Commonly called a carriage, the trolley on your garage door is what connects the operating arm attached to the door to the overhead rail. It provides the pushing or pulling that raises or lowers the door with the automatic opener. Usually, it’s installed along with the opener, but occasionally becomes worn out or damaged and will need replace by itself. The trolley carriage is one of the most important parts of garage, which means your door is pretty much useless without it. Here’s a brief guide on how to replace your garage door trolley.
Signs Your Trolley Is Broken
A broken garage door trolley can exhibit several signs that indicate a problem. One of the most common signs is an unresponsive opener. When you press the button, the door may not move at all or only respond intermittently. Another sign is noisy operation. A malfunctioning trolley can cause grinding, scraping, or rattling sounds as it is dragged along the door’s track. If your garage door moves unevenly or jerks during operation, it could be due to a broken trolley. Additionally, a stuck or jammed door that is difficult to open or close may be a result of a faulty trolley. Visibly, you might notice a loose or disconnected trolley, or physical damage such as cracks or bends. Most obviously if the door doesn’t open when it’s supposed to, but the trolley does, that’s proof that it needs to be repaired. It’s an extremely obvious sign that you won’t be able to miss, which will make your repair much easier.
Removing the Old Carriage
Start by disconnecting the motor from the power supply. You’ll either need to unplug it — or if the opener is connected to a power outlet — flip the fuse in the power box it corresponds to.
Pull the release cord that connects the garage door to the trolley. Close the door by hand so that the trolley is at the outer end of the rail.
Afterwards, position a ladder underneath the trolley. Remove the cotter pin connecting the trolley with a pair of pliers. Swivel the arm down so that it is even with the side of the door.
Undo the bolt connecting the outer end of the rail to the wall bracket. Lift the rail so there is enough room to clear the carriage off the end of the rail.
Attaching the New Carriage
Fit on the new replacement carriage onto the rail. Be sure the release cord at the underside is at the inner end toward the motor. Disengage the carriage by pulling on the cord, pushing the carriage towards the rail.
Reattach the rail to the wall bracket with the bolt and nut you started with. Swivel the arm back to reattach to the carriage. Replace the cotter pin. After that, your carriage trolley should be working as good as new!
When To Call a Professional
Fixing the trolley carriage on a garage door is relatively easy and can be done in less than an hour even for those uninitiated in the art of home repairs. However, it’s important to consider the time factor. If you’re dealing with a busy schedule or don’t have the time to spare, it may be better to seek the help of a professional. Garage door technicians have the knowledge, experience, and tools to quickly repair trolley issues. Even if you get stuck you can easily call an expert to get the trolley fixed up as soon as possible. They can not only recommend the perfect trolley, but they’ll also be able to answer any questions regarding your garage door.
As well, professionals are well-versed in all aspects of garage door usage and maintenance. They can address any questions or concerns you may have. They want to make sure your garage door lasts.By reaching out to a professional, you benefit from their expertise and knowledge. They can handle the trolley repair, allowing you to focus on other priorities. Whether you opt for a DIY approach or seek professional help, repairing a broken trolley quickly keeps garage door running. Leaving it can only make things worse.