If your garage door jerks when opening, there may be complications in the track alignment, deteriorating rollers, or faults in the opener mechanism. This jerking motion hinders smooth operation and signals potential safety risks. Timely maintenance or repair is essential to address these concerns and ensure the garage door operates smoothly and safely for everyday use.
The smooth operation of a garage door is crucial for convenience and safety. However, a jerking motion when opening can indicate underlying issues, causing potential hazards and requiring garage door repair.
Several factors, from misaligned tracks to worn-out components, can contribute to this problem.
This article explores what to do if your garage door jerks when opening.
Garage Door Jerks When Opening
Encountering a jerking garage door can be alarming. It often indicates a problem with the door’s mechanisms, such as rollers, tracks, or the opener itself.
Regular maintenance is key to preventing these issues. Ignoring these signs can lead to more significant, more costly problems. Addressing them promptly ensures safety and extends the life of your garage door.
Here’s what to do if your garage door jerks when opening.
Inspect Rollers and Tracks
Regular inspection of rollers and tracks is crucial in maintaining a smoothly operating garage door.
Start by examining the rollers for signs of wear, such as cracks or chips. Metal rollers may develop flat spots, while nylon rollers can crack or break. Ensure they roll smoothly without wobbling.
Next, assess the tracks for any bends, dents, or misalignments. Debris and rust in the tracks can also cause jerking. If you find minor misalignments, you can tap them back into place gently. However, significant bends or damage typically require professional attention. It’s essential to ensure that both tracks are at the same height on the garage walls.
This alignment plays a crucial role in the smooth operation of your garage door and can help prevent garage doors from jerking when opening.
Related: How to Fix Garage Door Rollers
Clean and Lubricate Parts
A critical step in garage door maintenance is cleaning and lubricating moving parts. Clean the tracks with a brush and mild cleaner to remove dirt and debris.
This prevents the accumulation of particles that can cause the door to jerk. After cleaning, lubricate the rollers, hinges, and tracks with a silicone-based lubricant or garage door spray.
Avoid using grease or heavy oil as they can attract dirt and gum up the works. It’s also important to lubricate the springs, which can rust or bind without proper maintenance.
Remember to wipe off excess lubricant, which can drip and cause a mess. Regular lubrication ensures smooth operation, reduces noise, and extends the lifespan of the door’s components.
Related: How to Lubricate a Garage Door Yourself
Check Door Balance
A properly balanced garage door is key to preventing jerking motions. Disconnect the opener and manually lift the door halfway to check the balance.
A balanced door should stay in place, slightly rising or falling. If it slams down or shoots up, the springs might be out of balance. Torsion springs, located above the door, and extension springs, along the tracks, are critical for balance but can wear over time. Adjusting these springs can be dangerous and should be done by a professional.
Regularly checking the balance of your garage door helps identify early signs of wear and tear on the springs and prevents further complications from an unbalanced door.
Test Opener Mechanism
The opener mechanism plays a crucial role in the smooth operation of your garage door. To test it, operate the door both manually and with the opener.
Observe any jerking movements or unusual noises. Check the opener’s settings, including the force and limits, which control how far the door moves and with how much force.
Misadjusted settings can cause the door to jerk or not open fully. Inspect the chain or belt of the opener for proper tension and alignment. A sagging chain or a misaligned belt can lead to irregular movements. Also, look for signs of wear on the gears within the opener.
Regular testing and maintenance of the opener mechanism ensure a longer life for your garage door and opener.
Related: How to Repair a Garage Door Opener
Tighten Loose Hardware
Over time, the hardware on your garage door can loosen due to the vibration and motion of daily use.
Periodically check and tighten all bolts and screws on the door and track system. Pay particular attention to the brackets holding the tracks, rollers, and hinges. Loose hardware can lead to misalignment, causing the door to jerk. Ensure the hinges that hold the door sections together are tight and in good condition. If they are worn, they may need replacing.
The brackets at the bottom and top of the door should also be securely fastened. This simple maintenance step can significantly improve the operation of your door and prevent more significant issues down the line.
Consider Professional Assessment
Consider a professional assessment if you’ve performed essential maintenance and your garage door still jerks when opening.
Specialists like Your Garage Door Guys have the expertise to diagnose complex issues that might be missed in a DIY inspection. They can check for less obvious problems such as internal opener defects, hidden track damage, or spring imbalances.
A professional technician can also provide a comprehensive safety check, ensuring all door system components are in optimal working condition. Additionally, they can offer advice on any potential upgrades or replacements that might be necessary.
While regular maintenance can be done at home, professionals should always handle complex or dangerous tasks for safety and effectiveness.
Need Help?
Are you struggling with a jerking garage door? Your Garage Door Guys are here to help.
We bring expert knowledge and years of experience providing professional garage door repair services in Ventura and Los Angeles counties.
Our team is committed to providing reliable, efficient service, focusing on customer satisfaction.
Contact us for a hassle-free resolution to all your garage door needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a garage door jerking when opening is not just an inconvenience but a sign of potential issues needing attention.
Regular maintenance, proper lubrication, and prompt repairs are crucial to ensuring longevity and safe operation of your garage door.
Contact Your Garage Door Guys for professional assistance if you’re facing such issues. Visit our website to learn more about our services and how we can help you maintain a smoothly operating garage door.