How to replace broken spring on garage door?

Welcome to the MM Garage Door Repair Utah blog! As your trusted local garage door experts, we often get asked about DIY repairs. One of the most common questions we receive is about replacing broken garage door springs. While we always recommend professional service for safety reasons, we understand the desire to tackle home repairs yourself. This post will guide you through the process, but please remember that garage door springs are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury or even death if handled improperly. If you’re at all uncomfortable with any of these steps, please call us at 801-418-9217 or visit mmgaragedoorrepair.com for expert assistance.

Is it Safe to Replace Garage Door Springs Yourself

Let’s be upfront: replacing garage door springs is inherently dangerous. These springs store a tremendous amount of energy, and if released unexpectedly, they can cause severe injury. We strongly advise against DIY spring replacement unless you have significant experience with garage door repair and the proper tools. Your safety is our top priority. If you’re unsure, please call MM Garage Door Repair Utah at 801-418-9217 for professional assistance.

Understanding Garage Door Springs

Before we dive into the replacement process, it’s crucial to understand the different types of garage door springs. There are two main types:

• Torsion Springs: These are mounted above the garage door opening and are typically used for heavier doors. They operate by twisting to create tension.
• Extension Springs: These are located along the sides of the garage door, running parallel to the tracks. They extend and contract to provide lift.

This guide focuses primarily on torsion spring replacement, as it’s the more common (and generally more dangerous) type. Extension spring replacement also requires caution, but the process is slightly different. If you have extension springs, please proceed with extreme care and consult additional resources.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

If you decide to proceed with replacing your torsion springs, you’ll need the following tools and materials:

• New Garage Door Springs: These must be the correct size and type for your door. Measure the old springs carefully (wire diameter, inside diameter, and length) before ordering replacements.
• Winding Bars: These are essential for safely winding and unwinding the torsion springs. Use the correct size for your springs.
• Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes from flying debris.
• Work Gloves: Protect your hands and improve your grip.
• Adjustable Wrench: For loosening and tightening bolts.
• Vice Grips: To secure the torsion tube.
• Ladder: A sturdy ladder to reach the springs.
• Marker or Tape: To mark the spring’s position.

Important Note: Using the wrong tools or springs can be extremely dangerous. Double-check that you have everything you need before starting.

Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Torsion Springs

Safety First! Disconnect the garage door opener from the power outlet before starting any work. This prevents accidental operation of the door.

Step 1: Secure the Garage Door

Manually close the garage door completely. Clamp the tracks just above the rollers with vice grips to prevent the door from accidentally opening while you’re working on the springs. This is a critical safety precaution.

Step 2: Loosen the Old Spring

Insert one winding bar into the winding cone of the broken spring. Loosen the set screws on the winding cone. With the winding bar securely in place, carefully loosen the spring by inserting the second winding bar and alternating between the two, releasing the tension slowly. Control is key here; do not let the spring unwind rapidly.

Step 3: Remove the Old Spring

Once the spring is fully unwound, remove the winding bars. Loosen the bolts holding the spring to the center bearing plate and the end bearing plate. Slide the old spring off the torsion tube.

Step 4: Install the New Spring

Slide the new spring onto the torsion tube, ensuring it’s oriented correctly (check the direction of the winding). Secure the spring to the center bearing plate and the end bearing plate with the bolts you removed earlier.

Step 5: Wind the New Spring

This is the most critical and dangerous step. Insert one winding bar into the winding cone. Using the other winding bar, wind the spring according to the manufacturer’s instructions (usually around 30-35 quarter turns for a standard 7-foot door). As you wind, make sure the spring is winding smoothly and evenly. Secure the set screws on the winding cone tightly.

Step 6: Secure the Spring and Remove the Winding Bars

Once the spring is fully wound and the set screws are tightened, carefully remove the winding bars. Ensure the spring is securely in place before removing the bars completely.

Step 7: Repeat for the Other Spring (If Necessary)

If you have two torsion springs, repeat steps 2-6 for the other spring. It’s generally recommended to replace both springs at the same time, even if only one is broken, to ensure balanced operation and prevent future failures.

Step 8: Test the Garage Door

Remove the vice grips from the tracks. Manually lift the garage door halfway and then release it. It should stay in place. If it doesn’t, the spring tension may need adjustment. Carefully adjust the tension by adding or removing quarter turns until the door is balanced. Reconnect the garage door opener and test the door’s operation. It should open and close smoothly.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with careful execution, you might encounter some issues during the spring replacement process. Here are a few common problems and potential solutions:

• Door is too heavy or too light: Adjust the spring tension by adding or removing quarter turns.
• Door is uneven: Check the alignment of the tracks and rollers. Make sure the springs are wound evenly.
• Springs are noisy: Lubricate the springs with a garage door lubricant.

FAQs About Garage Door Spring Replacement

Q: How do I know what size springs to buy?

A: Measure the wire diameter, inside diameter, and length of the old springs. You can also find this information on a sticker on the spring itself.

Q: Can I use springs from a different garage door?

A: No. Using the wrong size or type of springs can be dangerous and damage your garage door.

Q: How often should I replace my garage door springs?

A: Garage door springs typically last for 7-10 years, depending on usage. It’s a good idea to inspect them regularly for signs of wear and tear.

Final Solution

Replacing garage door springs is a complex and potentially dangerous task. While this guide provides a detailed overview of the process, we strongly recommend that you contact a professional garage door technician for assistance. MM Garage Door Repair Utah has the experience, tools, and expertise to safely and efficiently replace your garage door springs. We can also inspect your entire garage door system to identify any other potential problems and ensure that your door is operating safely and reliably.

Safety Note

Garage door springs are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury or death if handled improperly. If you are not comfortable with any of the steps outlined in this guide, please do not attempt to replace the springs yourself. Contact a qualified garage door technician for assistance.

Don’t risk your safety! Let the experts at MM Garage Door Repair Utah handle your garage door spring replacement. We offer fast, reliable, and affordable service. Call us today at 801-418-9217 for a free estimate, or visit our website at mmgaragedoorrepair.com to schedule an appointment. Let us spring into action for you – because a smoothly operating garage door is a happy garage door!