Garage door track bent?
The door jams at the same spot every time, a localised grinding sound appears, a roller catches against a deformation in the track. Causes: vehicle impact, building settlement, or gradual loosening of wall brackets.
On-site straightening is possible in most cases.
Why your track is bent
A track does not bend on its own. Here are the 3 causes and their signs.
Vehicle impact against the door
A knock from a wing mirror or bumper when entering or leaving the garage. Even a light impact can deform the vertical track, which is made of thin sheet metal.
- Visible impact mark on a panel
- Vertical track bent outward
- Jam in the lower position (first 50 cm)
- Datable event - 'since the day when...'
Loose wall brackets
The screws fixing the track to the wall loosen with daily vibrations. The track gradually pulls away from the wall, creating misalignment.
- Problem worsens slowly over months
- Visible gap between track and wall
- Visibly loose or pulled-out screws
- Track vibrates when the door passes
Building settlement
The door frame or supporting wall has settled by a few millimetres. Enough to misalign the horizontal ceiling track.
- Problem on the horizontal track (ceiling)
- Door jams at a specific point near the top
- Older building or recent extension
- Visible crack in the wall near the frame
What to do with a bent track?
A bent track is not as dangerous as a broken spring, but continuing to use the door makes it worse.
Identify the jam point
Open the door slowly (manually if possible) and pinpoint exactly where it jams or grinds. That is where the track is deformed. Note the position for the technician.
Do not force it through
Forcing the door past a jam point damages the rollers, the panel and further deforms the track. Each forced pass worsens the deformation.
Call for straightening
The technician straightens the track with specialised tools (calibrated lever, shims). If the deformation is too severe, the affected track section is replaced.
Track straightening
From diagnosis to a straight track - here is the process.
Diagnosis
Exact location of the deformation, severity assessment, bracket inspection.
Straightening
Lever straightening if possible (most common case), otherwise replacement of the deformed section.
Bracket retightening
All wall brackets retightened or replaced with longer anchors.
Testing
Door tested in full up/down cycle, smooth passage verified, rollers inspected.
Track repair prices
Straightening is always cheaper than replacement. That is why acting early matters.
Price on free quote, depending on the damage and track type.
Bent track? Every forced pass makes it worse.
On-site straightening. Free diagnosis.
“Very professional and quick installers. They repaired garage door and window within a short time - thank you!”
Frequently asked questions
Answers to our customers' most common questions.
A bent track often causes other faults
Track bent? On-site straightening.
Most tracks can be straightened without replacement. Free diagnosis, call-out Monday to Friday (8am-12pm / 1pm-5pm), fast response subject to availability.
Track service areas