How to replace garage spring?

Welcome to the MM Garage Door Repair Utah blog! As your trusted local garage door experts, we’re dedicated to providing you with valuable information and top-notch service. Today, we’re tackling a common but potentially dangerous topic: replacing garage door springs. While it might seem like a DIY project, it’s crucial to understand the risks involved. Garage door springs are under immense tension, and improper handling can lead to serious injury. This guide is for informational purposes only. We strongly recommend contacting a professional for this repair. However, if you’re determined to proceed, please read carefully and prioritize safety above all else.

Understanding Garage Door Springs

Garage door springs are the unsung heroes of your garage door system. They provide the counterbalancing force needed to lift and lower your heavy garage door with relative ease. There are primarily two types of garage door springs: torsion springs and extension springs.

Torsion Springs: These are mounted above the garage door opening, horizontally along a torsion tube. They are wound tightly and use torque to lift the door. Torsion springs are generally considered more durable and safer than extension springs.

Extension Springs: These are located on either side of the garage door, running parallel to the horizontal tracks. They extend and contract as the door moves, providing the necessary lifting force. Extension springs are typically found on older or lighter garage doors.

Identifying the type of spring you have is the first step in understanding the replacement process. This guide will primarily focus on torsion spring replacement, as it’s the more common type. However, the safety precautions apply to both types.

Safety First A Word of Caution

Before we delve into the steps, let’s reiterate the importance of safety. Garage door springs store a tremendous amount of energy. Releasing this energy improperly can cause severe injuries, including broken bones, lacerations, and even death. If you’re not comfortable working with high-tension springs, please, please call a professional. Your safety is our top priority. MM Garage Door Repair Utah is available at 801-418-9217 to assist you.

Safety Gear: Wear safety glasses, gloves, and sturdy work boots.

Never work alone: Have a helper present to assist you and call for help if needed.

Unplug the garage door opener: This prevents accidental operation during the repair.

Use the correct tools: Using the wrong tools can lead to accidents and damage.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather all the necessary tools and materials. This will help you work efficiently and safely.

• New Garage Door Springs: Ensure you have the correct size and type of spring for your door. Measure the old springs’ length, wire size, and inside diameter. Note the wind direction (left-wound or right-wound).
• Winding Bars: These are essential for winding and unwinding torsion springs. Use the correct size for your spring.
• Wrenches: You’ll need wrenches to loosen and tighten bolts and nuts.
• Pliers: For gripping and manipulating small parts.
• Screwdrivers: Both flathead and Phillips head screwdrivers may be needed.
• Hammer: For tapping and adjusting parts.
• Vice Grips: To hold the torsion tube in place.
• Ladder: A sturdy ladder to reach the springs.
• Safety Glasses and Gloves: As mentioned before, these are crucial for protection.

Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Torsion Springs

Step 1: Secure the Garage Door

Before you do anything else, ensure the garage door is completely closed and secured. Use vice grips or C-clamps on the tracks just below the rollers to prevent the door from accidentally opening. This is a critical safety precaution.

Step 2: Loosen the Old Springs

Insert one winding bar into the winding cone of the spring. Loosen the set screws on the winding cone. With the winding bar securely in place, carefully loosen the spring by slowly unwinding it. Use the second winding bar to secure the spring as you remove the first one. Repeat this process until the spring is fully unwound. Repeat for the other spring.

Step 3: Remove the Old Springs

Once the springs are fully unwound, loosen the bolts holding the spring assembly to the header bracket. Carefully slide the torsion tube and springs off the header bracket. Remove the old springs from the torsion tube.

Step 4: Install the New Springs

Slide the new springs onto the torsion tube, ensuring they are in the correct position (left-wound on the left, right-wound on the right). Reinstall the torsion tube and spring assembly onto the header bracket. Tighten the bolts securely.

Step 5: Wind the New Springs

This is the most critical and dangerous step. Insert one winding bar into the winding cone. Using the other winding bar, carefully wind the spring. The number of turns required depends on the height of your garage door (typically around 7-8 turns for a standard 7-foot door). Consult a professional or refer to the spring manufacturer’s instructions for the correct number of turns. Once the spring is fully wound, tighten the set screws on the winding cone.

Step 6: Secure the Cables

Ensure the lift cables are properly seated in the cable drums on either side of the torsion tube. Adjust the cables as needed to ensure the door is balanced.

Step 7: Test the Door

Remove the vice grips or C-clamps from the tracks. Carefully lift the garage door manually to test its balance. If the door is difficult to lift or falls quickly, adjust the spring tension as needed. Reconnect the garage door opener and test the door’s operation.

Final Solution

After completing all the steps, thoroughly inspect your work. Ensure all bolts are tightened, cables are properly seated, and the door operates smoothly and safely. If you encounter any issues or are unsure about any aspect of the repair, contact a professional immediately.

FAQs

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

A: Measure the old springs’ length, wire size, and inside diameter. Note the wind direction (left-wound or right-wound). You can also consult a garage door spring chart or contact a professional for assistance.

Q: How many turns do I need to wind the springs?

A: The number of turns depends on the height of your garage door. A general rule of thumb is one turn per foot of door height, plus an additional quarter turn. However, it’s best to consult a professional or refer to the spring manufacturer’s instructions.

Q: What if the door is still unbalanced after replacing the springs?

A: Adjust the spring tension by adding or removing a quarter turn at a time. Be careful not to overwind the springs. If you’re still having trouble, contact a professional.

Conclusion

Replacing garage door springs is a complex and potentially dangerous task. While this guide provides a general overview of the process, it’s not a substitute for professional expertise. If you’re not comfortable working with high-tension springs, we strongly recommend contacting MM Garage Door Repair Utah. Our experienced technicians can safely and efficiently replace your garage door springs, ensuring your door operates smoothly and safely for years to come. Don’t risk your safety or the integrity of your garage door system. Give us a call today at 801-418-9217 for a free consultation. Or, if you prefer, visit our website at mmgaragedoorrepair.com to schedule an appointment. Let us spring into action for you and get your garage door working like new! We’re not just fixing doors; we’re building trust, one spring at a time.