Garage Door Jerks When Opening And Closing?

Garage Door Jerks When Opening And Closing

Sudden jerking or grinding noises when a garage door opens and closes can be alarming. Most homeowners assume that something has gone terribly wrong and automatically assume that the door needs to be replaced. However, this often isn't the case. Garage door jerks when opening and closing could be caused by several factors and some of them are pretty easy to fix.

Clean The Tracks And Sensors:

Garage doors often jerk when opening and closing due to dirt and debris that has accumulated in the tracks where the rollers move. With regular cleaning and maintenance, these issues can be avoided. Use a soft cloth or brush to lightly clear away the dirt and oil residue from the tracks and the sensors. You can also use a commercial garage door cleaner solution to help remove any build-up. This will help ensure that your door will move smoothly when opening and closing.

If the sensors are not responding properly, check to make sure they are clean and free from dust or dirt. If necessary, use a vacuum cleaner or a soft cloth to brush away any buildup. It's also important to check to make sure the sensors are aligned properly. If not, this can cause the door to jerk when opening and closing.

Adjust The Force And Limit Settings:

Often, the sudden jerking or grinding that comes from the door can be caused by an incorrect force or limit setting on the door opener. To adjust these settings, you'll want to refer to your owner's manual, as the settings and specific procedure for adjusting will vary from brand to brand.

The force setting determines how much pressure the motor has to exert on the door before it will begin to open or close. If it is set too low, then the motor will struggle to open or close the door, resulting in a jerking or grinding noise. The limit setting determines how far the door will travel before it stops. If this setting is off, then the door may move farther than it should and hit the track, thereby causing a sudden jerk or jam.

Check For Loose Nuts And Bolts:

Lastly, check to make sure that all of the nuts and bolts connecting the door to the opener, track, and sensors are tight. If the bolts are loose, the door will jerk when opening and closing, as it won't have the proper support and stability. Tighten them up with a wrench or screwdriver and make sure that all of the pieces are securely in place.

Use Quality Garage Door Parts For Repairs:

If you're not comfortable making any of the adjustments or repairs mentioned above, contact a professional. They can assess the issue and make any necessary repairs using quality garage door parts. You don't want to make the mistake of using cheap and inferior parts, as this could lead to further problems down the road. A reputable garage door technician will be able to help diagnose the issue and provide any necessary repairs.

Garage doors often jerk when opening and closing due to dirt and debris that has accumulated in the tracks. As long as you clean and maintain the tracks and keep an eye on the force and limit settings, your door should open and close with ease. If you find yourself facing a sudden jerking or grinding, don't panic. Use the tips above to help identify and repair the issue.