A noisy garage door can be more than just an inconvenience—it often signals an underlying issue. Strange sounds like grinding, squeaking, or rattling may indicate loose hardware, worn-out rollers, or broken springs. Identifying the problem early can help prevent further damage, reduce repair costs, and ensure smooth operation.
In this guide, we’ll discuss six common reasons your garage door might be making unusual noises and when to call for professional garage door repair in NJ.
6 Reasons Your Garage Door is Making Noises
Loose Hardware
Daily use causes vibrations that can gradually loosen your garage door’s nuts, bolts, and hinges. As a result, you may hear rattling or banging noises when the door moves. If left unchecked, loose hardware can put extra strain on the door’s components and lead to misalignment.
To fix this, inspect all visible bolts, screws, and brackets along the door and track system. Use a wrench to tighten any loose parts, but avoid overtightening, as that can strip the threads. Regularly checking and securing hardware can prevent long-term damage.
Worn-Out Rollers
Rollers help your garage door glide smoothly along its tracks, but over time, they can wear down, crack, or become misshapen. This often results in grinding or squeaking noises, especially if metal rollers lack proper lubrication.
Apply a high-quality silicone-based lubricant to the rollers and check for visible wear. If they appear cracked or don’t roll smoothly, replacing them with nylon rollers can reduce noise and improve durability.
Lack of Lubrication
Your garage door system has several moving parts—hinges, springs, and rollers—that require regular lubrication. Without it, these components grind against each other, producing loud creaking or squealing noises. Dry parts also wear out faster, leading to costly repairs.
To keep everything running smoothly, apply a silicone-based lubricant to the springs, hinges, and rollers every few months. Avoid using WD-40, as it’s a degreaser and can dry out parts instead of lubricating them.
Misaligned Tracks
The metal tracks that guide your garage door need to be properly aligned for smooth operation. If they become bent, loose, or clogged with debris, you might hear scraping or rubbing noises. A misaligned track can also cause the door to jerk or slow down while moving.
Inspect the tracks for visible gaps or bends. If they’re only slightly misaligned, gently tap them back into place with a rubber mallet. Clean the tracks with a dry cloth to remove any dust or debris. For severe misalignment, it’s best to call a professional.
Broken Garage Door Springs
Garage door springs counterbalance the weight of the door, making it easier to lift. If you hear a loud popping or banging sound, a spring may have snapped. Since these springs hold significant tension, a break can make the door unsafe to use and put extra strain on the opener.
Never attempt to repair or replace broken springs yourself, as they can be dangerous if handled incorrectly. Instead, contact a professional for garage door repair in NJ to safely replace the damaged springs.
Worn-Out Opener Motor
Your garage door opener uses a motor to lift and lower the door. If you hear humming, buzzing, or clicking noises, it could mean the motor is worn out, a gear is stripped, or the drive system has an issue. An overworked motor may also overheat, causing further damage.
Start by resetting the opener and checking for loose connections. If the noise persists, inspect the motor gears for wear. Replacing the gears or upgrading to a new opener may be necessary if the motor is struggling to lift the door.
Need Reliable Garage Door Repair in NJ?
If your garage door is making persistent noises, professional repair can prevent further damage and ensure safe operation. All Day Garage Doors offers expert garage door repair in NJ, from spring replacements to opener repairs. Our team provides fast, reliable service to restore your door’s functionality.
Get your garage door running smoothly again—contact us today to schedule your repair!