What’s Broken on Your Garage Door?

First, you need to figure out what’s wrong

The first step in dealing with a broken garage door is identifying what part is actually broken. Below are some problems you may have with your garage door. Once the part that is not working properly is identified, then it can be replaced or fixed:

1. The garage door is stuck.

Possible causes are a) a broken extension spring cable, b) a broken torsion spring, c) the track is bent, or d) worn extension spring pulleys. To fix, identify specific broken part and replace.

2. The garage door is uneven or up on one side.

Possible causes are a) a broken extension spring cable, b) a broken torsion spring, c) broken extension spring, or d) worn extension spring pulleys. To fix, identify specific broken part and replace.

3. The garage door opens slowly.

Possible causes: Broken torsion spring. To fix, replace.

4. The garage door will not close all the way.

Possible causes and fixes are: a) The door is binding in the tracks. To fix, adjust the track spacing or trim molding and replace any bent hinges. b) The extension spring cable pulleys are worn. To fix, replace. c) The track is bent. To fix, straighten, replace and/or adjust the track.

5. The garage door will not open.

Possible causes and fixes are: a) A torsion spring is broken. To fix, replace. b) An extension spring is broken. To fix, replace. c) Track is bent. To fix, straighten, replace and/or adjust the track.

6. The garage do0r will not stay open.

The spring has taken a set. To fix, adjust spring or springs.

7. Loud bang when garage door stopped working or opener is straining as the door opens.

Possible causes: a) broken torsion spring. To fix, replace. b) broken extension spring. To fix, replace.

8. Popping sound as the garage door operates.

The rollers are worn. To fix, replace.

9. Remote controls will open but not close the garage door.

The photo eyes are misaligned, defective, or dirty. To fix, align, replace, or clean.

10. Scraping sound while garage door opens or closes.

Possible causes: a) the end bearing plate is tilted. To fix, reinforce or straighten the bearing plate, or file the shaft and replace as needed. b) The reinforcing strut is misaligned. To fix, space the strut evenly on the section. c) Check if torsion spring cable, extension spring cable or extension spring cable pulleys are worn and replace as needed.

11. The garage door squeaks.

The dry rollers, bearings or hinges are dry and need lubrication with 3 in 1 motor oil.

12. The garage door closes only while button is continuously pushed in.

The photo eyes are misaligned, defective, or dirty. To fix, align, replace or clean as needed.

13. The garage door closes part way but then reverses and opens again.

Possible causes are: a) The torsion spring cable, extension spring cable, or extension spring cable pulleys are broken or worn. To fix, identify broken or won part and replace. b) The close force is not properly adjusted. To fix, adjust. c) The dry rollers or bearings need lubrication with 3 in 1 motor oil. d) The track is bent and needs to be straightened, adjusted, or replaced.