Garage Door Hinge Replacement: preparing for the visit

The car nudged the door on the way in. There is a dent low on one end, and above it the hinge that carries the roller is bent so the panel edges rub together and squeal as the door lifts.

Worth answering before the call

Where does the pop, click or gap appear, and roughly how high up? Is the door closed, open or stuck partway right now? Can you see a hinge that is cracked, bent or hanging loose?

How should I lubricate the hinges?

A short burst of silicone or white lithium spray made for garage doors on each hinge knuckle and roller stem, spring and autumn, then run the door a few times to work it in. Wipe away any excess. Skip heavy grease and general-purpose oil, which trap grit and salt against the steel. Leave the track dry and simply wipe it clean, since lubricant in the track makes wheels slide instead of roll.

How long do garage door hinges last?

Many hinges last the life of the door. Those that fail early are usually on doors that were out of balance, had seized rollers, saw heavy daily use, or sat in slush and salt through many winters. A light hinge on a heavy door also wears sooner. Rather than a fixed number of years, watch for cracks near the holes, a rocking pin, rust at the knuckle and screws backing out.