Symptoms
- Door hangs at a visible angle
- One side is higher than the other
- Door won't move smoothly, or at all, in the track
Likely causes
- CommonTrack bent or damaged from an impactA vehicle bump or forced entry attempt can bend the track enough to derail rollers.
- CommonBroken cable or spring causing uneven liftingIf one side loses lifting support, the door can twist off track.
- PossibleRoller broken or missingA failed roller can allow that side of the door to drop out of the track.
- PossibleObstruction forcing the door off track during operationAn object caught in the track during movement can force the door off.
What to do
- Do not attempt to operate the garage door opener or force the door by hand once it's visibly off track.
- Disconnect the opener using the emergency release cord if it's safe to reach without forcing the door.
- Look (without touching) for a broken cable or an obviously disconnected spring, which indicates a more serious hazard.
- If it's just a roller that's popped out with no broken cables or springs visible, this can sometimes be carefully guided back by two people, but if there's any doubt, wait for a professional.
- Keep the area clear and don't park a vehicle in a way that traps it behind the door.
- Contact a garage door professional to safely realign the door and inspect for any hardware damage.
Tools and parts
- None recommended without professional guidance
Garage door roller replacementSearch: “garage door roller replacement kit”
When to call a pro
Call a garage door technician promptly; this is generally not a safe DIY repair given the door's weight and spring tension involved.
Safety
Use caution
A garage door off its track can fall unexpectedly; keep people, pets, and vehicles clear and don't attempt to force it back into place yourself.