Garage Door Pulley Maintenance

Your garage door system is made up of many different parts. For your garage to function properly, all of these parts must work in tandem. If even one part of your garage is faulty, it can make it so that your garage runs poorly or stops functioning at all. One particular part that is critical when it comes to your garage operating as it should be the pulleys.

In this article, you will learn all about the purposes of garage door pulleys, how to properly take care of them, as well as potential problems you may run into if one of them breaks or is starting to wear down. If you suspect that you might be dealing with a garage door pulley problem or other issue related to your pulleys, read on! You will find a lot of helpful information that will guide you in repairing and properly taking care of your garage door pulleys.

The Role of Garage Door Pulleys

Garage doors typically have four pulleys. They work in conjunction with the garage door cables and extension springs. Pulleys are critical for the safe operation of your garage door and their main function is to assist with closing and opening the door in a controlled fashion.

Worn pulleys can cause a number of problems for garage door owners. Proper maintenance is important if you want your garage door pulleys to run strong year-round. Keep reading to find out how you can properly maintain your pulleys and avoid any potential problems.

Proper Pulley Maintenance

To keep your garage door pulleys functioning well, there are a few things you can do to help keep them in shape. Follow the suggestions below to ensure that your pulleys are working as they are intended to and to spot any minor problems before they become major issues.

Check for Symmetry

Be sure to inspect your garage every so often for any signs that the door or other systems are lopsided. All of the pulleys, cables, and springs should be properly aligned if the garage door is in good shape.

Keep the Springs and Tracks Well Lubricated

Proper lubrication is important when it comes to pulley maintenance. Because the pulleys are connected to the springs and other parts, you will want to make sure to keep them properly lubricated.

Receive Yearly Inspections from a Professional

It is important to receive annual inspections of your garage, especially if you are concerned with worn parts. An expert will be able to identify any issues you may be experiencing and assist with any necessary repairs.

Potential Problems with Pulleys

If you notice that your garage door only opens halfway, refuses to close, jerks when it moves, or makes a loud noise while it is operating, you may have a worn pulley. Since most garage door parts are interconnected, it may be hard to pinpoint where the exact source of the problem is. If you are certain that one of the pulleys is to blame, you can move forward with a repair with an expert. If you are unsure, however, you will want to call in a specialist to help diagnose the issue and advise you on what kind of repair is needed. 

Hire an Expert to Help!

If you are concerned about the state of your garage door pulleys, or are still unsure where the problem with your garage door lies, it is time to call an expert. Most of the time, you will want to work with an expert as soon as possible, regardless of where the origin of the problem is. That is because garage doors can be extremely dangerous to repair and work with. You may be putting yourself and your family members at risk if you attempt to repair a part of your garage on your own. Even if you think you may have done an adequate job, there is a chance you may have missed a critical step in a repair.

Garage doors can collapse or break in a way that may cause injury to yourself or your loved ones. You may even be putting your belongings or vehicle at risk, since your garage door may fall and potentially hit your car, bikes, or other possessions stored in your garage. It is best to avoid any potential mishaps and work with a garage door expert at the first sign of any problem. Especially if you have no prior experience working with garage doors, you will want to hire an expert as soon as possible. Trying to save time or money by attempting a repair on your own simply isn’t worth it in most instances. Hire a local expert near you instead to ensure that any pulley replacements, spring repairs, or other fixes are done properly and professionally.