How to Replace Garage Door Springs: A Step-by-Step Guide

Have you ever heard a loud noise from your garage door that sounds like metal on metal? Well, it could be a sign that something's gone wrong with the torsion springs.

Replacing a garage door spring is far from a simple DIY project; in fact, it can be quite dangerous if not approached with the utmost care. If you're considering tackling this repair yourself, we strongly recommend doing a little research to learn what needs to be done.

Luckily, our team at Safety Garage Door has prepared this comprehensive step-by-step guide to arm you with knowledge on how to safely replace your torsion garage door springs so you'll know everything's in working order again!

Why You Should Check Garage Door Springs

Every homeowner should take the time to check periodically and, if needed, replace extension garage door springs. Unfortunately, these torsion springs can be very dangerous when manipulating them because of their tension and power.

A broken spring or worn-out spring, however, is a much greater risk as the door could fail to open or close properly; leaving an entrance vulnerable to theft. Additionally, a broken garage door spring can cause the opener motor to work much harder than necessary for the garage door to open and close.

Seeking professional services is strongly recommended so that safety protocols are strictly followed and you avoid any further wear-and-tear on your residential door system due to faults in the hardware.

Replacing garage door springs on your garage door can bring many benefits with convenience and security - make sure you consider it regularly!

Essential Tools for Garage Door Repair

Replacing the torsion springs on a garage door can be daunting, but with the right tools, it's a manageable process.

• Sturdy work gloves: For starters, you'll need sturdy work gloves to protect your hands.
• Firm step ladder or scaffolding: Ensure a stable platform for working at height.
• Measuring and Adjustment:
  • Adjustable pliers: Grip and manipulate various components.
  • Ruler: Measure spring dimensions and ensure accurate adjustments.
  • Measuring tape: Determine the required spring length.
• Replacement Parts:
  • Two identical sets of heavy-duty replacement garage door torsion springs: Ensure proper balance and lifting power.
• Spring Manipulation:
  • Appropriate winding bars: Safely wind and unwind torsion springs.
  • Vise grips: Securely hold components during adjustments.

How to Replace Garage Door Springs

Replacing your garage door springs is a task best left to professionals like ourselves, but if you're determined to tackle it yourself, we've got you covered as well! Make sure to exercise caution and consider professional assistance if you're unsure about any part of the process.

Step 1: Unplug the Garage Door Opener

To ensure the safety of everyone, it's essential to take precautionary measures when changing your garage door springs. Disconnecting and unplugging your garage door opener is one such step - it'll keep the door shut while you complete this tricky process.

Additionally, you should clamp the door to the track with locking pliers or a C-clamp to ensure it doesn't accidentally lift due to tension released by the torsion springs. Following these simple steps will guarantee that your garage door won't unexpectedly spring open in the middle of a repair.

Step 2: Safely Loosen Set Screws

Changing the garage door springs is an important procedure to ensure that your door is working at its best. It's important to approach this project with caution and proper safety equipment, including eye protection and leather gloves.

Before you start, loosen the set screws, while holding each spring with a winding bar. We advise you to position a sturdy ladder to the side of the torsion springs, rather than directly in front of them for safety reasons.

Then insert a winding bar into the bottom hole of the winding cone on the outside of one spring. Use a wrench to loosen the two set screws - but be sure to maintain a secure grip on the bar as it may expand violently when released. Repeat correctly for both sides before using your garage door again.

Step 3: Unwind Each Spring

Installing the torsion springs can be one of the most crucial parts when it comes to maintaining a functioning garage door. To unwind the garage door springs and ensure that your installation is done correctly, use two winding bars.

First, position the second winding bar into a hole on the winding cone at a perpendicular angle to the first. After that, turn both winding bars ¼ turn at a time until all tension is gone from both springs, continuously alternating between them for an even result.

This process is necessary for ensuring that your springs are securely installed on your garage door, giving you one less worry this season.

Step 4: Remove the Nuts and Bolts

Installing springs onto a garage door is necessary to ensure that the door opens and closes smoothly each time. After ensuring the power for the door opener has been disconnected, the first step in this process is to remove the nuts and bolts holding the current torsion springs in place.

Following this, each spring must be carefully slid toward its respective end brackets. For these final steps, a wrench should be used to safely remove the remaining two nuts and bolts for each spring cone at the center bracket. Doing this correctly helps maintain efficiency when operating your garage door.

Step 5: Remove Springs, Cables, and Cable Drums

Once the torsion tube is properly secured, the next step is to remove the torsion springs, cables, and cable drums. To get started, use locking pliers or a C-clamp to secure the torsion tube against the center bracket to keep it from shifting during the process.

Then, using a wrench, turn the set screws on both lift cable drums counterclockwise until they're fully loosened. After this is done, disconnect the lift cables from each drum and slowly slide them off of the torsion tube followed by removing the torsion springs. This process will give you easier access to start making necessary repairs.

Step 6: Measure the Length of the Relaxing Spring

Measuring the length of a relaxed spring can be tricky because taking the measurements with tension on the springs would lead to an inaccurate reading.

The best way to measure the length is to remove them and use a standard tape measure from one end of the spring to the other. Doing this ensures that you'll get an exact measurement in inches, which is necessary if you're ordering suitable replacement springs.

Keep in mind that even with accurate measurements, you won't know whether a particular spring will perform better or worse than one installed prior; nevertheless, precise measurements are integral when making a purchase.

Step 7: Measure Inside Diameter and Coil Size

Knowing the inside diameter and size of each coil on a spring is an important part of purchasing these items. To determine this accurately, start by using a tape measure to determine the inside diameter for one end of the spring.

Be sure to get an exact reading, as even slight variations can affect its performance. After you know the inside diameter, use a tape measure to measure the length of 10 coils on your spring. Then divide this figure by 10 to get the size of one coil.

Step 8: Order Replacement Springs

Replacing deteriorating springs in your home or workplace is often a necessary task that should not be avoided due to the difficulty of obtaining them.

Fortunately, ordering replacement springs has been made much simpler thanks to the advent of online stores. Using the coil size, length, and interior diameter measurements of the removed springs as your guide, browse through websites devoted to garage door spring replacement until you find a suitable item.

Additionally, when purchasing torsion springs specifically, it's paramount that you order both “left-hand” and “right-hand” versions of the same item due to the windings being differently oriented.

All in all, replacing old springs can be an easy process with research done ahead of time!

There is also a great video by Home Repair Tutor which covers this process.

How to Install New Springs

Installing new garage door springs requires precision and attention to detail. In this section, we've outlined the steps involved in replacing torsion springs. Remember, if you're unsure about any part of the process, seeking professional assistance is always the safest option.

Step 1: Place the Left Spring and Add the Cable Drum

Start by sliding the left spring onto the tube, being careful to ensure that the stationary cone faces inwards towards the center bracket. Once secure, add the cable drum, and then insert the torsion bar into the left bearing bracket. Every step is important to ensure your new springs are properly installed and your door operates safely.

Step 2: Install the Central Bearing and the Right Spring

Installing the center bearing and right spring is a necessary step to get your torsion bar up and running. Begin by sliding the torsion bar to the left, adding the center bearing, followed by sliding on the right spring. Pressing the bearing into its stationary cone should be done without fail for a secure connection. Bolts and nuts are then used to attach both of the stationary cones to the center bracket. Remember to remove any locking pliers or clamp from the center bracket before continuing onward with any further adjustments.

Step 3: Thread the Cables and Tighten the Drums

Securing your garage door lift cables correctly is essential for safe and reliable garage operation. As long as you have the right tools, it's a relatively simple process.

Begin by threading the cables and tightening the drums, then running the lift cable between the roller and doorjamb. Next, slip a lift cable stop through the cable slot on the drum and attach a pair of locking pliers to the torsion tube to secure it in place. Spin the drum to wind the cable into its grooves before tightening set screws on both sides, leaving you with one final step - don't forget to leave those locking pliers securely fastened!

When you follow these steps, you can rest assured that your garage door will be well-equipped for reliable operation and long-term functionality.

Step 4: Wind the Springs

Winding the springs is a crucial part of residential garage door maintenance that can improve its efficiency and safety. To ensure a proper result, it's important to follow the supplier's advice on the number of turns required for winding.

The process involves inserting two sets of winding bars into the winding cone, making sure they are perpendicular to each other, and turning each spring ¼ turn at a time with the bars – moving them to different holes when necessary.

After finishing one spring, you must repeat the same process for the other one. This may sound complicated but doing it will pay off in improved performance and safety in your garage doors.

Step 5: Stretch the Springs Out

Stretching the springs of your garage door is an essential part of its maintenance regimen. To stretch the springs, begin by winding them fully until there are no more slots on the cone-facing floor.

Then, leave one winding bar in the slot that is perpendicular to the ground and use a hammer to gently tap it away from the center, stretching the spring out 1⁄4 inch (0.64 cm). Be sure to do this for both sides so that it's even and balanced.

Finally, tighten each set screw using only your fingers until it contacts the torsion tube and then an additional half-turn or three-quarters of a turn but no more. Taking these measures will ensure you have taken care against distorting or puncturing your torsion tube.

Step 6: Lubricate the Springs

Maintaining your garage door springs is essential to helping them last as long as possible and provide you with optimal performance. A good way to do this is to regularly apply garage door lubricant.

To ensure maximum efficiency, it's important to do so with caution - start by sliding a grocery bag or piece of cardboard behind the spring, making sure it's protected from any spillage. Then spray each spring, wiping off any excess that may occur.

Once done on both sides, you can be assured knowing your garage door will continue running smoothly for years to come!

Step 7: Safely Remove Clamps

Now you can finally finish adjusting the torsion bar and garage door. After carefully positioning the torsion bar, it's important to ensure that the clamps or pliers used to hold them in place are removed safely and quickly.

To do this, make sure that the torsion bar has been securely placed and secured with bolts, ensuring it won't move while you remove the clamps or pliers. You can then be confident that everything is secure as you take away these items.

With this task successfully completed, you can now proceed with the precision installation of your new garage door.

Step 8: Test the Door

Starting off a garage door repair job is an intimidating task, but by following simple steps it can be done easily.

After reconnecting the opener, test the door by lifting up to 3 feet and then letting go. If the door stays in position, you've successfully installed the springs. On the other hand, if more adjustments are needed, add ¼ turn to both springs and repeat testing accordingly.

Once the spring installation is satisfactory, plug back in the garage door opener and your job will be complete!

Getting Professional Repair Help from Safety Garage Door: The Go-To Choice for Quality and Expertise

Changing your garage door springs is a simple, but important task. Taking the necessary safety precautions can help to prevent injury and property damage.

Repairing your own garage door springs can save you time and money while helping to protect your home and family from potential harm. With our step-by-step guide, we believe that anyone can give this task a try.

If you feel overwhelmed by the process or just don't have the necessary knowledge or skills, contact us at Safety Garage Door! Our experienced technicians are well versed in repairing any type of garage door spring issue quickly and safely. Don't hesitate to get in touch for all of your garage door spring repair needs! We would love to help.