How do I replace garage door rollers myself?

January 5, 2024 | 12:43 pm | A1 Garage Door Service | 4 min read

I understand your concern about replacing garage door rollers, as these doors can be quite heavy and pose a risk of injury. That’s why I’ve put together a guide to help you safely replace the bottom rollers on your garage door. Here’s what you’ll need:

Locking pliers
Screwdriver
Step Stool (especially if you’re doing this alone)
Garage Door Lubricant
Hammer (in some cases)

Steps to replace garage door rollers yourself:

First off, if you’re like most people with a garage door opener, make sure to unplug it before starting. This is crucial for your safety, as you don’t want the door accidentally closing while you’re working on it. For added safety, you might want to prop a stepladder under the door.
Grab your locking pliers and bend one side of the track near the seam outward. This will allow you to pop the roller out. It’s doable solo, but having someone to assist you can make it much easier.
Lower the door so the rollers align with the bent track. You can either hold the door in place yourself or have someone help you, freeing you up to focus on the task.
Use a screwdriver or a pry bar to pry out the old roller. If you’re working with someone, let them know when you’re about to start. Once the roller is out, slide the new one into the bracket. Depending on your roller type, you might need to apply some lubricant for smooth operation.
Lift the door back up (or have your helper do it) to align the bent track with the new roller’s position. Then, reinsert the roller into the track. Sometimes, you might need a hammer to get it back in place.
After replacing the first roller, move on to the others. Avoid touching the top roller and adjust the door’s position as needed to access the other rollers. Repeat the same process for each.
Once you’ve finished one side, fully open the door and close the bent part of the track with your pliers. Then, move on to the other side and repeat all the steps.
After you’ve replaced the rollers on both sides, plug your garage door opener back in and test it to ensure everything is working correctly.

Remember, safety first! If you need further help then check out our roller replacement and repair service.

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How do I replace garage door rollers myself?

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