Proper Pulley Maintenance
Maintenance for your garage door is something that is important and can’t be ignored. This might be a part of your property that is used as a point of exiting and entering your home, therefore, it is within reason to say the garage door might be used on a day to day basis. Since it is used often and consequently exposed to wear and tear, and it is wide-open to the elements, it needs to be properly maintained. But do you know what maintenance for a garage door entails? Did you know the pulley needs maintenance, too? A part that needs maintenance is the garage door pulley.
What is the pulley? The pulley consists of ball bearings, and a clevis hook. This component enables the torsion cable to run when the garage door is closed or opened. A pulley tends to be made of galvanized steel, for weather resistance.
When it comes to garage doors using extension springs, there are four pulleys. Two of these pulleys are on the horizontal track and they are stationary. In addition, you are going to find that there are two pulleys that have pulley forks linked to the springs on the horizontal track’s sides. Maintenance is important because pulleys can become damaged and they can be negatively impacted by wear and tear. If this occurs, you might not be able to open or close the garage door smoothly.
What should one do to maintain the pulley system properly? We are here to provide this information. Of course, it is always recommended that an experienced garage door company is called for maintenance, repairs and parts replacement.
What You Should Know
Does the garage door not open or close smoothly? If this is happening, there could be many different reasons, but it could point to the garage door pulley. Let’s say the garage door opens part way, or closes some of the way and then stops in its tracks. If you hear a scraping noise or the garage door tends to stick, then a pulley might be damaged. These are all things that might happen due to ball bearings becoming worn, pulleys becoming split, or a rivet becoming damaged. When any of these problems occur, you won’t necessarily be able to use the garage door, which of course can be a big issue. You might find that when you try to use the garage door, it functions but jerks from one side to the other. You might need pulley maintenance in this case.
How are you supposed to check if there is damage to the pulleys? Removing the spring tension is one step. How can you do this? You are going to want to open the door, hold the door up using grips on the track, very mildly shake the pulley, observing if it moves from one side to another. Also, try shaking the ball bearings which can show you if they are loose. With the bearings connected to the pulley fork, try twisting them to determine if things are working smoothly. If not, there might be a pulley system problem.
Proper Pulley Maintenance
It is recommended that you consider replacing pulleys at the time that the extension springs are replaced. So, you will think about pulley maintenance if the extension springs are worn out, because it is likely that the pulleys will be next. If the pulley is worn out in any way, it can cause problems with the garage door in relation to its performance.
How to: Pulley Maintenance
What can you do in order to maintain your pulley system? It is important to ensure it stays lubricated. This is a simple step. Hinges, pulleys, chains and springs are all parts that should be appropriately lubricated so they remain in good working condition. If you are unsure of a product to use, then it is recommended that you contact the manufacturer for your garage door. You can also call a garage door service that is experienced in pulley maintenance. Why is it so important for this system to be lubricated and maintained? The answer is because when parts including the pulleys are lubricated and maintained, problems such as rust, sticking, corrosion, and squeaking sounds can be prevented.
Maintenance and proper cleaning can also prevent accumulation of dust. When it comes to the parts for the garage door and the different systems, even removing dirt or dust by brushing them away can go a long way. Use a rag that is slightly damp and run it over the different garage door parts to keep them clean. Of course, only do this if you are comfortable in doing so and know what you are doing – you can always call a garage door service for assistance!
The garage door pulley might be worn if you find that your garage door does not close and/or open as it normally does. Remember that all parts have to be appropriately maintained in order for you to enjoy a smooth operating and safe to use garage door. It is or hope that after reading this information on pulley maintenance, you now have a better understanding of pulleys and know how to maintain this important part! We are glad you have taken the time to read this article and learn more about proper pulley maintenance. Remember, the pulley consists of different components to include ball bearings and a clevis hook. This component enables the torsion cable to run when the garage door is closed or opened. A pulley might be made of galvanized steel, for weather resistance. Pulleys run quietly and smoothly when the garage door opens and closes, or moves up and down. A pulley helps to support the weight of the garage door. It is important, and it must be maintained!