Look no further if you’re looking for a step-by-step guide to fixing your broken overhead garage door. This guide will teach you everything you need to repair it. You’ll learn everything from replacing a broken or misaligned photo-eye to checking the cable and spring. Finally, you can adjust the door to its correct operating position if a broken sensor is to blame.
Repairing A Broken or Misaligned Photo-Eye
You may have noticed a broken or misaligned photo eye in your overhead garage. Fortunately, you can fix it yourself. If you can’t see the light from the sensor, you can adjust the bracket and secure it back into place.
First, you need to identify which of the two sensors is broken. To check if they are aligned correctly, look for LED lights on the sensors. If they aren’t, the sensors may have been bumped. If this is the case, you can use your hand to adjust them. You can also clean them using a damp cloth and wipe them dry. Then, change the sensors so that each lens faces the other lens.
Replacing A Broken or Misaligned Sensor
A broken or misaligned sensor problem may be due to several factors. The best way to ensure proper alignment is to clean and wipe the sensor. Then lubricate with a soft cloth.
If the sensor is not aligned correctly, it could also be due to improper installation or damage to the mountings. Generally, a garage door repair specialist such as Overhead Door Company of Puget Sound – Garage Door Repair should replace this type of sensor. However, if you’re unsure if you need to call a maintenance specialist, you can adjust the sensors. Once you’ve done that, the sensor should illuminate an LED light.
Checking For A Broken or Misaligned Cable
A cable has broken or becomes misaligned when repairing an overhead garage door. Cables are made up of several strands of galvanized wire. When one breaks, it can cause the cables to fall to the ground, causing damage. Therefore, you should perform visual inspections every month.
Cables can be misaligned or broken by setting the door on something, which causes the cables to slip off the drums. Over-crimping causes the cables to slip and is challenging to detect. Under-crimping causes the cables to slip, and over-crimping makes them loose. Ultimately, you should try to replace a cable if necessary but always check for a broken or misaligned cable as soon as possible.
Checking For A Broken or Misaligned Spring
Before starting garage door repairs, it is essential first to identify whether a broken or misaligned spring is to blame. A misaligned spring may cause the door to slow down when it hits a particular spot, or it may produce a rubbing noise. To determine the exact size of the spring, you need to measure the coils and convert the measurement into a decimal.
The springs on an overhead garage door are responsible for lifting most of the weight and are the most critical components of the door’s operation. If a spring is damaged or has become misaligned, the door may be unstable and may fall over. In addition to being inconvenient, a broken spring can be extremely dangerous, so you should avoid attempting to repair it yourself. Instead, contact a professional and ask for help with diagnosing the problem.
Checking For Broken or Misaligned Tracks
A broken or misaligned track may lead to the door running crooked along the tracks, resulting in the door becoming stuck. Using a rubber mallet, loosen the screws holding the track to the frame. Then, gently tap the track back into place. The tracks should be the same distance from the wall and the door. A bent or broken track may also lead to a crooked door.
A broken or misaligned track can be caused by a short circuit between the hot and neutral wires in the opener. The short circuit can be caused by unplugging an extra device or resetting a circuit breaker. A broken or misaligned track could also cause the door to stop working. The tracks should be level, even, and plumbing to ensure proper operation. When attempting to repair a broken track, use vice grips or locking pliers to prevent the door from coming back down.
