If you have an older garage door opener, you may wonder if it could break down at any given time, leaving you unable to easily open your garage door. If so, look for the following three signs that your garage door opener may need replacing.

The Door Opener Becomes Excessively Noisy

Especially if your opener is an older model, you may be used to it being somewhat noisy when it is operating. However, once these noises become excessive, it may be a sign that the unit is about to break down.

For example, if you hear a loud rattling noise, the motor inside the casing may have come loose, or the casing itself may be coming detached. Either way, the unit could break apart or come crashing down if you continue to use it.

Another example is a high-pitch screech whenever the cable to the door is in motion. This could be a sign that the motor is dying. Whenever you try to operate the door opener, the strain makes the motor work harder, causing the sound.

The Door Constantly Sticks While Opening

Another sign that your garage door opener should be replaced is if the door constantly sticks whenever you try to open it. After a few moments, the door may continue to move, but at a much slower speed.

If your door keeps sticking, the gears inside the motor may be worn down. Because the teeth cannot fully engage with each other, the door may temporarily stall until the gears meet each other at a point that allows them to grip and pull the cable.

The Motor Runs but the Door Does Not Immediately Open

One subtle sign that your garage door opener may be in danger of quitting on you is a delay in the garage door opening after the motor is turned on. You may hear the motor whining while it operates, but you may notice a few second delay until the door starts moving.

This could be a sign that the motor is starting to wear down. It no longer has the power to pull the garage door open immediately. You may also find that it takes longer for the door to open if the motor is worn out.

If you notice any of the above signs, it may be time to replace your old garage door opener with a new one. Contact a representative at an auto parts store that carries garage door openers or a professional garage door company, such as J & R Garage Door Company Inc., to seek their advice on an opener that fits your garage door and your needs.

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