A garage door that’s off its track won’t open or close the way it should. It might look tilted, or you may notice the rollers aren't sitting right. When that happens, it can block you from getting your car out or impact the security of your home.
The good news is that some off-track doors can be fixed with some simple tools and a little time. You don’t always need a pro, especially if you catch the problem early.
Here’s how to spot it, fix it, and avoid it in the future. Of course, if the situation seems beyond your skills or you're uncomfortable messing with your door, for safety, call a professional garage door repair company.
What Causes a Garage Door to Go Off Its Track
The most common cause is impact damage knocking it out of proper alignment. If a car bumps the door while it’s closing or opening, even slightly, the rollers can jump the track.
Loose track or broken cables, worn-out track rollers, or debris stuck in the track can also cause problems.
Rust or lack of lubrication may keep the rollers from moving smoothly. Sometimes, the door closes too fast on one side, throwing off its balance.
If you’ve recently heard grinding sounds, seen the door wobble, or felt resistance when using the door, it’s likely something’s off. Small issues, if ignored, can grow into bigger ones.
How to Fix It
Begin by stopping all use of the garage door. Using it while it's off track can bend the tracks or damage the door. Pull the emergency release cord to disconnect the opener from the door. You should be able to move the door by hand once it's released.
Do a visual inspection for obvious issues first:
- Are the rollers in position or out of the track?
- Do you see misaligned tracks?
- Do you see bent, blocked or otherwise damaged tracks?
- Are the lift cables intact?
- Do the rollers spin freely?
- Do you see worn rollers or otherwise damaged rollers?
If rollers are out, open the track slightly with a pair of pliers or a pair of vice grips and guide the garage rollers back in. Once they’re in place, close the track and gently tap it back to shape if needed.
Use a wrench to tighten any loose bolts around the track. Lubricate the rollers and track with garage door lubricant.
Open and close it a few times by hand before using the motor again. Reconnect the garage door opener and test the door. If the door still feels unbalanced or noisy, you may need to call in a garage door technician.
Now, Prevent It From Happening Again
Prevention and routine maintenance is all about keeping parts clean, aligned, and in good shape for smooth operation. Make time for regular inspection—especially if you use your door often.
Here’s what helps:
- Clean the entire track with a damp cloth every few months
- Check track alignment and look for track damage
- Lubricate rollers and tracks with a garage door-specific lubricant spray
- Check cables for fraying, slack, or other signs of damage
- Look for loose hardware and tighten track bolts and brackets
- Listen for new noises during operation
- Check and lubricate the release mechanism
Also, try not to let anyone hang or lean on the door while it’s moving. Even a small amount of uneven weight can wear down parts or throw it off balance over time.
FAQ
What’s the difference between garage door rollers and wheels?
The terms “rollers” and “wheels” are often used the same way, but technically, a garage door roller includes both the wheel and the stem that slides into the track bracket. The wheel spins, while the stem keeps it anchored to the door. If you’re replacing parts or troubleshooting roller issues, it helps to know the difference. Some are nylon rollers (quieter and smoother), while others are metal track rollers (louder, but often longer-lasting). Choosing the right type affects how your door moves—and how long it lasts.
Can garage door tracks wear out or go bad over time?
Yes. Garage door tracks are made of metal, but they can still bend, warp, or corrode—especially if they’re hit or exposed to moisture. Over time, even small dings or rust spots can change how the rollers glide. If your door shakes, sticks, or makes grinding noises, the track could be uneven or dirty. In some cases, you can reshape a bent track with pliers; however, if it's cracked, rusted through, or pulling away from the wall, it should be replaced. Tracks don’t wear out quickly, but they do need regular maintenance to stay in good shape. Worn out tracks should be replaced by expert technicians.
