experienced viewers insights. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. God Bless!

[@ChrisDuke66]

A very long into and recommendation. Just want to get to the details. So, skip to about 3 or 4 min.

[@BudsSmartHome]

Hi Chris. I just wanted to work in that mention of AmplifyDIY, a fellow KZbinr I collaborate with. Other than the long intro, I hope you found the content helpful?

[@David_Brenna]

Did.... Did you reduce the volume by 15 dB at 8:14? HA!

[@BudsSmartHome]

Actually, I learned from another contributor that you can't just add and subtract decibels. They are logarithmic and cannot be manipulated without being converted back to a linear scale. You must first antilog each number, add or subtract and then log them again. Or just find a decibel calculator online. Either way, your 10db reduction and 5db reduction together equal an 11.2db overall reduction. Thanks for commenting David!

[@travisc5658]

Don't go off max. Go off average decibel reading.

[@BudsSmartHome]

Thanks Travis!

[@masihzamanisswole]

Nice, just lubed the rails 2 minutes before watching this. Smh

[@BudsSmartHome]

Bummer

[@Magnum44NC]

The video is good, but I disagree with opening and closing the door so much in succession. My Genie screw drive has thermal protection, and will shut off 10 minutes if overheated. I unlock the trolley and use the handle to raise/lower the door rapidly, after greasing.

[@BudsSmartHome]

Good Tip Magnum. Thanks!

[@stantonfriedman]

I don't think that grease was effective. To properly lubricate the rollers....they must be removed or lubricated before installing new ones. Ideally there should be a hole in the center of the roller bracket and lubricated with oil. Same with the hinges.

[@SeanPopify]

Wow. Completely useless unless your opener is already clean. Chamberlain recommends complete removal of existing grease on the screw drive before applying new lithium... This method leaves about 70% on the screw drive. Thanks for nothing.

[@BudsSmartHome]

Thank you for commenting. First of all, this is a Genie garage door opener, not a Chamberlain. Secondly, as demonstrated in my video, I followed the the manufacturer's recommendation for cleaning and lubricating the Genie screw drive. According to Genie, if and when the screw drive becomes a source of noise, you are to "wipe off old excess lubricant from the Drive Screw and lubricate the Drive Screw with new lubricant." Genie specifically recommends yearly application of Genie GLU-R screw drive lube, or a compatible white lithium-grease, to reduce garage door opener noise, help with smooth operation and prolong the life of the screw drive and rail.