"BradMM" wrote in message
...
Ok, I had a company come out and look at our garage door problem. We
moved into this house almost three years ago and I installed the
opener on one of two wooden doors for my wife to use. It worked fine
for 2 1/2 years but started getting cock-eyed as it went up and down
and would stop and change directions. It's gotten progressively
worse. I've posted this recently so this is a repeat.

Four possible problems:
1. springs need replacing
2. rollers need replacing
3. garage/house has shifted due to drought
4. some combination of the above

I got an estimate that seemed reasonable for replacing both the
springs and the rollers. I had checked at Lowe's and even though they
had the right color springs, the guy who came out said the diameter
DID need to be the same and Lowe's were smaller. So, it seemed that
even if I wanted to do it myself, I'd still have to order springs.

What shocked me was he also gave an estimate of replacing the door
completely and that cost was about the same as replacing rollers and
springs on the current door. Problem is, the new door wouldn't match
the old so we'd have to replace both when one doesn't need it because
I open and close it manually. 90 day warranty on repairs, three year
on replacement.

I'm leaning toward just repairing the existing door and possibly still
doing it myself. BTW, my current door has the parallel springs so
they are easy and relatively safe to exchange. The new door that the
service guy proposed has torsion springs so I'm befuddled as to how
that can be the same cost as replacing parts on my existing door.

Brad

Lubricate the rollers and the drive mechanism (chain / worm gear/ ?) on the
garage door opener. I use engine oil on the rollers but you may find
something better. If you still have a problem adjust the tension on the
springs. Measure the length of the springs, assuming they are mounted the
same distance from the door, then they should be about the same length, if
not adjust.

Springs stretch out and loose their elasticity. You can usually get one or
two adjustments out of a pair of springs before they need to be replaced.
The correct adjustment should allow you to lift and close the door with one
hand (with the Opener detached).

If you delay in repairing the problem, you may wear out/damage Opener.

Cheers,
Jim