How to replace spring on overhead 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. Today, we’re tackling a common but potentially dangerous task: replacing garage door springs. While we always recommend professional assistance, we understand some homeowners prefer to tackle DIY projects. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of the process, but please remember that working with garage door springs can be extremely hazardous. Your safety is our top priority, so if you’re uncomfortable with any of these steps, please don’t hesitate to call us at 801-418-9217 or visit mmgaragedoorrepair.com.

Understanding Garage Door Springs

Garage door springs are responsible for counterbalancing the weight of your garage door, making it easy to open and close. There are two main types of garage door springs: torsion springs and extension springs. Torsion springs are mounted above the garage door opening, while extension springs are located along the sides of the door, running parallel to the tracks. This guide primarily focuses on torsion spring replacement, as it’s the more common type. Extension spring replacement follows similar safety principles, but the specific steps differ. If you have extension springs, we highly recommend consulting a professional due to the inherent dangers involved.

Safety First A Critical Warning

Before we proceed, let’s emphasize the critical importance of safety. Garage door springs are under immense tension, and mishandling them can result in serious injury or even death. If you’re not experienced with garage door repair, or if you’re unsure about any step in this process, please call MM Garage Door Repair Utah at 801-418-9217. We’re here to help! Never attempt to replace a garage door spring without the proper tools and knowledge. Always wear safety glasses and gloves. And never, ever stand directly in the path of a spring that is under tension.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

To replace a garage door spring safely and effectively, you’ll need the following tools and materials:

• New garage door spring(s) – Ensure you have the correct size and type for your door.
• Winding bars – These are essential for safely winding and unwinding the torsion springs.
• Safety glasses
• Work gloves
• Adjustable wrench
• Socket set
• Vice grips or C-clamps
• Ladder
• Marker or tape

Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Torsion Springs

Now, let’s walk through the process of replacing torsion springs. Remember to proceed with extreme caution and prioritize your safety at all times.

Step 1: Secure the Garage Door

The first step is to ensure the garage door is completely closed. Use vice grips or C-clamps to secure the door to the tracks. This will prevent the door from accidentally opening while you’re working on the springs.

Step 2: Loosen the Set Screws

Locate the set screws on the spring’s winding cone. These screws hold the spring in place. Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the set screws on both the left and right sides of the spring. Do not remove them completely at this stage.

Step 3: Unwind the Old Spring

This is the most crucial and potentially dangerous step. Insert one winding bar into the bottom hole of the winding cone. Hold the winding bar firmly and loosen the set screws further. Then, carefully insert the second winding bar into the top hole of the winding cone. Use the bottom winding bar to slowly unwind the spring, one quarter turn at a time. Alternate between the two winding bars, ensuring the spring is unwinding evenly. This process releases the tension in the spring. Repeat until the spring is fully unwound.

Step 4: Remove the Old Spring

Once the spring is fully unwound, carefully remove the winding bars. Loosen the set screws completely and slide the old spring off the torsion tube. Be mindful of the spring’s weight and handle it with care.

Step 5: Install the New Spring

Slide the new spring onto the torsion tube, ensuring it’s oriented correctly. The winding cone should be facing outwards. Tighten the set screws slightly to hold the spring in place.

Step 6: Wind the New Spring

This is the reverse of the unwinding process. Insert one winding bar into the top hole of the winding cone. Hold the winding bar firmly and use the second winding bar to wind the spring, one quarter turn at a time. The number of turns required will depend 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. Consult your garage door’s manual or contact us for specific recommendations.

Step 7: Secure the Spring

Once the spring is fully wound, tighten the set screws securely. Remove the winding bars carefully.

Step 8: Repeat for the Other Spring (If Applicable)

If your garage door has two torsion springs, repeat steps 2 through 7 for the other spring.

Step 9: Test the Garage 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, you may need to adjust the spring tension. Make small adjustments and retest until the door is properly balanced.

Final Solution

After completing all the steps, your garage door should now be functioning smoothly and safely. Double-check all connections and ensure the springs are securely fastened. If you encounter any issues or are unsure about any aspect of the process, please don’t hesitate to contact MM Garage Door Repair Utah for professional assistance.

FAQs

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

A: The best way to determine the correct spring size is to measure the old spring’s wire diameter, inside diameter, and length. You can also consult your garage door’s manual or contact us for assistance.

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

A: Garage door springs typically last for 5-10 years, depending on usage. If you notice any signs of wear or damage, such as cracks or rust, it’s time to replace them.

Q: Can I replace extension springs myself?

A: While it’s possible to replace extension springs yourself, we highly recommend professional assistance due to the inherent dangers involved. Torsion springs are generally considered more dangerous, but both types require caution.

Conclusion

Replacing garage door springs can be a challenging and potentially dangerous task. While this guide provides a comprehensive overview of the process, it’s essential to prioritize your safety at all times. If you’re uncomfortable with any of these steps, or if you’re unsure about any aspect of the process, please don’t hesitate to contact MM Garage Door Repair Utah. We’re here to provide expert assistance and ensure your garage door is operating safely and efficiently. Don’t risk injury or damage – let our experienced technicians handle the job for you. Ready to get your garage door springs replaced safely and professionally? Give us a call today at 801-418-9217 or visit mmgaragedoorrepair.com for a free quote. Let’s get your garage door back on track!