How to change broken spring on garage door?

Welcome to the MM Garage Door Repair Utah blog! As your trusted local garage door experts, we’re dedicated to providing you with the knowledge and resources you need to keep your garage door operating safely and efficiently. One of the most common and potentially dangerous repairs we encounter is replacing a broken garage door spring. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process, emphasizing safety precautions and offering alternatives if you’re not comfortable tackling this project yourself. Remember, your safety is our top priority!

How to Identify a Broken Garage Door Spring

Before we dive into the replacement process, let’s make sure you’ve correctly identified a broken spring. Here are some telltale signs:

• The garage door is difficult or impossible to open, even manually.
• You hear a loud bang coming from the garage.
• You notice a visible gap in the spring, indicating a break.
• The garage door opens unevenly or crookedly.
• The garage door suddenly slams shut.

If you observe any of these signs, it’s highly likely that you have a broken garage door spring. Continuing to operate the door with a broken spring can cause further damage and pose a significant safety risk.

Safety First The Most Important Step

Replacing a garage door spring is a dangerous task that should only be attempted by experienced individuals with the proper tools and knowledge. Garage door springs are under immense tension, and mishandling them can result in serious injury or even death. If you’re not comfortable with this level of risk, we strongly recommend contacting MM Garage Door Repair Utah for professional assistance. Call us at 801-418-9217.

Safety Precautions:

• Never attempt to replace a garage door spring without proper training and experience.
• Always wear safety glasses and gloves.
• Never stand directly in the path of the spring during installation or removal.
• Disconnect the garage door opener from the power source.
• Secure the garage door with clamps or locking pliers to prevent it from falling.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

If you’re confident in your abilities and have taken the necessary safety precautions, here’s a list of tools and materials you’ll need:

• New garage door spring (matching the original in size and type)
• Winding bars (typically ½ inch diameter and 18 inches long)
• Safety glasses
• Gloves
• Adjustable wrench
• Vice grips or locking pliers
• Ladder
• Marker or tape

Important Note: Ensure you purchase the correct replacement spring. The spring’s size, wire gauge, and length must match the original. Incorrect springs can lead to improper door operation and potential safety hazards.

Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing a Garage Door Spring

Step 1: Secure the Garage Door

Before you begin, ensure the garage door is completely closed. Use vice grips or locking pliers to clamp the track just above the bottom roller on both sides of the door. This will prevent the door from accidentally opening while you’re working on the spring.

Step 2: Loosen the Set Screws

Locate the set screws on the winding cone (the metal piece at the end of the spring). Use an adjustable wrench to loosen these screws. Do not remove them completely.

Step 3: Insert the Winding Bars

Insert one winding bar into the bottom hole of the winding cone. Hold the bar firmly and loosen the set screws further. Insert the second winding bar into the top hole of the winding cone. Make sure both bars are securely in place.

Step 4: Unwind the Spring

Carefully and slowly unwind the spring by lifting the bottom winding bar. As you lift, the spring will unwind. Repeat this process, alternating between the two winding bars, until the spring is completely unwound. This is the most dangerous part of the process, so proceed with extreme caution.

Step 5: Remove the Old Spring

Once the spring is fully unwound, loosen the set screws completely and carefully remove the winding bars. Slide the old spring off the torsion tube.

Step 6: Install the New Spring

Slide the new spring onto the torsion tube, ensuring it’s oriented correctly (the winding cone should be on the same side as the original spring). Secure the winding cone with the set screws, but don’t tighten them completely yet.

Step 7: Wind the New Spring

Insert one winding bar into the bottom hole of the winding cone. Hold the bar firmly and insert the second winding bar into the top hole. Now, you need to wind the spring. The number of turns required depends on the height of your garage door (typically around 7.5 turns for a standard 7-foot door). Use a marker or tape to keep track of the number of turns.

Step 8: Secure the Spring

Once you’ve wound the spring the correct number of turns, tighten the set screws securely. Remove the winding bars carefully.

Step 9: Repeat for the Other Spring (If Necessary)

If you have two torsion springs, repeat the process for the other spring.

Step 10: Test the Garage Door

Remove the vice grips or locking pliers from the track. Carefully test the garage door by opening and closing it manually. It should move smoothly and evenly. If it doesn’t, re-check your work and make any necessary adjustments.

Troubleshooting Tips

Door is still difficult to open: Double-check the spring tension. You may need to add or subtract a quarter turn to the spring.

Door opens unevenly: Ensure both springs are wound equally. Adjust the tension on one spring to match the other.

Spring makes noise: Lubricate the spring with a garage door lubricant.

FAQs About Garage Door Spring Replacement

How long do garage door springs last?

Garage door springs typically last between 5 and 10 years, depending on usage and maintenance.

Can I replace just one spring?

While it’s possible, we highly recommend replacing both springs at the same time. This ensures balanced operation and prevents the other spring from breaking soon after.

How much does it cost to have a professional replace my garage door spring?

The cost varies depending on the type of spring and the labor involved. Contact MM Garage Door Repair Utah for a free estimate.

Final Solution

Replacing a broken garage door spring is a complex and potentially dangerous task. While this guide provides a detailed overview of the process, we strongly recommend seeking professional assistance from MM Garage Door Repair Utah. Our experienced technicians have the expertise and equipment to safely and efficiently replace your garage door spring, ensuring the proper operation and safety of your garage door system.

Safety Note: Remember, garage door springs are under extreme tension. Improper handling can lead to serious injury or death. If you’re not comfortable with any part of this process, please call us immediately.

Don’t risk your safety or the integrity of your garage door. Let the experts at MM Garage Door Repair Utah handle your garage door spring replacement. Contact us today for a free consultation and estimate. We’re here to help you keep your garage door operating smoothly and safely. Give us a call at 801-418-9217 or visit our website at mmgaragedoorrepair.com. Let us spring into action for you!