2:10 video with Jacob Swenson
How to Change the Rollers on a Garage Door
Worn rollers make a door loud and rough. Jacob shows how to open a small notch in the track, pop the old rollers out one at a time, and close the track back up.
What you'll need
- Locking pliers (vise grips)
- A flat-blade screwdriver
- A track dolly (or similar tool) to close the track
- New rollers
Step by step
Open a small notch in the track
With locking pliers, gently bend the edge of the track open a little, a few inches below the curve where the track bends. Don't overdo it.
Pop out the first roller
Line a roller up with the notch, slip a flat screwdriver behind it, and pop it out of the track and hinge.
Snap in the new roller
Push the new roller into the hinge and back into the track through the same notch.
Work your way down
Move the door so the next roller lines up with the notch and repeat until every roller on that side is done.
Close the track back up
Use a track dolly to bend the notch back into shape so the rollers can't slip out.
Do the top roller separately
The top roller can't reach the notch. With the door up, open the track slightly near it, push it out, and pop the new one in.
Never remove the bottom roller brackets. They're connected to the lift cables and are under high tension. If yours look loose or damaged, call a pro.
Filmed in 2012. The basics haven't changed, but newer doors and openers may differ a little. Springs and cables are under high tension, so never adjust them yourself.
Door acting up? Talk to Jacob.
Tell us what's going on and get a straight answer and a clear price. $19.95 off any repair for new customers.