Whether it’s an overhead garage door or a carriage-style garage door, cables play a critical role in the smooth operation of your garage door. Over time, garage door cables can wear down and snap due to normal use and aging.
Knowing the most common cable issues and how to address them is important for maintaining a properly functioning garage door. In this post, we will explore some prevalent garage door cable problems and their solutions.
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Frayed or Broken Cables
One of the most widespread cable issues is fraying or broken cables. Garage door cables endure continuous bending and torsion every time the door opens and closes. This repeated motion causes cables to fray and weaken along their strands over many years. Signs of frayed cables include visible strands poking out of the cable sheath or separated wires.
Broken cables cannot support the weight of your garage door and will require replacement. It’s best to call an experienced garage door technician like Right on time Garage door San Antonio for a cable replacement.
A pro can efficiently remove the old cables, thread new ones through your tracks, and calibrate the door’s functioning. Regular cable inspection and timely replacement helps avoid additional door damage from a broken cable.
Loose or Slipping Cables
Another prevalent cable problem arises when cables start loosening from constant use or getting slack over time. Loose or slipping cables cannot supply the necessary lift to smoothly operate your garage door. Symptoms include noisy travel, doors that don’t fully open or close, and difficulty operating the door using the motor or manual pull.
To remedy loose cables, tightening is required using an adjustable cable tension wheel or pinch bolt at the drums. However, if cables have worn down considerably, replacement will likely be needed.
Calling a local technician is wise, as over-tightening loose cables risks snapping them. Professionals have the know-how and tools to properly tighten cables without causing damage.
Misaligned Cables or Pulleys
When garage door cables are not running straight through cable drums and pulley wheels, misalignment occurs. Pulleys may also become loose or out of alignment.
Misaligned components create added friction that overworks cables and shortens their lifespan. Wobbly or stuck doors are telltale signs of misalignment issues to address.
A professional garage door technician can realign misplaced pulleys and carefully reroute and adjust cables running through them. Proper alignment minimizes friction and maximizes cable efficiency for smoother door operation. For tough misalignment cases, full cable replacements may ultimately provide the long-term solution.
Rusted or Seized Cables
Operation in humid regions or areas prone to rust and corrosion can cause cables to rust or seize over the years. Rust deteriorates cable strands from within and makes them prone to snapping under stress. Cables that are completely seized or rusted solid cannot be reused and must be changed.
Replacing seized cables requires extra care and effort. An installer may need to loosen rusted sections using a wire brush or lubricant before threading new cables. To prevent future issues, coating garage door tracks and cables with a rust preventative provides long-lasting protection in harsh environments.
Uneven Wear or Stretching
Another potential cable problem over time is uneven wear or stretching of strands on one side of the door. This leads to misaligned or out-of-level travel, putting stress on other garage door components as well. Stretched cables also lose their ability to efficiently operate the door’s lifting functions.
With uneven wear and stretching, the whole cable set is recommended for replacement. Using premium galvanized aircraft cables resist stretching and corrosion better than standard steel ones. Professionals know how to properly diagnose indicators of uneven wear too. Their expertise avoids overworking other door parts unnecessarily.
Troubleshooting Cable Issues Effectively
No matter the specific cable problem, it’s best to contact a certified garage door technician promptly. Experienced pros at companies like Automatic Gate Opener San Antonio have the know-how and tools needed to safely assess cable conditions.
They can efficiently troubleshoot issues, perform necessary repairs and replacements, and optimize your door’s safety and performance. Timely professional cable maintenance and installation using high-grade components help keep garage doors running smoothly for many years to come.
