Automatic gates DIY repair

In detail: do-it-yourself automatic gate repair from a real master for the site my.housecope.com.

Already you will not be surprised by the presence of automatic gates in garages or at the entrance to private territory. The undeniable usability of design and use makes this exterior element not just a whim, but a part of comfort, safety and style. However, nothing eternal has yet been invented, so even such an expensive product requires periodic maintenance and repair. In this article we will tell you about the main types of gates, the most "weak" points and how you can fix them.

During the operation of doors of any type, the components and mechanisms wear out. Also, breakdowns may occur that are not directly related to the opening or closing of the gate.

excessive increase in the input voltage in the network;
mechanical damage to the structure;
deformation due to bad weather conditions;
other unforeseen breakdowns.

To restore performance, primary diagnostics are required. You can do it yourself with a minimum set of tools. Most often, it is enough to have such a set:

multimeter;
set of screwdrivers;
set of wrenches;
sometimes you need a level or tape measure.

Almost any owner will be able to notice the breakdown, so it is hardly worth calling a team of repairmen and paying for their services before an independent inspection was carried out.

Each type of gate has its own problem areas. Therefore, it is necessary to control such nodes in accordance with the established option.

The least vulnerable type of construction is swing garage doors. They often do not have electric drives, so they can be installed in any garage, even the most remote from the power line.

Their design consists, as a rule, of two valves, less often of one. These halves are hung on a metal frame with hinges. There are designs with a built-in door in one of the parts of the door leaf. Although this option weakens the gate a little, it is an additional convenience for the owner of the premises.

The main problem during operation may be the reliability of the hinges. Due to this, the gate needs to be repaired.

Video (click to play).

displacement of the axes of the loops (occurs due to poor-quality welding or too large a mass of the canvas);
deformation of the sheet (may occur due to residual stresses in the metal or mechanical damage);
breakage of the hinge rod (low-quality or insufficiently strong material of the hinges or a sharp dynamic load, which happens during severe frosts);
corrosive processes (occurring due to lack of lubrication or regular exposure to moisture);
weakening (the reason is stem wear or poor welding).

In each of these cases, the problem can be resolved on its own.

When the axes are shifted, it is necessary to cut off the canopies and weld on new ones or the same ones after accurate measurements and alignments along the axis. An additionally welded corner will help to avoid deformation. It will slightly weigh down the canvas, so it is required to select a material with a size of no more than 40x40 mm.

If the rods break down, they need to be replaced, most likely with more powerful ones that can withstand significant loads. To prevent the rod from sticking to the walls in the bore, it is necessary to regularly lubricate. You also need to select hinges with gaps of 0.2-0.3 mm. This will ensure good rotation without jamming, even with slight misalignments. Too large gaps can cause the hinges to loosen.

Hinged garage doors should not be left open for long. At this time, the hinges are subjected to power loads, and their deformation occurs.

The design of such gates is most popular among the owners of modern garages due to its versatility, maintainability, relative reliability and fairly high performance characteristics. Their installation requires an electrical connection.

Due to the large number of working units and mechanisms, this design has vulnerabilities. However, most breakdowns can be repaired on their own without resorting to outside help.

Arising design problems:

jamming or tight movement (the reason may lie in the deformation of the guides or some parts of the web, sometimes the reason is too much tension of the springs);
extraneous noise during closing / opening (happens when debris or foreign objects get between moving parts; squeaking or other sound may occur after the rollers or grooves are worn out, as well as when there is a lack of lubrication in the bearings);
breakage of cables or springs (occurs when the springs are excessively worn out, stretched along the axis; when the cable breaks, forces exceeding the calculation were most likely applied, this often happens in mechanisms with a manual drive);
problems with the shaft on the drive drum (this is a non-maintenance unit requiring only replacement with a new part);
mechanical deformation of the guides (occurs during intensive use for a long time);
damage to the web (a bottleneck in the design of the web can be called the connecting nodes, which can become dirty over time and fail without proper cleaning, damage to the web itself from impacts or scratches also occurs).

The jamming issue can be resolved by loosening the tension spring. Also, with visible deformations, you can carry out a small straightening of the guides with a mallet. If there is an obvious need for this, the rollers or loops are changed. To get rid of a squeak or other noise, Litol lubrication of all moving parts is used. You can also tap on the guides to make them straight.

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For a specific short circuit detection, everything is turned off: the engine, lamp, limit switches and photocells. Then turn on the drive again. If after that the fuse blows out, then you have found a short circuit and you will have to repair or replace the control board. If the fuse is intact, then the reason is hidden in those devices that are turned off.

By connecting the fuses in turn, you can find in which of the sections of the short circuit circuit. It also happens that a completely new cable is defective, and may have a short circuit between the cores. You can check the engine for performance, again using a tester.

The tester is set to "200 ohms" and the resistance between the windings is measured. If the motor is 220 V, then check the resistance between 1-2, 2-3, 1-3 contacts of the motor. In a working engine, two measurements will be the same, while the third value will be twice as large. I would like to please - engines rarely burn out.

When the drive motor makes a sound, but does not rotate, then it can be assumed that the capacitor is faulty or the wire at the capacitor contact is broken, which is more often than a breakdown.

Transformers burn more often, since voltage drops in the network are not uncommon for us. Systems with 24V motors are particularly affected by this. To check the voltage, the windings are called, and if the result is negative, the transformer is changed to a similar one.

Garage door automation repair

With the diodes on the board glowing, a burnt-out receiver may be the cause of a malfunction. You will need to replace the receiver or install an external receiver. There are options when you can limit yourself to reprogramming.

In addition, check all connection pins, jumpers, board alignment, and other settings. Often the cause of failure is poor contact in the socket, or even a wire that has fallen out of the socket.

Key in the unlock cover

Please note that there are drives where limit switches are installed that block the movement of the mechanism when the unlock cover is not closed with a key. The structure should be carefully inspected.

A common problem is the movement of the gate in only one direction, most often the panel only opens. It happens that the problem lies in inoperative photocells. They can become covered with frost, snow, mud, fail, or their orientation towards each other can go astray.

It is easy to check the accuracy of the setting. The photocells will click softly when an obstacle appears between them. If you don't hear clicks, check if one of the reasons listed above is present. If you want to turn off the photocells completely, you can install an appropriate jumper on the control unit, which will block their operation.

Another reason for a failure in normal operation may be a burned out engine control relay or incorrect settings of additional sensors.

Sliding gates have problems with limit switches due to their failure, leading to jamming of the curtain. This happens when the mechanical limit switch freezes or falls off, or due to incorrectly adjusted switches. The height, distance, or angle of attack may be incorrectly set.

The way out is simple - the toothed rack is unscrewed, the drive is unblocked and the gate is moved to the required position.

Mechanical breakdowns are rare. This occurs in drives with plastic gears. In this case, you will have to replace the worn out part, and preferably with a metal one.

Pocket control panels for automation

It doesn't matter if you lost your pocket PU, in this case it is easy to fix the matter. Buy a new one and do everything that you did during the initial setup. You can also copy the program from your normally operating PU.

As a result, we can conclude that each drive is repaired, but sometimes difficulties arise with spare parts. Almost any spare part can be made to order, and electronics are brought back to life by replacing failed boards. The only obstacle is the cost of repairs, sometimes it is cheaper to install a new device. We wish you to work without problems!

Repair of sectional doors is necessary when breakdowns of varying degrees and nature are detected. System malfunctions are resolved through diagnostics and error correction. In the wizard process:

change parts that are out of order;

adjust the degree of tension of springs and cables;

clean and lubricate movable components;

set up automation.

Photo No. 1: Initial stage of sectional door repair - system health diagnostics

Before starting work, experts assess how correctly the guide rails, the belt and the automation were originally installed. The flaps should be straight upright and flush against the frame. The permissible size of the slots is no more than 5 mm.

Repair of garage sectional works is required after system malfunctions due to intensive operation, exposure to moisture and precipitation, impacts, etc. Usually, craftsmen note the following types of breakdowns.

Rope breakage or stretching usually occurs for the following reasons:

wear of parts during intensive operation of the system;
mechanical damage due to sudden loads;
incorrect installation of the canvas, which, when moving, clings to rollers, hinges and fasteners;
cable wear when winding on a drum with broken grooves, chips, dust;
damage to the cable when it comes into contact with faulty pulleys.

Photo # 2: A damaged cable usually needs to be replaced

Automatic sectional doors, when the cables are stretched, are repaired according to the following scheme. First, specialists find and eliminate the cause of the damage, replace the cable and balance the torsion bar. Then the automation is programmed.

The following system problems lead to loose or broken springs:

wear during long-term operation;
irregularity of preventive examinations and maintenance;
operation of the fence under aggressive external influences (in conditions of high humidity and critical temperatures);
failure of the coupling.

Photo No. 3: When the spring is loosened, it must be balanced.

To correct the problem, specialists balance the spring (or replace it when balancing is not possible), and then repair the coupling.

Repair of Dorhan and Alutech sectional doors in the presence of a faulty remote control system is usually required for the following reasons:

the remote control battery is dead;
the radio is out of order;
the electronic circuit of the key fob is worn out;
damaged electrical wiring.

Photo No. 4: If the gate does not rise when the remote control is clicked, look for a malfunction in the automation

In the process, specialists check the key and receiver, test the condition of the electrical wiring, change the failed components and configure the system.

If the flaps do not rise and fall automatically, the cause of the failure is usually:

broken electric drive;
lack of voltage in the mains;
faulty remote control, radio receiver;
set manual control mode.

To correct the problem, the masters check whether the automatic mode is enabled, whether there is voltage in the mains, whether the drive and parts of the control system are working properly. If malfunctions are found, specialists carry out repairs or prompt replacement of defective elements.

Photo No. 5: The gate leaves do not open automatically

It is not uncommon to call foremen when solving other problems. These include:

noise when raising / lowering the sash, caused by dust on the guides or wear of moving parts;
breakdowns of the gearbox, shaft, drum (often require a complete replacement);
deformation of guide rails;
damaged canvas panels.

The price of repairing a sectional door depends on the nature of the breakdown, the workshop policy and the complexity of the activities. In different companies that operate in Moscow and the region, the following rates apply.

Urgent repair of sectional doors usually costs more than planned and / or preventive measures. The amounts are indicated taking into account the cost of materials. The company "Masterovit" offers repair service for sectional doors only for the warranty situations listed in the service contract.

Do-it-yourself repair of sectional doors is possible if the problem is not serious. Before restoring the system to work, the owner can carry out diagnostics, which will require simple tools:

multimeter;
a set of Phillips and straight screwdrivers;
set of wrenches;
level and tape measure.

Timely monitoring of the mechanisms to avoid the cost of repair and replacement of components. Let's list the main problems and ways to solve them.

Photo No. 6: The garage door is moved vertically

It can move the garage door due to damage to the guides, a faulty coupler, stretching or rupture of the cable. With a slight deformation, the owner himself can straighten the guides, tighten or replace the cables, and restore the coupling.

Repair of sectional doors "Alutech" and "Dorhan" involves sealing the gaps between the leaves and the frame. To eliminate drafts, you can use rubber bands, concrete mix, or a nylon brush. It is most logical to fix the material on both sides. Polyurethane foam is not suitable for filling gaps, as it degrades in the open air.

Damaged panels are just the case when you need to evaluate your strength before repairing. If such structures were previously installed, you can get to work. Otherwise, it is better to trust the professionals. Scheme of actions for replacing the panel:

raise the canvas by 30-50 cm and tie the brackets of the last loop to the guides;
turn the shaft to loosen the cables;
unblock the drive and lock the gate;
replace the panel.

Photo no. 7: Damaged bottom panel of a sectional door

When finished, follow the steps in reverse order.

Repair of sectional doors with Came automation may also be required when the torsion springs are stretched. To return them to the correct position, proceed as follows:

check that the markings on the spring are in a straight line;
secure the sashes by placing a clamp on the shaft;
place the tension rod in the adjusting hole at the end of the spring and turn it a quarter turn;
place the second tension rod in another adjustment hole, remove the first rod while turning the second one a quarter of a turn;
repeat steps 3 and 4 until the spring is fully tensioned;
fasten the tensioned spring to the shaft by inserting the key and fixing the bolts;
remove the tension rods;
check the RPM on the marking strip.

Image no. 1: Torsion spring tension diagram

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After that, it is necessary to remove the clamps and check the operation of the system. If the blade is out of balance, reduce the spring tension by one turn.

You can open sectional doors without a key in case of emergencies (power outages, system breakdowns) using the emergency unlocking system. The mechanism is a special cord that allows you to manually unlock the gate.

Photo No. 8: An emergency unlocking system is provided for the autonomous opening of the gate

When the cord is pulled, the release hooks on the chain carriages will be activated and the blade will rise.To close, it is enough to return the cord to its original position, after which the gate will lower again. Additional methods of unlocking the system include a chain reducer, a handle with a lock and a knob.

You can buy a gate, order their preventive examination and repair in the Masterovit company.

Sliding gates are modern fences, the design of which, in most cases, is simple and reliable. Nevertheless, even these functional and practical devices sometimes fail. Today we will talk about the most common sliding gate malfunctions and how to fix them.

The need to repair the gate may arise when the following unpleasant phenomena appear:

uneven movement of the gate leaf;
the door leaf moves in jerks or stops;
the mechanism jams;
door operation is accompanied by extraneous sounds or the drive works very loudly;
the gate leaf does not close correctly, that is, it does not fall into the "traps" in the closed position.

In general, the sliding or sliding system of such automatic gates operates on the principle of rolling the door leaf to the left or to the right due to the force developed by the drive motor.

Therefore, there may also be such malfunctions as the impossibility of closing the door leaf after opening it, or the absolute immobility of the system.

In the first case, the cause of the malfunction is inoperative photocells or knocked down end positions, in the second - damage to the rollers, malfunction of the control unit, failure of the drive gearbox. Other causes include a change in the position of the toothed rack, debris or ice getting inside the guide rail.

The most common examples of failures in a sliding gate system are:

the impossibility of closing or opening such gates;
lack of response to commands from the remote control;
failure of the control device;
mechanical damage to the door leaf;
complete failure of the system to make any movements when the drive is running.

The likely factors behind these problems are:

refusal in the operation of the control unit;
failure of end switches of safety elements;
breakage of the supporting gate rollers;
failure of the gearbox on the electromechanical drive;
low oil content when using a hydraulic drive;
wear of the drive gear;
curvature / contamination of the supporting beam;

support rollers stopper or mechanical changes in the foundation;
blown fuse;
failure of the electric motor and step-down transformer system;
breakdown of the control board and incorrect adjustment of the electric drive.

If there is no response to commands from the remote control, the most likely options are a wiring fault or a dead battery in the control panel. These problems can be easily rectified with the replacement of the corresponding elements. A worn-out remote control (or buttons on it) can be replaced at specialized stores or institutions.

It is better to entrust the repair of sliding gates (including swing or sectional automatic gates) to the appropriate service centers.

It is almost impossible to eliminate the malfunction with your own hands for the vast majority of owners of such systems due to their rather high technological complexity.

To eliminate the above problems, the service center specialists will check the receiver, remote control and wiring, replace the elements and adjust them, check the photocells and correct the wiring, test the operation of the switch and the control unit.

To correct irregularities in the operation of the mechanical part, qualified craftsmen will check the gearbox and the amount of oil in it, inspect the structure for oil leaks, check the movement of the support rollers and the condition of the supporting beam, the presence of deviations of the fence from the horizontal and the so-called nod when moving, inspect the gear rack and the leading gear. If necessary, they will repair or replace the gearbox, oil, pinion and adjust the rack.

You should be aware that the replacement of the supporting beam on site is not performed, since it can be caused by high temperatures during welding.

If the sliding gates are damaged due to mechanical impact, such as a collision with a car or displacement of the soil under the foundation of the gate, specialists will face the problem of checking the beam for deformation and horizontal barriers. If necessary, during the work, it is possible to replace the door casing, add soil, dismantle and replace the supporting beam, which can only be performed under production conditions for the above reason.

In order to avoid possible damage to the sliding automatic gate, some tricks should be observed during operation.

By observing them, you will reduce the likelihood of breakage to a minimum, thereby the structure will last longer:

Vehicles should be driven through the fully open gate leaves.
Make sure that there are no foreign objects in the movement sector and the mechanism.
Pay attention to the sound that the gate makes when opening / closing, as strange sound effects can be a sign of a problem.
To prevent malfunctions, regular lubrication of the moving door elements is required at a frequency, for example, once every 3 months. For prophylactic purposes, a special agent should be applied to a previously cleaned surface.

Another way to prevent malfunctions is to adjust the door leaf. This manipulation, in contrast to the lubrication performed by the owner himself, must be carried out by professional specialists.
The owner should pay attention to a diagnostic inspection of the gate once a year. This simple and regular procedure will allow you to keep such a gate in proper quality and, if something happens, contact the service on time. Proper care will allow you to operate the structure for a long time.

The gate must be kept clean and, in winter conditions, must be constantly free of ice or snow. Particular attention should be paid to the surface of the gear rack and the rollback working area. The work of the structure should not be interfered with by foreign objects, for example, logs or embankments.
It should be noted that the condition of electrical wiring and cables should be monitored. They must be insulated from rain. It is advisable to firmly fix their position in order to maintain integrity. If any elements of automation are found to be worn, they should be immediately replaced with new ones.

From time to time, it is necessary to tighten the loosened nuts of the structure, and a stabilizer should be used to protect the power grid from voltage surges. When installing electromagnetic limit switches, their safety should be monitored.

In conclusion, we can conclude that it is better to entrust the repair work of sliding structures to specialists professionally engaged in the production and installation of such structures. Sometimes independent mechanical interventions can lead to undesirable results up to the failure of the entire system.

You can watch the process of repairing sliding gates in the following video.

Sliding gates are among the most functional and economically justified types of structures, which determines their high popularity.The service life of sliding gates is practically unlimited, since there are no fragile and easily breakable elements in their design. Their device is simple and practical, so it seems that there should be no breakdowns.The load-bearing structural elements of such gates and their curtain are made of wear-resistant materials, and the need to repair automatic sliding gates is extremely rare. Automation of the drive of the leaves of such gates is also not difficult. However the electric drive and the automation that controls it can become their vulnerability.In a normal cycle, sliding gates work as follows:

According to the signal sent from the control device, the gate drive electric motor drives the reduction gear, which interacts with the rack, to rotate. Due to the latter, the torque from the gear is converted into the movement of this rack. It is rigidly connected to the gate leaf.

After this leaf reaches the end position, the limit switches are turned on. They give a signal to turn off the electric motor.

Closing the gate is reversed, but another protective system is triggered. It consists of photocells that prevent the gate from closing when an obstacle in the form of a person, a pet or a passing car appears in their opening.

All action of the gate automation is aimed at creating conditions for their safe operation and excluding the possibility of injury to people and damage to vehicles.So in the event of malfunctions in the functioning of the signal sensors, the gate stops. This is also facilitated by false positives in the protection system. The gate may not open at all, it moves in jerks, does not open or does not close completely.

Video (click to play).

Breakdown options:

If the gate refuses to open at all, then this happens for two reasons. They are the presence of failures in the control systemwhen there is no transmission or reception of a signal and failures in the operation of the locking sensor. The gate drive is blocked when the system does not receive a "locked" signal when the gate leaf is closed. In this case, it is necessary to make sure that the locking sensor is in good working order and replace it in the event of a malfunction.

Another malfunction may be breakdown of the control system sensor, which is detected by the absence of a click from the relay inside this sensor when a signal is received from the key fob. In other words, the sensor is faulty if there is no such click.