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CavMrs t1_jcpslrm wrote

Reply to comment by Duckbilling in What lubricant to use on garage door? by rockyboy49

Can I tack on a question here? We moved to an older House (1968) that has two single garage doors. Not sure how old the openers are but they are Genie. One of them is very loud when opening/closing and has a definite clunk when it’s done (not sure if when opening, closing or both). Could this just be an older opener causing it (wouldn’t want to spend the $ to replace and find out it wasn’t that) or something else? I believe my husband lubricated it (not sure what part) but still very loud. My office is above it and it goes right through my spine every time it’s operated. Thanks!!

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Duckbilling t1_jcptela wrote

If you look up from underneath your opener and there is a long threaded shaft that moves the trolley (the piece that the j-bar is attached to) it could very well be your opener. I really don't like the design of that opener.

You could try disconnecting your trolley by pulling the string and then move the door by hand by pulling the j-bar, if it doesn't make the sound when doing that it's likely your opener.

I recommend a belt drive opener for a quieter experience. Replacing the rollers with nylon rollers with ball bearings will also help.

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CavMrs t1_jcpv7zk wrote

Yes they both look like that. The openers themselves are different though. Interestingly, the louder one looks to be a newer style opener - its casing is grey and the other one is maroon. I could get model #s but not at the moment. I’ve definitely seen the quiet ones before and they are great - it’s just a question of $$ with all the other many surprises we’ve had since moving here ugh.

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Duckbilling t1_jcq5pqg wrote

Well, the good news is they're not broken, so you have time to decide what you're going to do in the future regarding replacement of the openers. A quality belt drive opener can be bought for $230-260 and you can install it yourself. Until you decide what you want to do, it's going to continue to be a bit noisy in your house a few times a day.

Keep in mind, a quality opener should last 20 years with no problems, and you'll use it several times a day, every day. so take this into consideration long term before you decide what you're going to do

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Driftedryan t1_jcpte6b wrote

If it is a genie screw drive opener then a low temp grease would be better on it to quiet it down

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CavMrs t1_jcpv92i wrote

Where do you apply the grease? Thanks!

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Driftedryan t1_jcpvgg0 wrote

Should be a track that the carriage rolls through on the real, the whole bottom of it, also the cover can get loose screws causing the plastic to vibrate

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Sluisifer t1_jcpu7jt wrote

Newer openers are a lot quieter. It's quite possible that you could make your current one quieter with a relatively simple repair, but even in its best shape, it won't have the performance of newer models.

Given your home office situation, I think that would be well worth it.

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