Your garage door’s trolley plays a crucial role in its smooth operation. Over time, wear and tear can lead to a malfunctioning trolley. It can cause your door to operate sluggishly or even become stuck. The good news is that replacing the trolley is an inexpensive and doable task. You can do it yourself to save you money on professional repairs. As with any other repair, if you ever feel uncomfortable, you should refer to a professional. Safety always comes first. If you’re comfortable with it, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of replacing your garage door’s trolley.
Step 1: Safety First
Before you start any work on your garage door, prioritize safety. Make sure the door is fully closed and disconnected from the opener. Unplug the opener to prevent accidental activation. Wear safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself from any potential hazards.
Step 2: Gather the Necessary Tools
Ensure you have the following tools on hand:
- Adjustable wrench or socket set
- Pliers
- Screwdriver
- New trolley (make sure it’s compatible with your garage door opener)
- Lubricant (silicone-based recommended)
- Stepladder
Step 3: Disconnect the Garage Door Opener to Start
Locate the emergency release cord hanging from the opener rail. Pull this cord to disengage the opener from the door. This will allow you to manually operate the door.
Step 4: Remove the Old Trolley and Safely Dispose of It
Find the trolley on the opener rail, which is connected to the door with a chain or belt. Use pliers to pinch and remove the retaining clip that holds the trolley in place. Slide the trolley off the opener rail and away from the door.
Step 5: Install the New Trolley and Properly Align It
Slide the new trolley onto the opener rail in the same direction as the old one. Make sure it’s properly aligned and engaged with the rail. Use a retaining clip to secure the trolley in place.
Step 6: Reattach Your Garage Door
With the new trolley in place, you need to reconnect the garage door. Pull the emergency release cord to put the opener into manual mode. Carefully lift the garage door until it’s fully closed. This step may require assistance if your garage door is heavy. Please don’t hurt yourself and ask for help if you need it.
Step 7: Adjust the Tension of the Trolley Chain or Belt
Depending on your garage door opener type, you’ll need to adjust the tension of the trolley’s chain or belt. There should be an adjustment mechanism on the opener rail or near the trolley itself. Follow your garage door opener’s manual to properly adjust the tension. A properly tensioned chain or belt ensures smooth operation.
Step 8: Lubricate Any Moving Parts to Ensure It Runs Smoothly
Apply a silicone-based lubricant to the trolley, chain or belt, and other moving parts of the garage door opener. This helps reduce friction and noise, ensuring efficient operation.
Step 9: Reconnect the Garage Door Opener
Once you’re satisfied with the door’s alignment, reconnect the opener. Plug it back in and engage the emergency release cord. Test the opener’s remote control to confirm that the trolley responds correctly.
Step 10: Test the Door to Make Sure It Operates Smoothly
Now that the new trolley is installed and everything is properly adjusted, test the garage door’s operation. Use the opener to open and close the door multiple times. You need to see that the trolley moves smoothly along the rail and the door operates without any issues.
Go Over Your Work and Garage Door One Last Time
Perform a final visual inspection of the entire setup. Make sure all connections are secure, and there are no unusual noises or movements during operation.
Congratulations! You’ve Saved Money and Installed a New Trolley Yourself
By following these simple steps, you can replace your garage door’s trolley with ease, saving both time and money. A smoothly functioning trolley ensures that your garage door operates as designed. Your garage door can once again provide convenience and security for your home.