What happens when you press the button to open your Rochester overhead door? Does it glide up smoothly, or does it jerk, hesitate, or make a strange grinding noise? If it’s the latter, your motor might be skipping teeth.
It might seem like a small annoyance at first, but it can cause bigger problems, such as damaged gears, a stressed motor, or even compromised garage door safety.
In this blog post, we’ll go over the most common reasons this happens and share some simple ways to keep your door running smoothly.
Why Motors Skip Teeth
Here’s the simple version: the motor in your Rochester overhead door moves the door along its tracks using a set of gears. Those gears have teeth that need to mesh perfectly. When they don’t, the motor slips, or “skips teeth.” It can make the door stall, grind, or move unevenly.
Not only is it annoying, but skipping teeth can strain the motor and damage your door’s gear system over time.
Common Culprits of Rochester Overhead Door Missing Teeth
1. Worn or Damaged Gear
Over the years, the teeth on your door’s gear can wear down or even break. When that happens, the motor can’t get a proper grip, which leads to skipping.
The fix here is straightforward. Inspect your gears regularly. If you see missing or worn teeth, it’s time to replace them. Using good-quality replacement parts will make your overhead door last longer and keep garage door safety intact.
2. Misaligned Motor or Track in a Rochester Overhead Door
Sometimes it’s not the motor—it’s how it’s positioned. If the motor or the tracks get misaligned, the teeth won’t line up properly. This can happen from a bump, normal wear, or loose brackets.
A quick alignment check can prevent skipped teeth and reduce strain on your motor. Keeping everything lined up properly is one of the easiest ways to avoid bigger problems down the road.
3. Lack of Lubrication
This one surprises many people: your motor and gears need lubrication. Without it, friction builds up, and the motor struggles to turn the gears, causing skipping.
A little bit of garage door lubricant goes a long way. Apply it to your gears, chains, and moving parts a couple of times a year, and you’ll likely notice a smoother, quieter operation.
4. Electrical or Motor Issues in a Rochester Overhead Door
If you have checked the gears or the tracks and everything is working smoothly, the problem is the motor itself.
An old or worn-out motor might not get steady power, which can cause it to skip teeth. Even a loose connection or a voltage drop can throw it off.
If you think it might be an electrical issue, it’s best to call a pro. A running motor keeps your Rochester overhead door moving smoothly and helps keep your garage door safe.
5. Debris or Obstructions
Even tiny things in your door track, such as dust, small rocks, or debris, can cause skipped teeth. If the motor hits resistance while moving the door, it can’t turn the gears properly.
Clean the tracks regularly to prevent teeth skipping and keep the door moving safely.
6. Door Balance Problems
Lastly, check your door balance. If the springs aren’t set correctly or the door is heavier on one side, your motor has to work harder. That extra strain can make it skip teeth.
Balanced doors are safer, easier to operate, and put less wear on your motor. If you’re not sure how to adjust it, calling a professional is the safest option.
Quick Tips to Prevent Skipped Teeth
Here’s the takeaway: a little attention goes a long way.
- Inspect gears and tracks regularly.
- Keep moving parts lubricated.
- Make sure the motor and tracks are aligned.
- Clean debris from tracks frequently.
- Check the door balance and call a professional if needed.
Doing these simple things keeps your Rochester overhead door motor running smoothly and protects your garage door safety.
Also Read: Preventative Tips to Avoid Garage Door Issues | Garage Door Repair in Rochester, MN
Hire the Experts to Resolve Your Rochester Overhead Door Issues
Thompson Garage Door & Openers is your go-to team when it comes to handling any issues with your Rochester overhead door. From skipped teeth to motor problems, our experts have the knowledge and experience to get your door running smoothly again.
Trying to fix it yourself can sometimes worsen things or even create safety hazards. Let our team take care of it so you can enjoy a fully functional, safe, and reliable garage door. Contact us today.
