Sliding gates are reliable, but they do have a few typical issues. Here are the ones I see most, what causes them, and what you can safely check.
Gate stops partway or reverses
Likely causes: something on the track, a stiff or damaged wheel, the gate catching on a guide roller, the safety devices sensing an obstruction, or the motor's force setting reacting to extra resistance.
You can check: the track for stones, gravel, leaves or ice, and the photocells for dirt or obstructions. See diagnosing sensor issues.
Sliding Gate Faults We See Most
Most sliding gate faults come down to a handful of causes: grit or leaves in the track, worn wheels, a rack that has slipped out of mesh with the motor, or safety devices that need cleaning or realigning.
A gate that stops partway or reverses is usually reacting to a sensor or to extra resistance, so it's worth checking the track and photocells first.
If that doesn't sort it, we'll find the fault and give you a price before we start.
Sliding Gate Repairs Around Carlisle
We repair sliding gates on all the major brands, including CAME, FAAC, BFT, Nice and Beninca, whoever installed them.
Common repairs include new wheels and rack sections, motor and control board repairs, and resetting the gate's travel and force settings.
Once it's fixed, an annual service helps stop the same problems coming back.
Jerky or noisy movement
Likely causes: worn wheels or bearings, a bent or uneven track, a rack that's loose or not lined up with the motor gear, or worn guide rollers.
You can check: whether the noise comes from the wheels, the top rollers or the motor, and whether the rack looks loose. Then call me – the rack and gear meshing need adjusting by an engineer. See noisy electric gates.
Gate won't move, but the motor hums
Likely causes: the gate is jammed, the manual release is still engaged, a wheel has seized, or the motor's capacitor or gearbox has failed.
You can check: that the manual release is locked back in place, and that the gate isn't jammed against something. Don't keep pressing the remote – a motor straining against a stuck gate can burn out.
Gate doesn't stop in the right place
Likely causes: a damaged or slipped limit switch or magnet, a worn end stop, or a control board setting.
You can check: nothing, really – this needs an engineer to reset the limits.
Gate doesn't move at all
Likely causes: no power, a tripped breaker, a flat remote battery, or a control board fault. See gate won't open? and not working after a power cut.
Keeping problems away
- Keep the track clear – a quick sweep every week or two makes a large difference
- Don't let plants grow into the gate's run
- Get it serviced once a year, more for busy gates
Need your sliding gate fixed? Call or WhatsApp Adrian on 07854 037752. I repair sliding gates of all the major brands.
Questions people ask me
Why does my sliding gate stop halfway?
Normally an obstruction on the track, a stiff wheel or the safety devices. Check the track and photocells first.
Should I oil the track?
No – oil and grease on the track attract dirt. Keep it clean and dry.
How much does a sliding gate repair cost?
That depends on the fault. I'll diagnose it and give you a price first.