In short, garage door rollers are one of the key components for the smooth and quiet opening and closing of your door. They hold the actual door to the door rail and are an integral part of the overall unit. If you want to make sure your garage door opens and closes as smoothly and efficiently as possible, then you need to take good care of these critical components.
Most door manufacturers recommend spraying the rollers and hinges with lubricant every 6 months. Regular maintenance will keep them functioning properly and help extend the life of the rollers. A high-quality, well-maintained roller typically lasts 12-15 years. Here's what to determine if the rollers need to be replaced.
Performance
A stuck or slow or loud garage door can be a sign of a faulty garage door roller. Visual inspection of the door rollers is very simple. If you can see visual damage, such as cracks or worn garage door rollers, you need to take some action. If your rollers don't look damaged or worn, you should also make sure they are securely attached to the shaft. Grab the roller and give it a gentle pull and wiggle. The rollers should stay firm with little wobble or play. If the rollers are sloppy on the shaft, the bearing may be worn and the rollers should be replaced. While lubricating garage door rollers is easy, any replacement should be evaluated and performed by a qualified professional. Never attempt to replace the bottom roller yourself, as all the tension of the liftgate's spring is attached to the bottom roller bracket and could cause serious injury.
Garage Door Roller Materials
Another thing to be aware of is the material from which the garage door rollers are made. The material and composition of your garage door rollers can affect how often you replace your garage door rollers. For example, cheap plastic rollers are more prone to spoilage because plastic becomes brittle with age. Often, cheap plastic rollers don't have ball bearings, so the door won't run smoothly. Steel rollers are better quality and have ball bearings so the doors run smoother, but the steel on steel in contact with the track makes them louder. The best rollers have nylon "tires" and metal ball bearings. Often referred to as silent rollers, they are the quietest, smoothest-running, and longest-lasting rollers.
