[bluefish7]

Hey all, I'm wondering if anyone advocates any maintenance for a LiftMaster garage door like chain lube or tensioning etc. No problems now but its a matter of time. Thanks!

 

[Windows on Wash]

Most of the stress on the opener comes from the lack of spring and door maintenance. Lubrication on the chain and interface components is preferred here, but focus your efforts on the door mechanisms.

 

[bluefish7]

Thanks are there any guidelines for what and how to lubricate?

 

[Windows on Wash]

Let's see a picture of what you have.

 

[bluefish7]

Pics are attached, any input appreciated

 

[Porsche986S]

The tension springs over the door have a tendency to get surface rust which eventually weakens the springs . Once a year take a rag and douse/soak with light machine oil like 3in1 or similar . Rub the oil onto the springs and leave it .

Door rollers you can purchase a variety of spray garage door lubricant from big box or hardware stores . Spray a shot or two on each roller wheel . You can use that same lube on the opener chain . Do the maintenance once a year and you should be good to go for a long time .

 

[Windows on Wash]

The tension springs over the door have a tendency to get surface rust which eventually weakens the springs . Once a year take a rag and douse/soak with light machine oil like 3in1 or similar . Rub the oil onto the springs and leave it .

Door rollers you can purchase a variety of spray garage door lubricant from big box or hardware stores . Spray a shot or two on each roller wheel . You can use that same lube on the opener chain . Do the maintenance once a year and you should be good to go for a long time .

Egg-Zackly. Most often times, the tension springs are problematic. Soak them at he said and use a good quality oil (I am a synthetic homer because it tends to not evaporate with time) here.

Thank you @Porsche986S

 

[firehawkmph]

You can use the garage door spray lube available in the box stores for the springs, rollers, and hinges where the two halves rub together. I take a piece of cardboard and slip it behind the springs, one at a time. Spray the top of the spring and the oil will run down and around it. You don't have to drench it, wait a half a minute and wipe off any drips with a rag. Hold a rag next to the hinge and just give it a tiny squirt. Do both sides of each hinge, it'll get rid of creaks and squeaks. Only oil the rollers if you have metal rollers with ball bearings inside. You'll be able to see the little ball bearings, that's where you want to give it a little squirt. DONT grease or oil the door tracks, all that does is attract dirt and make a mess. I've never lubed a chain on an opener. They come lubed from the factory and don't move fast enough to get rid do that oil. You can apply a little white grease to the T-shaped track the trolley rides on. Just a thin smear, don't glob it on. That's really about all that required.
Mike Hawkins

 

[surferdude2]

If it has been in use for a couple years, it's a good idea to test to see if it's still balanced correctly. Lower it all the way down and trip the emergency release. Then manually lift the door up to the half way open position. If it will stay in that position when you release it, you're good to go. If it tries to go shut, you need to adjust the spring tension a little tighter until it balances. That can be a dangerous process. If you don't know how to do that safely, it's best to call a pro.

Keeping the door balanced properly will make the load lighter for the motor, gears and chain.

Garage Door Balancing