I think I ruined my screw

[BCCHowdy]

Good day everyone.

We recently purchased a home in June of this year and we're a first time home owner, so a lot of the home maintenance stuff is new territory.

During the summer months I noticed the garage door made some extra rattles and noises that could probably be cured with some WD-40 and grease. I used WD-40 on all of the door hinges, and rollers, or pretty much everything that moved. Thinking that if 'light oil' is recommended for lubricating the screw then certainly heavy super protective grease must be ideal for the screw. At the time it worked great. The door is quiet and opens and closes easily.

Now that winter is here the door will not open and close by the operator. If I unlatch the door from the opener the door lifts and closes easily and freely. Operating the operator by holding the open/close button (with the door still unlatched) results in a rattling and squealing sound. Almost sounds as if it's binding. So I had the bright idea of adding more grease throughout the entire screw. At this point the motor stuggles to turn the screw at all.

Rookie mistake. So now I'm at the point where the screw is saturated with heavy grease and this is most likely preventing proper operation. What would you suggest I do now? So far I've come up with:

1. Heat the screw assembly to soften the grease and use copious amounts of brake cleaner to remove the grease. Clean everything and re-lube with proper lubricant.

2. Buy a new screw assembly.

3. Something better recommended by a forum member.

Needless to say I've learned my lesson. Any recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

-Howdy

[HayZee518]

use kerosene and a rag to clean the screw. dis engage the trolley and use a soaked rag along the whole length of the lead screw. clean off as much as you can. don't dry it off. residual kero will soften what's left in the screw grooves. the screw has an acme thread flat tops and flat grooves. wd-40 should not be used as a lubricant. its prime purpose is that of a water scavenger. use a light machine oil.

[BCCHowdy]

That did it...

Cleaning out the screw brought it back to life. I didn't have any kerosene but brake clean works well. It's thinned out the grease and I continue to remove it every few cycles. I'm confident I'll be able to get it cleaned out and apply proper lubricant.

Thank you for the feedback.

-Howdy

[stampdoorparts]

Use a non silicon based lubricant. It costs more but will prevent the gum up problems. When you replace the opener years from now purchase a chain drive or belt driven opener.

Lastly, make sure your torsion springs are still strong. Disconnect the opener and see if the door will balance half way down in the opening. If it doesn't it could just be that your springs are out of adjustment and the screw drive opener is "working too hard". (the springs do 80-90% of the lifting during operation.

Good Luck
Mike
Stamps Garage Doors
Garage Door Parts