Your garage door relies on a system of tracks and rollers to glide smoothly up and down multiple times a day. When something goes wrong with either component, you’ll likely notice, loud grinding sounds, jerky movements, or even a door that won’t open or close properly. Track and roller issues are among the most common garage door problems homeowners face. Understanding what causes these problems and how to fix them can help you maintain a safe and functional garage door. With this in mind, we at AAA Action Garage Doors would like to address what causes track and roller issues and how to fix it.

What Causes Track and Roller Issues?

1) Dirt and Debris Buildup. Over time, dust, leaves, and other debris can accumulate in the garage door tracks. This buildup can obstruct the rollers and cause the door to move unevenly or get stuck.
2) Bent or Misaligned Tracks. Garage door tracks can become bent or knocked out of alignment from accidental impacts, such as bumping the track with your car or a heavy object. Even minor misalignments can lead to serious performance issues.
3) Worn-Out or Rusty Rollers. Rollers are small but essential parts of the door system. When they become worn out, cracked, or rusted, they lose their smooth rolling ability. This not only creates noise but can also put extra strain on the door opener.
4) Lack of Lubrication. Rollers and tracks require regular lubrication to function correctly. Without it, friction builds up, which can wear down the components quickly and cause sticking or squeaking.
5) Improper Installation or Poor Maintenance. If the garage door was not installed properly or has not been maintained, track and roller issues are more likely to occur over time.

How to Fix Track and Roller Problems

1) Clean the Tracks. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the tracks and remove any debris. Avoid using harsh chemicals; mild soap and water usually do the trick. After cleaning, dry the tracks completely.
2) Lubricate Moving Parts. Apply a silicone-based garage door lubricant to the rollers and inside the tracks. Avoid using WD-40, it can remove essential grease instead of providing proper lubrication.
3) Tighten Loose Hardware. Inspect the brackets that hold the tracks in place. If any screws or bolts are loose, tighten them with a wrench or screwdriver.
4) Straighten Bent Tracks. For small bends, use a rubber mallet to gently tap the track back into place. Be careful, applying too much force can cause more damage. If the track is severely bent or misaligned, it’s best to call a professional.
5) Replace Worn Rollers. If your rollers are visibly worn, cracked, or noisy even after lubrication, they may need to be replaced. Nylon rollers are a great upgrade, they’re quieter and require less maintenance than metal ones.

When to Call a Professional

While basic cleaning and lubrication are safe DIY tasks, more complex issues like realigning tracks, replacing rollers, or diagnosing strange sounds should be left to a trained garage door technician. Attempting repairs without the right tools or experience can result in injury or further damage.

Garage Door Services in Aliante, Centennial, Desert Shores, Eldorado, Enterprise, Green Valley Ranch, Henderson, Lone Mountain Village, North LV, Peccole Ranch, Paradise, Silverado Ranch, Spring Valley, Summerlin, Sunrise Manor, Tuscany Village, Whitney, Winchester & Las Vegas Nevada

Keeping your garage door’s tracks and rollers in good shape ensures a quieter, safer, and more efficient system. Regular maintenance and early intervention can prevent costly repairs down the road. Call AAA Action Garage Doors for garage door services in the Las Vegas, NV Valley.