How To Repair Garage Doors That Are Off The Track:

The door of any garage is able to move up and down primarily as a result of the rollers. Granted, it does require a whole host of other parts working in conjunction with one another in order for the door to function properly. There are brackets attached to the garage door that hold the rollers in place, and each one has a stem that fits neatly into the sleeve of the bracket.

The roller itself fits snugly into the track,and although these parts all are manufactured to work like a well-oiled machine it is certainly possible for the rollers to come loose from the tracks. Fixing this is not as difficult as it might seem and can usually be done using some pretty common tools.

Step 1: Checking for Off Track Rollers

The first thing that needs to be done is to check the tracks and make sure they are still fastened to the wall. One of the most common reasons that rollers jump off of their tracks is that the tracks have come loose from the wall. If you happen to notice that the tracks have come unfastened from the wall, it’s a relatively simple fix. All that needs to be done is to tighten the bolts using the proper sized socket wrench or ratchet.

You should also check the track to make sure there are no dents or other damage to them. Depending on the severity of them, most dents can be fixed by pounding on them with a rubber mallet and a block of wood.

Step 2: Make Sure the Tracks Are Properly Aligned

Next you will need to make sure the tracks are properly aligned. Using a standard level, make sure for horizontal tracks that there is a slight angle toward the back of the garage.

For roll-up doors, however, the tracks need to be perfectly leveled. Once they are leveled, they should be cleaned. Dirt and debris easily get caught in the tracks, and once enough of it accumulates it can cause derailment. Most household cleaning solutions can be used for this.

Step 3: Make Sure That They Will Continue to Roll Smoothly

Once the tracks have been cleaned you will need to make sure that they will continue to roll smoothly when the door is opening and closing. In order to do this you will need to lubricate the tracks with a spray lubricant. It is also advisable to lubricate the other moving parts of the garage door as well so that it can function as a cohesive unit as smoothly as possible. Household oil can be used to lubricate these parts but it is best to use a silicone-based spray.

Step 4: Check for Any Loose Parts

Finally, you need to check for any loose parts that may cause the rollers to come off the tracks again. Make sure that bolts and screws are tightened securely and if the door is a roll-up, check the hinges that are connected to the panels to make sure they are secure as well. If they are loose they could cause the door to sag which can cause the rollers to go off track.