Keeping your garage door functioning properly is essential. Not only does it provide security and convenience, but repairs can often be expensive if you hire a professional in Richmond. The good news is there are several minor garage door opener issues you can troubleshoot and fix yourself to save money. Here are our top 5 easy DIY garage door opener repairs:
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Loose or Worn Drive Train Components
The drive train is the mechanism that converts the electric motor’s power into movement of the door. Over time, gears, chains, and other parts can become loose or worn. This often causes the door to not open or close fully or move slowly. The great thing is you can easily tighten or replace these components yourself. Make sure to properly align everything afterwards. Taking a few minutes to tweak things can restore smooth operation.
Broken or Worn Limits Switch
Limits switches tell the opener when to stop moving the door up or down. They commonly fail after years of use. Signs include the door not stopping fully at the top or bottom. Limits switches are low voltage and simple to replace. Just disconnect the old one, connect the new one in the same location, and reset the travel limits following instructions.
Batteries in Remote Control Need Replacement
Dead batteries are a common cause of remote control malfunctions. The remote may not work at all or have a short range. Changing out batteries only takes a minute and is definitely a do-it-yourself repair. Just open the remote’s case and snap in new AA or AAA batteries.
Loose, Worn, or Stripped Door Rollers
Rollers help guide and support the weight of the door. Over time they can lose their round shape or spin poorly on their axles. This puts unnecessary stress on the opener motor. New rollers slide right into place and take just minutes to swap out the old ones. Silicone or lithium grease on the roller tracks also keeps things rolling smoothly.
Broken Door Sensor or Photo Eye Not Aligning Properly
The safety sensors or photo eyes stop door travel if their infrared beam is interrupted. Make sure these crucial safety devices are clean, aligned properly, and not damaged. Adjustment is usually all that’s needed, however occasional replacement may be required. New sensors install in just moments without tools.
While minor garage door opener repairs are relatively simple, any project involving significant disassembly or that doesn’t resolve the problem should be handled by a professional. Taking a methodical approach and referencing manufacturer instructions will help pull off troubleshooting success. Basic maintenance like cleaning and lubing moving parts also prevents bigger fixes down the road. With a little DIY know-how, you can return your garage door opener to reliable operation and save money too.
Alvin Newman is an expert in all things technology. He enjoys writing blogs about how to use the latest software and hardware on the market, while also providing advice for using existing technology more effectively. His favorite pastimes include reading comic books and playing video games.
