How to Adjust a Garage Door Track

Written by Jeff Grundy
on May 23, 2010

To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience.

Reviewed by
Charles Ramos, Jr.
on Jan 21, 2020

1 hours
•
Beginner
•
1

Level

Rubber mallet

Screwdriver or wrench

Level

Rubber mallet

Screwdriver or wrench

A garage door track that is out of alignment can cause the door to bind or rub against rubber molding. So, here is a quick how-to guide that will show you how to adjust the track.

Adjusting the Tracks for a Binding Garage Door

Step 1 - Loosen the Track Screws

If the garage doors bind or are hard to move up or down in the tracks, use a screwdriver to loosen the screws that secure the tracks to the garage door frame.

Step 2 - Adjust the Track Position

Gently tap the bottom of the track with the rubber mallet to position it correctly. Use the level to ensure that the track is perfectly straight (up and down) and that it is plumb.

Step 3 - Tighten Track Screws

Once the track is properly aligned, tighten the track screws so the track won't move.

Step 4 - Adjust Other Track

Repeat the process in steps 2 and 3 for adjusting the other door track.

Adjusting the Tracks for a Garage Door Rubbing Against Stop Molding or to Fix a Gap

Step 1 - Loosen Track Bolts

Use the wrench to loosen the track bolts that secure the tracks to the lower track brackets.

Step 2 - Adjust Door Gap

Move the tracks (left or right) so that there is only a small gap between the door and the stop molding. Usually, about a 1/4-inch gap is fine. Repeat for the opposite side of the garage door.

Step 3 - Tighten Track Bolts

Use the wrench to tightly secure the bolts.

Preventing Water Hammer