Back on January 13, we talked about things you need to do to keep your garage door working well. (To review this article, go to the mysundaynews.com website and search under columnists.) We have heard about a few door spring failures and have some more complete information on how to deal with this type of failure.
When the spring fails, the motor will not be able to lift the door. You can manually open and close the garage door by pulling down on the trolley release cord. The door will be very heavy to lift, and you will need assistance. When you get the door to the full up position (horizontal), put a âCâ clamp or vice grip pliers on the track to block the guide wheels from moving. If you need to close the door, be aware that it is very heavy and will require two or three strong, fit people to lower it gently. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CLOSE A DOOR WITH A BROKEN TORSION SPRING WITHOUT HELP. There are two springs mounted on the torque shaft, located on the door header above the garage door. These springs will need to be replaced by a professional, as it can be very dangerous to wind the tension back into them.
When you have the broken springs replaced, ask about heavier duty springs. There are several levels of springs, from 10,000 cycles to 25,000 cycles to 50,000 cycles. If you go out three times each day, you raise the door three times and lower it three times; that is six cycles per day. This amounts to about 2,200 cycles per year. A 10,000-cycle spring (the one that probably came with your house) should last about five years. A 25,000-cycle spring should last eleven years, and a 50,000-cycle spring should last twenty-two years.
There is some controversy about whether these springs should be lubricated. To settle the differing opinions, I called the service department at Consolidated Garage Door. They were very adamant that these springs should not be lubricated. Most oils would attract dirt to the springs and could actually shorten the life.
Another component that does not require lubricants is the guide wheels. In Sun City, most of the wheels that roll up and down in the track to guide the door are made of nylon and should not be lubricated. If you have steel wheels with ball bearings, these should be lubricated with about three drops of oil or silicon spray. The lift cable that winds around the lift pulley on each end of the torque shaft also should not be lubricated except for a small amount at the attachment point at the bottom of the door.
The hinges on the doorâthere are fifteen of themâshould be lubricated with one or two drops of oil. To test if they need lubrication, pull the rope to disengage the trolley from the track and manually raise and lower the door. Listen for squeaks or rubbing of the hinges. Oiling should cure this problem and make your door run quietly. They will need lubrication about once a year.
To check that the door is lubricated and working properly, pull the release cord to disengage the trolley from the âTâ track. Open and close the door manually. It should operate smoothly and easily. Listen for any squeaks and noises. If there are any, apply a drop of oil to the noisy hinge and test again. The door should be quiet as it rolls up and down. Reconnect the trolley by pushing the button, and the chain will drive the trolley into the door catch and engage it.
The only other lubrication required is on the black âTâ bar that runs from the opener motor to the door. You should rub a thin coat of lithium grease (available at Ace or a home center) on the bottom track where the trolley runs. Donât use too much, as it may drip on your cars.
There is an electric eye that shines across the door opening at the bottom. This is there to stop and reverse the door should it encounter a foreign object, like a grandchild. You should test this safety feature at least twice a year. To do this, raise the door using the wall button. Start it down with the button and walk toward the door and place your foot on the floor under it. The door should immediately stop and reverse when you break the beam of light. If it does not stop, the electric eye is defective, and you should remove your foot immediately and then call for service.
These simple maintenance items will keep your garage door working quietly and easily for many years.
If you have suggestions for future tips or have questions about maintenance around your home, submit them to ask.the.woodchucks@gmail.com.
