Garage Door Roller Replacement: DIY Steps & Professional Tips

Thinking about tackling your noisy garage door? This guide breaks down everything you need to know about replacing those old, worn-out garage door rollers. We’ll cover when to swap them out, different types you can use, and easy-to-follow DIY steps. Plus, we’ll touch on how to stay safe and when it’s a good idea to call in a pro. Get ready to keep your garage door running smoothly and quietly with new garage door rollers!

Find Garage Door Repair Services

Get a fast & free quote | Schedule your service today


Garage door rollers are a vital component in most residential garage doors. We’ve broken down each sign that they may be malfunctioning, along with each step for replacing them. Getting a professional opinion is always our recommended course of action, but roller replacement can be a candidate for DIY repairs. Learn more about your roller replacement process and safety precautions here.

Understanding Garage Door Rollers and Their Function

Garage door rollers sit in your door tracks and help to aid smooth operation of your doors. These come in a few different materials; each have their own pros and cons and price points.

Types of Garage Door Rollers

Steel rollers cost between $3 and $12 per unit and are the most commonly used material in residential applications. These can last between 10 and 20 years with proper maintenance.

Nylon rollers are the best option if quiet operation is your goal. The roller itself will not rust and offers the least friction with your garage door tracks. Each of these units costs between $4 and $7.

This is typically the cheapest option. Plastic rollers wear out quicker than nylon or steel, however. They also operate slightly louder in the tracks than nylon rollers. The usual cost range for these is $2 to $5 per unit.

Steel and nylon rollers come in ball bearing or non-ball bearing models. Purchasing rollers with ball bearings will offer the quietest possible operation and comparable lifespans to models without. Home Depot currently offers a 10-pack for $19.99 before tax. 

Signs Your Garage Door Rollers Need to be Replaced

In most cases, a visual inspection of your garage door rollers and routine inspections will reveal any issues. We recommend that you inspect your doors at least once every four to six months to ensure proper operation.

Visual Indicators of Worn Rollers

There are several easy-to-spot signs that your rollers should be replaced.  These include:

  • Cracks or dents
  • Uneven wear patterns on the rollers
  • Loose connection between the rod or stem and wheel
  • Loose hardware connecting rollers to the garage door
  • Rust buildup on rollers or rods

Performance Issues Caused by Bad Rollers

Many of these problems are best diagnosed through thorough garage door inspection. However, some issues with your rollers will be readily visible. These include:

  • Vibrations while operating
  • Inconsistent speed when raising or lowering
  • Rollers coming off-track or getting stuck in the tracks
  • Odd noises while in operation
  • Your garage door becomes stuck in the tracks while in use

Tools and Materials Needed for Roller Replacement

Garage door rollers are usually a portion of the hinges on your doors. You’ll be operating in tight spaces, especially while prying your rollers out of the tracks. Here are some things you should have on-hand when replacing your rollers:

  • Hammer
  • Pliers or vice grips
  • Flat and phillips head screwdrivers
  • Step ladder
  • New rollers
  • Work gloves
  • Safety glasses
  • Garage door lubricant
  • Wire brush or sandpaper for rust removal (optional) 

You’ll have your choice of a few roller types, including steel, vinyl, teflon-coated and ball bearing. Most rollers come in packs of two or four with all needed hardware included. If your hinges are functioning properly, then you should purchase the rollers with no additional hardware.

How To Replace Your Garage Door Rollers

This task can often be a DIY task, but we always recommend that you exercise caution and wear proper protective equipment before attempting any repairs. 

Safety Precautions Before Starting

You should always disconnect power from your garage door opener before conducting any maintenance that requires the removal of hardware or parts. You should also disengage your opener from your door by pulling the release cord above your door. Next, clear your workspace and ensure that it is well-lit before beginning your repairs.

Removing Old Rollers

The following steps are best for middle and top rollers. Replacing bottom rollers will require full disengagement of your garage door springs, so we recommend that you book with one of our top recommended professionals. Note that rust buildup or bent tracks can

  1. Close your garage door and turn off the power to your opener
  2. Place vice grips inside your garage door tracks, locking your door in place
  3. Unscrew all hardware from your hinge and roller pieces, one unit at a time
  4. Remove your hinge and roller by tilting the unit towards you and unhooking the roller wheel from your garage door tracks.
  5. Remove your roller old roller by sliding the rod from the assembly 

Installing New Rollers

Replacing rollers is fairly easy in most cases. If there is no rust or dirt buildup, this process should only take a few minutes per hinge and roller piece.

  1. Insert the rod of the roller into your hinge assembly
  2. Lubricate your new roller
  3. Angle the roller to insert it into your garage door tracks
  4. Position your hinge and roller assembly in the proper place at the seam between your panels
  5. Use the hardware to secure your hinge and roller to your door panels
  6. Remove your vice grips from the tracks
  7. Re-engage your garage door opener by pulling your release cord
  8. Turn on the power to your garage door opener
  9. Conduct two or three test operations of your door after double-checking that all hardware is secure

To ensure proper alignment, we recommend that you conduct a couple of manual test operations of your garage door before engaging the garage door opener. 

Professional Garage Roller Installation

Simple roller replacement is typically a DIY task, but there are exceptions to this. If your garage door utilizes extension springs, and you remove and replace one roller at a time, it isn’t always necessary to hire a professional.

If you have a garage door with tension springs, getting a consultation from a garage door technician is always the safest route. Releasing tension from these is a sometimes-dangerous task, so opting for this type of assistance is typically your best bet. We also recommend hiring a pro if there is extensive damage to your door panels or hardware that hinders proper operation.

Including parts and labor, you should expect to spend $75 to $150 for replacement of all garage door rollers on a two-door garage.

Maintenance Tips to Extend Roller Life

Consistent regular inspections are the best way to avoid premature roller breakdowns. We recommend that you fully inspect your garage door once every four to six months. This involves looking over your tracks and mounting brackets, lift chain, rollers, hinges, panels and all associated hardware. Inspections every four months are recommended for homes in areas with more extreme weather patterns.

Common Questions About Replacing Garage Door Rollers

Garage door rollers can last 10 to 15 years, depending on conditions, frequency of use and the weight of your garage door. Ensuring that your tracks are clean and lubricated will allow for smooth operation and add to this expected lifespan.

Nylon rollers are the quietest option. If you have an attached garage, this is our recommended choice due to the reduced noise levels you’ll experience during operation.

This could be a sign of bent garage door tracks or improperly-sized rollers. Inspect the site where your rollers tend to leave the tracks; oftentimes, you’ll be able to bend your tracks to tighten them with pliers.

Measure your garage door rollers before removing them. Note the diameter and length of the rod, as well as the roller diameter.

This entirely depends on the thickness and severity of the rust in question. If you’re able to fully clean any rust off your roller, it might be viable to continue use. However, you shouldn’t attempt to do so if any rust is left on the roller.

garage repair service provider repairing a garage door track

Get Your Free Quote and Schedule Your Garage Repair Today

Find top-rated companies for fast garage repairs and service to make sure your garage door system lasts. Get free quotes from garage door companies in your area.

Tips and Expert Advice for Your Garage

Stay informed with expert advice on garage door maintenance, garage door service, garage door replacement, and upgrades. Explore our blog for guides, troubleshooting tips, and more.

Garage door rollers and track, white aluminum garage door

Garage Door Track Replacement Cost: Complete Price Guide

Garage door track replacement costs typically range from $200 to $450, influenced by factors like track material, door size, and local labor rates; signs of needed replacement include bent tracks, excessive noise, or the garage door being off track. Professional garage door track installation is recommended for severe damage, ensuring safety and proper functioning of the garage door system.
A joyful couple stands in front of their new garage featuring an affordable door option improving their home value.

Affordable Garage Doors: Quality Options That Won’t Break Your Budget

Finding an affordable garage door doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. Explore budget-friendly, discount garage door options like steel, vinyl, and aluminum, with prices starting as low as $800. Learn about cost factors, hidden expenses, and tips for saving money on installation and upgrades. Discover how to balance cost with durability and style to find the perfect cheap garage door for your budget.
Charming three-story house with palm trees, and a fiberglass garage door, ideal beachside living.

Fiberglass Garage Doors

Ditch the worry, embrace the wave: Fiberglass garage doors are the lightweight, weather-resistant heroes your coastal home needs. Explore why they’re the smart alternative to wood or steel.
Elegant suburban family house with large lawn and driveway, featuring sliding carriage style garage doors

Sliding Garage Doors

Sliding garage doors offer an elegant and space-saving alternative to traditional designs. This guide covers types, materials, installation, and maintenance, helping you decide if this sleek option fits your needs. Maximize garage space and add modern style with a side-sliding entrance.
A sunlit suburban house with a garage and palm trees in the driveway during the summer heat.

How to Insulate a Garage Door

Struggling with a garage that’s too hot or too cold? Insulating your garage door can solve this. Learn how to easily do it yourself using foam board or insulation kits. To insulate your garage door just measure, cut, and attach to the door panels for a more comfortable and energy-efficient space. Get the full guide for DIY tips and tricks here.
A teal vintage pickup truck parked in a suburban garage featuring a roll up door.

Roll-Up Garage Doors

Maximize garage space and enhance security with roll-up doors. Our comprehensive guide dives into the advantages of these versatile doors for both homes and businesses, covering everything from cost considerations and the intricacies of installation to essential maintenance tips that ensure lasting performance. Discover if a roll-up garage door is the right choice for your needs.
Older home with unique panel garage door

Garage Door Panel Replacement and Cost

Garage door panel replacement is a viable option for homeowners dealing with localized damage to their sectional doors. This guide covers when panel replacement is appropriate versus a full door replacement, the process involved, cost considerations, and how to find matching panels. Learn about the signs of damage, DIY vs. professional replacement, and get answers to frequently asked questions about repairing your garage door.
Garage cble roll in action while torsion spring pulls cables to open door.

Garage Door Cable Replacement

Want to fix your garage door cables? Great! This guide will help you decide if it’s a DIY job or time to call a professional. We’ll cover the steps, crucial safety measures, warning signs for experts, cable replacement, common mistakes to avoid, and how to stay safe around the powerful torsion springs.
Carriage House Garage Doors installed on traditional new home

Carriage House Garage Doors

Carriage house garage doors combine the classic look of barn doors with modern engineering for enhanced home aesthetics and functionality. These durable doors, often made of steel or composite to resemble wood, offer customization in design, hardware, and insulation, providing an elegant and long-lasting upgrade to any home’s exterior.
Homeowner opening garage with remote garage door opener form driveway

Best Garage Door Openers: Complete Buying Guide & Top Recommendations

Choosing the right garage door opener involves weighing multiple factors including drive type, horsepower, noise level, and smart home capabilities, with options ranging from budget-friendly chain drives to high-tech jackshaft systems. Find the best garage door opener whether you’re looking for enhanced security, quieter operation, or convenient features.
Beautiful modern suburban house with newly upgraded steel garage door

Steel Garage Doors

Unlock the potential of your home with steel garage doors: blending unmatched durability, customizable style, and robust security. Steel garage doors are a smart choice for homeowners seeking lasting value and curb appeal.