How to Replace Broken Garage Door Spring
Start by closing the garage door and unplug the opener’s power cord.
The springs are an essential part of the garage door, as they aid in lowering and lifting the door. If the springs break due to wear or harsh weather, they must be replaced immediately. Replacing the springs to the garage door is a dangerous job since the springs are under pressure, so professional assistance is required—never attempt garage door spring replacement. Nevertheless, homeowners should understand what the process looks like to know if they’re receiving quality, professional service.
Measure the springs
Start by closing the garage door and unplug the opener’s power cord. If the opener is hardwired, flip the circuit breaker or remove the fuse. Assemble the tools required to change the springs. These tools include the new springs, at least two-ten-inch vise grips, an adjustable wrench, two winding bars, a sturdy ladder, a rag, sockets, and a socket wrench. Obtain the measurements of both the old and new springs. Measure both of them to ensure they have matching sizes. When obtaining the measurements, avoid touching the winding conduits on the spring ends. Measure the lengths of the new spring, its diameter, and the number of coils to establish the wire sizes.
Mark the torsion shaft
While the cables are tightly attached to the drums, make marks on the torsion shaft and the drums on either end using a marking pen or a file. These marks are of use when leveling the door to the garage after installing the new springs.
Unwind the old springs
Fit the bar correctly into one of the openings of the cone. Ensure there is a clicking sound produced when the bar strikes the core. While holding the new end of the bar, use an open-ended wrench to loosen the set screws. Upon loosening a set screw, maintain a single bar in the hole of the cone until the spring unwinds completely. Once the cone is let go of the shaft, drop the bar and allow it to rest on the top part of the garage door. Fit the next bar into the other hole. While holding a bar in each hand, elevate the rear part of the second bar to a height enough to remove the initial block from the cone. Like the first bar, lower and rest the second bar on the top part of the door to the garage. Perform the two phases once again until the spring unwinds completely.
Loosen the torsion hardware
Loosen and remove the twin bolts that hold the cones to the spring bracket. Then, remove the torsion springs by sliding them out of the upper part of the door headed for the cable drums. The cable drum’s set screws should be loosened after removing the cable from the drum.
Replace the springs
Begin by gliding the drum from the plate of the bearing. The cone, which has a larger opening, marks the rear part that is stationary, and it usually goes on first. Slither the rear part of the winding cone over the rear part of the shaft.
Homeowners must understand that this job should only be done by a professional. Garage door springs are under a high level of pressure and could cause severe injury or even be fatal if mishandled. Even when properly maintained, garage door springs do not last forever. Keep these steps in mind to understand the technician’s job when the time comes for garage door spring replacement.
Phoenician Garage Door & Repair offers full-service garage installation, repair and maintenance in Maricopa County. Emergency service available. We are licensed, bonded, and insured. Call (602) 610-0112.
