When your garage door jerks or shakes when it’s working, it’s not just frustrating, it’s usually a sign something isn’t performing correctly. If it’s a random shake, a creaky rattle, or the feeling of the door jumping off the tracks, these are all signs there’s something that needs to be fixed.
In this article, we’ll walk through some of the most prevalent reasons why your garage door is acting like this, and how to resolve the issue before it becomes a larger (and more costly) repair project.
1. Worn-Out or Malfunctioning Rollers
Rollers are tiny but vital pieces that move your garage door smoothly along its tracks. They get worn out, misaligned, or crack over time. When you experience this, the door could jerk or wobble when opening or closing. You may also notice a grinding or squeaking sound, particularly if the rollers have not been greased in quite a while.
If rollers are the problem, a qualified garage door repair technician will most likely suggest replacing rollers. To get smoother, quieter performance, some homeowners replace rollers with nylon rollers, which are more durable and low-maintenance compared to standard metal rollers.
2. Loose or Damaged Tracks
Your garage door tracks keep everything aligned during opening and closing. But these tracks can shift, bend, or develop dents, especially if they’ve taken a hit from a vehicle or been exposed to temperature extremes. Even minor damage can cause the rollers to struggle, resulting in that jerky motion you’re noticing.
A properly trained technician can check the tracks and decide if a realignment or complete replacement is in order. Many times, minor curvature can be removed if detected early before larger issues arise.
3. Spring Troubleshooting
Garage door springs do the hard work, literally. They counterbalance the weight of the door so the opener can operate smoothly. When springs get weak or break, the balance is upset. The door may jerk or even freeze in the middle.
Torsion and extension springs are wear-out components over time and must be handled by professionals because they are under tension. If the fault lies with the spring, a certified garage door professional will install a new, correctly calibrated one safely in place of the old spring to get the smooth operation back.
Here’s why replacing garage door springs yourself is risky and best left to trained experts.
4. Pulley and Cable Wear
Certain garage door systems also feature pulleys and cables that complement the springs in lifting and lowering the door. If a pulley rusts, becomes misaligned or begins to fail, it can lead to resistance or irregular movement. Similarly, cables can fray or twist with time.
Symptoms of a pulley or cable malfunction may appear as spasmodic jerking or noticeable sag on one side of the door. These parts are optimally replaced on a routine service visit to prevent catastrophic failure or door derailment.
5. Failure of Preventive Maintenance
Garage doors, being any mechanical system, require regular maintenance. Dirt, dust, and debris may build up in the tracks, while moving components may dry and become creaky. Without regular inspections, lubrication, and tweaking, an otherwise well-installed door will start to deteriorate, tending first toward jerky operation or sounds.
Regular servicing preferably every one or two years, can do much to avoid such problems. A service call typically involves adjusting the balance of the door, securing hardware, greasing moving components, and addressing wear early on before it becomes a complete replacement.
What Do You Do If Your Garage Door Jerks When It Opens?
If your door is jerking, shimmying, or refusing to glide as smoothly as it used to, the initial step is to cease using it excessively, keeping on using a faulty door may do more harm.
Perform a quick visual inspection: Inspect the tracks, rollers, and cables for any visible signs of damage or obstruction. Never use force or attempt to make tension-based parts such as springs adjustable yourself.
Rub a silicone-based lubricant onto the hinges and rollers if they seem dry or creaky. This may correct minor friction-related problems.
If you’re noticing persistent jerking or irregular movement, it’s best to contact a local garage door repair technician available 24/7 service in Connecticut and surrounding areas. A trained technician will be able to inspect the entire system, identify the root cause, and perform any necessary repairs or replacements safely and efficiently.
Conclusion
A jerky garage door is not only a nuisance, it’s usually an indication that it’s time to perform maintenance or repairs. Disregarding it might result in additional damage or safety hazards. Whether the cause of the problem is old rollers, loose components, or out-of-balance springs, having it diagnosed early can save you headaches, funds, and time.
If you are not certain why your garage door is acting this way, don’t wait to call a local garage door professional. A simple checkup today can save you from an all-out repair tomorrow. Double Time Garage Doors specializes in any and all garage door repairs, from replacing rollers to full system diagnostics. Schedule your inspection today.
