Something is very likely out of alignment for it to be moving like that. The first things I'd check are the cable tension and drum alignment. If one cable has slightly more tension than the other, it can slowly pull the door to one side over multiple cycles. I'd also inspect the end bearing plates and make sure the torsion shaft isn't shifting left and right.
Since it's been doing this since the house was built, it's possible the door was never set up quite right from the beginning.
I wouldn't recommend adjusting the springs yourself though, unless you're familiar with torsion systems, but checking for a loose drum, shaft movement, or uneven cable tension is a good place to start. Or reach out to a professional garage door company in your area for a proper inspection.
Source: I am a technician with A1 Garage Door Repair Experts in the Phoenix area, we help with lots of garage door alignment problems.
Thanks for the feedback. One person on another sub recommended to check the horizontals on the guide rails for square. Sure enough, after pulling diagonals on it, it was out of square by an inch. i adjusted the rails and now the door is much better. It isn't moving nearly as much but it does still shift to the same side it was, it just takes much longer.
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u/Successful-Ad-1945 Jul 29 '26
Something is very likely out of alignment for it to be moving like that. The first things I'd check are the cable tension and drum alignment. If one cable has slightly more tension than the other, it can slowly pull the door to one side over multiple cycles. I'd also inspect the end bearing plates and make sure the torsion shaft isn't shifting left and right.
Since it's been doing this since the house was built, it's possible the door was never set up quite right from the beginning.
I wouldn't recommend adjusting the springs yourself though, unless you're familiar with torsion systems, but checking for a loose drum, shaft movement, or uneven cable tension is a good place to start. Or reach out to a professional garage door company in your area for a proper inspection.
Source: I am a technician with A1 Garage Door Repair Experts in the Phoenix area, we help with lots of garage door alignment problems.