Cleaning garage door tracks

[Tool_Gal10]

After garage drywall install, sanding, etc., I'm sure there's a lot of dust in the auto garage door tracks. They probably need a good cleaning and possibly lubrication. Need some ideas on what to clean them with and a lube that won't attract dust. Should I lube track or rollers?

[HayZee518]

use a vacuum and a brush to clean the tracks. don't use any lubrication on the tracks. the rollers have ball bearings in them.

[Tool_Gal10]

Thanks! Things have been sounding kind of crunchy up there.

[aaadvantagedoors]

Actually you should use silicone based spray lubricant only on the track where it curves (the 15" or 12" or 10" radius part). The rollers and hinges also need to be lubricated, as well as the spring, which you can use engine oil on. This all needs to be done about twice a year. Do NOT use grease, like so many people do. It pisses us door technicians off.

[gdoorpro]

If they have gotten squeeky and you do not have a roller with bearings in it, lubricating may not help, you may have to replace the rollers. If this is the case get the best ones you can, It shouldn't cost an arm and a leg, they typically only cost dealers $1 or less each. But a vacuum is a good idea. drywall dust is bad for more than just the rollers and hinges. Make sure you don't have any up by the motor sprocket either. Certain openers have plastic components up there and drywall dust will destroy them much faster then without.

[mb123452010]

Actually you should use silicone based spray lubricant only on the track where it curves (the 15" or 12" or 10" radius part). The rollers and hinges also need to be lubricated, as well as the spring, which you can use engine oil on. This all needs to be done about twice a year. Do NOT use grease, like so many people do. It pisses us door technicians off.

very true, don't use grease...it isn't effective anyway, the squeeks come from the rollers and hinges, simply wipe the track clean and use little bit of lube to prevent rust is all that is needed.