What Is That Sound? Garage Door Noises Decoder
By Service Rank USA Team
A quiet garage door is a happy garage door. If your door has started making new, unsettling noises, it is trying to tell you something. Ignoring these sounds can lead to catastrophic failure, leaving your car trapped or expensive components broken.
1. Grinding (Metal on Metal)
The Cause: This is often due to worn-out rollers or a lack of lubrication on the moving parts. If the rollers are stuck and dragging rather than rolling, they sound like nails on a chalkboard.
The Fix: Lubricate the tracks and rollers with a silicone-based spray (never WD-40). If the rollers are visibly worn or bent, they need replacement.
2. Squeaking
The Cause: Usually a sign of dry rollers or hinges. It can also mean the tracks are slightly misaligned.
The Fix: A thorough lubrication of all moving metal parts usually solves this instantly. Tighten any loose nuts and bolts you see on the hinges.
3. Banging or Popping
The Cause: This typically happens when the door is opening. It can indicate a broken torsion spring or a spring that is locking up because it hasn't been lubricated.
The Warning: If you hear a loud "BOOM" like a gunshot, a spring has likely snapped. Do not attempt to open the door.
4. Scraping
The Cause: The door might be scraping against the weather stripping, or worse, a cable might be fraying and rubbing against a drum.
The Fix: Check for frayed cables immediately. If you see visible fraying, call a professional. A snapped cable can be incredibly dangerous.
When to Call a Pro
While lubrication is an easy DIY task, anything involving springs, cables, or track alignment carries a risk of serious injury. The torsion springs are under immense tension and can be lethal if mishandled.