How to Fix an Automatic Garage Opener

Automatic garage door openers get a lot of work and the parts can wear out from being used continuously. With all the moving parts, the system can get misaligned or bent, creating further problems if not corrected right away. A few simple inspection procedures and fixes can keep your garage door opener working properly and you can perform these steps in less than an hour, saving you the time and expense of more serious repairs from neglect.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Degreaser
• Clean shop cloths
• Lubricant
• Screwdriver
• Mallet

1. Check the rollers and hinges on the garage door opener for signs of oil deposits or sludge that could hinder the drive belts operation.

2. Clean any deposits on the rollers and hinges with a degreaser and clean shop cloths to free up the movement of the belt.

3. Oil the bearings and roller wheels with a lubricant to verify that the drive belt can move properly.

4. Adjust the door lock mechanism on the garage door opener by taking the screws off with a screwdriver and moving the mechanism up and down to check for bends or places where it can get hung up.

5. Reattach the door lock mechanism with the screws and run the automatic garage door opener a few times to check for any problems.

6. Inspect the tracks and use a mallet to realign any misaligned tracks.

References

• BobVila.com; Fixing a Garage Door Opener

Resources

• Garage Door Opener repairs