Foo - Using Wheel Bearing Grease on Garage Door Opener Drive Screw

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kmcrawford111
08-30-07, 02:46 PM
I have a Genie Excelerator garage door opener. It has a screw drive. Having a problem with it (somehow the wires got pulled out of the close limit switch), I finally got around to reading the manual. It suggests re-greasing the drive screw yearly, but "ONLY" with their lubricant, called GLU-3. I found some specifications for it here:

http://www.amazon.com/Garage-Door-Opener-Lube-GLU-3/dp/B000H5WK4C

The thing is, I already have a 1-lb. tub of Mag1 Hi-Temp Disc Brake Wheel Bearing Grease (bought for repacking my bike's hubs) that I may never use up in my lifetime. I can't find my receipt for the opener, so I may not be able to get warranty service anyway. My only concern about using the wheel bearing grease is that the GLU-3 is rated to -30 degrees F. I'm not certain if the wheel bearing grease is rated for that low of a temperature, but I would think that a car would be even more exposed to cold than the opener is.

It seems to me that the wheel bearing grease would be fine, and if it'll work, I'd rather use it instead of having to buy something else. I know there are some folks here that know their grease more than I do, though. What do you think?

dragracer
08-30-07, 03:03 PM
For what it's worth, if that's all I had, I'd use it.
CliftonGK1
08-30-07, 03:37 PM
My only concern about using the wheel bearing grease is that the GLU-3 is rated to -30 degrees F. I'm not certain if the wheel bearing grease is rated for that low of a temperature, but I would think that a car would be even more exposed to cold than the opener is.

Does your garage ever get down to -30*F? Seriously, you're talking about engine block heater, battery blanket, heated dipstick temperatures at that point.

DannoXYZ
08-31-07, 11:23 AM
I find what works well is the marine boat-trailer bearing grease. The sticky blue stuff. And I mix in a little graphite powder as well. The tackiness keeps the screw better lubricated as it's pulled back in after the slider goes through and pushes the grease out of the way. The graphite also ensures continued lubrication after the grease is finally scraped away.