When do I need to replace my garage door trolley?

The trolley is the carriage that rides along the opener rail and connects to the door through the opener arm. When it wears or cracks, the motor may run while the door moves only partway, stops short or jerks. Those symptoms, along with visible damage on the trolley itself, are the usual signs it needs replacing.

Signs the trolley is failing

• The door does not open or close all the way, even though the motor runs.
• Grinding or scraping along the rail as the door moves.
• Cracked, worn or broken parts on the trolley, or a loose connection to the arm.

Check what broke it

Trolleys often fail because something else made the opener work too hard. A door that is heavy from a weak or broken spring, binding in the track or dragging on worn rollers puts that load onto the trolley and arm. Replacing the trolley without fixing the cause usually means replacing it again. If it broke while the door was binding or felt heavy, have the door checked first.

Can you replace it yourself?

A homeowner comfortable with basic tools can do it on some openers, following the opener's exact replacement-part instructions. The job can require removing the rail or drive assembly, supporting the opener and resetting travel. Start only with a closed, undamaged door, with electrical and backup battery power disconnected. Do not pull the release on an open or damaged door. If anything about the door's weight or balance seems off, have a technician look at it first. After any trolley repair, test the photo eyes and contact reversal. We handle trolley, arm and rail problems on opener repair visits, and routine trolley care helps it last.

Read more

• Garage door trolley guide
• Garage door opener repair

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