Spray a silicone-based garage door lubricant on the hinge pins and the bearings of steel rollers, then wipe off the excess. Leave the tracks and nylon rollers dry and just clean them. Chamberlain says to lubricate once a year, and Clopay says every 3 to 6 months, depending on use. Leave springs to a technician.
The short list: lube this, skip that
A quiet door is usually a clean, lightly lubricated door. Manufacturers agree on the main points, so you do not need a shelf of products. You need one silicone-based spray, a rag and ten minutes.
Lubricate lightly
- Hinge pins
- Bearings of steel rollers
- The opener rail, only as the opener manual says
Keep dry
- The tracks (wipe them clean instead)
- Nylon rollers
- Springs and cables (a technician's job)
Which lubricant to use
Clopay recommends a silicone-based lubricant because it lasts and does not attract dirt or dust. White lithium grease is acceptable on metal-to-metal contact points, but Clopay notes it can attract dirt, so use it sparingly. Clopay also warns against WD-40 and oil-based products, which pick up dust and wear parts faster.
Check your opener manual before you put anything on the opener itself. Chamberlain says a rail that needs it gets a thin layer of white lithium grease every 2 to 3 years, or as the owner's manual says.
How to lubricate a garage door, step by step
Close the door and keep your hands clear
Stand to the side. DASMA warns never to put your fingers between door sections, so spray from outside the joints and keep your hands off the panel gaps.
Clean the tracks
Wipe the tracks with a small brush and a damp cloth. Clopay says not to lubricate them, because lubricant makes it harder for the rollers to move.
Do the hinges
Spray a small amount on each hinge pin and wipe off the excess.
Do steel rollers only
Lubricate the roller bearings. If your rollers are nylon, Clopay says to apply no lubricant. See nylon vs steel rollers if you are not sure which you have.
Wipe every drip
Clean off overspray so nothing runs onto the door, the floor or the tracks.
Cycle the door
Run it up and down a few times from the wall control and listen. A smoother, quieter door means you hit the right spots.
A light film is enough. Extra lubricant runs down and collects dust, and Clopay says not to over-lubricate.
How often to lubricate
Manufacturers do not agree on one number. Chamberlain says to lubricate the rollers, bearings and hinges once a year. Clopay says to re-lubricate every 3 to 6 months, about every 3 months with heavy daily use and about every 6 months with average use. A noisy or stiff door is a sign it is due sooner. Pair it with the monthly maintenance checklist.
What to avoid
- Do not grease or oil the tracks. A sticky track holds dirt and the rollers skid.
- Do not spray the springs or cables as a quick fix. They are under high tension, and Clopay warns about the tension in the springs. If they are noisy, have a technician look at them.
- Do not use a spray that leaves a heavy oily film or one that is not made for this job, such as WD-40, which Clopay lists as one to avoid.
- Do not lubricate a door that is crooked, heavy or hard to lift. That is a spring or cable problem, not a dry-hinge problem.
When to call instead
If lubrication does not stop the noise, the cause is probably worn rollers, loose hardware or a track that is out of line. Our 12-point safety inspection is $89 and looks at the springs, cables, rollers, tracks, sensors and opener. See garage door repair for what we check.
Emil Garage Doors repairs and installs garage doors, openers and gates across Southern California, including in Bell Gardens, Fountain Valley and Folsom. Call (213) 340-4232 or use the estimate form on this page.
Questions people ask
What should I spray on a garage door?
A silicone-based garage door lubricant is the one Clopay recommends for hinges and steel rollers. Wipe off the excess, and do not spray the tracks.
Should I lubricate garage door tracks?
No. Clopay and Chamberlain both say not to lubricate the tracks. Clean them with a damp cloth and keep them dry.
Can I use WD-40 on my garage door?
Clopay says to avoid WD-40 and oil-based products because they attract dirt and dust and cause early wear.
How often should I lubricate my garage door?
Chamberlain says once a year. Clopay says every 3 to 6 months, depending on how much the door is used.
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