How to Change Rollers in a Garage Door

Like other moving garage door parts, rollers get worn out after time and eventually need replacement to keep the garage door working effectively. We recommend replacing your garage door rollers every five years. If you use your garage door more frequently, it is possible you may need to change them sooner than that. If you hear a screeching noise while rolling up or closing your garage door, your rollers may be worn out and need replacement.

Replacing your garage door’s rollers is a simple and inexpensive do-it-yourself project. You can find the supplies you will need at most hardware or home improvement stores for about $100. Continue reading for a step-by-step guide on how to replace your garage rollers in less than an hour.

Materials

You will need the following materials:

● C-Clamps
● New Replacement Garage Door rollers
● Pry-bar
● Large flat-headed screwdriver
● Pair of pliers
● Ladder

Safety Precautions

Before you begin, make sure you have unplugged the garage door opener to prevent someone else from accidentally pushing the button and closing the garage door on your fingers.

● Pull down the manual safety release to disengage the door from the track.
● Open the garage door all the way. This should allow the door to move freely.
● Place C-Clamps on the track below the last roller to prevent the door from crashing down on you.

Steps

1. Use a pry-bar to open up the guide track just a little bit, using your pair of pliers a few inches below the brake of the tracks.
2. Align the first rollers with the slightly opened track.
3. Wedge the flat screwdriver between the track and the rollers and pry the first roller out of the track guide. Remove it and install your new replacement. Use your screwdriver to push the roller back on the track guide.
4. Roll the garage down and repeat the same process with each of the remaining rollers.
5. The topmost rollers will not go all the way down to align to the track opening. To replace this topmost roller, push the track up and remove the roller. Replace it with the new one and put it back on the track.
6. After replacing all the rollers, close the opening you initially pried open in the track and bend it back into shape using your pair of pliers. Your rollers should be able to function smoothly for at least another five years.
7. Have your helper plug in the garage door once you are done to prevent it from slipping from the track and crashing down on your head.