Like any other appliances, garage doors need to be well maintained regularly, or you’ll eventually use a defective door sooner.
To some extent, some of its parts aren’t serviceable, and you need to replace them immediately if it seems to be not working properly to avoid accidents, garage door rollers included.
It is prone to rust and will wear out eventually, leading to difficulties in operating the door.
To make matters worse, it may suddenly break and jam in the door support tracks.
In either case, unbolting first the hinge that holds the roller from door panels must be removed for us to replace the broken rollers.
If you’re looking for how to remove the hinge safely and roller assembly to replace your broken garage door roller then here is a guide that will help you:
Things to Prepare
We advise you to prepare a socket wrench and corresponding sockets.
If you don’t have one, then a box wrench or open wrench of the correct size will do.
You’ll also need a replacement roller, C-clamps, and a Silicone-based penetrating lube for the finisher.
A Teflon-based spray lube should also do the job.
Replacing the Top Roller
1. You need to close the garage door first with the electric opener by pulling on the door release handle and raising the opener’s carriage by clicking the garage door remote’s button.
Once the carriage stops moving, disconnect the opener’s electrical cord from the outlet.
2. Using a socket set, loosen the bolt that is responsible for securing the top roller mount to the door.
Afterwards, to release the roller from the door channel, you must first slide the retainer bracket and inwardly angle the roller axle.
3. After releasing the rollers, insert the new one into the bracket by positioning it at an angle and slip the front edge into the track.
Using the socket set, securely tighten the nuts, then rotate the axle towards the door aligning the bracket. Repeat these steps with the other top roller if needed
Replacing the Bottom Roller
1. The first thing to do is raising your garage door, then disconnect the electric opener’s power cord by unplugging it from the outlet. Then release the carriage from pulling the rope handle.
2. Using the C-clamp, place it into the track opposite to the intended roller’s replacement. Tighten the clamp about 12 inches below the top of the door opening.
3. Locate the first intersection of the straight track, then bend the curved lip of the straight track right at the intersection where the track curves towards the top. Make sure to bend it wide enough that you can slip the roller out of the track.
4. Pull the door down until it is centered in the widest portion of the bend in the channel.
5. Insert a screwdriver between the roller and the pried edge. Use it as a lever to force the roller out of its roller track. Continue pulling the garage door’s corner inward until the roller is off the rail.
6. After pulling out the old roller from the axle mount, slide the new one and press the door backward until it’s adjacent to the track. Next is slide the garage door upward for the replacement roller to be within the elbow portion of the track.
7. Using a hammer slightly put a dent on it until the bent track straightens back to its original condition. Repeat this process with the other bottom roller if needed.
8. Connect the carriage arm to the electric opener’s carriage. After that, plug in the opener and test if your garage door works smoothly.
Plug-in back the opener after connecting the carriage arm to the electric opener’s carriage.
Finally, test your garage door if it operates properly.
Here is a video of a detailed presentation on how to replace a broken garage door roller.
Warnings and Tips
When maintaining your overhead door in full condition, you need to regularly lubricate its parts at least twice a year, depending on your climate and environmental conditions.
Lubrication not only helps in preventing rust build-up but also makes it close to noiseless when you use your overhead door.
Also include the inspection of all parts when lubricating, check the springs, cables, chains, and screws.
Make sure everything is fine and in tip-top shape.
Always remember to unplug the electric opener before you do any services to the door.
Also, keep in mind that not every part can be fixed or replaced.
You need to contact garage door professionals, especially when dealing with springs and cables.
In Edmonton, the Overhead Door Pros provide quality services and will be there at your doorsteps 24/7 if you need to. Call (587) 804-2072 now.