Step-by-step guide to Garage Door Springs Repair was originally published on: sfk home improvements
Introduction of Garage Door Spring Repair
These instructions for replacing garage door torsion springs are meant for homeowners who prefer DIY repairs. If one of your torsion springs has broken and you’re looking for instructions to change the springs safely and correctly, then these instructions should help. The first thing to remember is not to open or close the garage door if you notice the springs are broken as garage doors are very heavy and any movement will probably damage the opener.
There are some things you need to know about your garage doors before you decide to buy new springs.
- The weight of your garage door
- The torsion spring dimensions
- The model and size of the garage door you own
- The track radius
- The cable drum number
Getting Started
Tools you’re going to need
- Safety glasses to keep your eyes protected
- Winding Bars – It is very important to have proper winding bars to wind the garage springs safely.
- A set of vice grips to help you set the cable
- Wrenches and sockets
- You’ll also need a firm ladder, a ruler and a file
It is also imperative to make sure that your garage is well-lit and that the garage door springs repair doesn’t happen while the garage door is left open.
Measure the old and new garage door springs
Measure both sets of springs to make sure you have identical springs. Make sure you don’t touch the winding cones on the end of the springs as sometimes torsion springs spin just from touching them.
Mark Torsion Shaft
Making sure that the cables are still tight on the drums, mark the torsion shaft and the drums at both ends with a file. If both springs are broken, wrap the cables around both the drums and then make the marks. These markings are extremely important as you will need them to level the door after the torsion springs are installed.
Unwind old springs
Now unwind the old spring that is not broken. For this, use winding bars that are at least 18 inches long and not screwdrivers. Make sure the winding bars fit perfectly into the winding cones. It is recommended that the winding bars are marked with tape first. To do this, insert the bar into the winding cone and then tape the bar. It is now time to unwind the old spring.
Loosen Torsion Hardware
Loosen first and then remove the bolts that secure the torsion cones to the spring bracket. Slide the springs out over the top of the garage door. Loosen the set screws on the drum above the left side of the garage door until the drum turns freely and then remove the cable from the drum. Do the same for the other side.
Replace springs
First slide the drum away from the bearing plate. Pull the shaft to the right until it slides out of the bearing. Repeat on the other side. Inspect the bearing and then lubricate it. Next remove the cable drums. Now slide on new springs. Reinstall the cable drum and slide the shaft back into the bearings.
Reinstall Torsion Hardware
Slide the drum on the shaft and then the shaft into the bearings aligning with the marks made earlier. After inserting the cables, make sure you pull down the drum to tighten the cable. Then secure the torsion springs in the middle. Wind the spring up. Carefully test the screws then by pulling down on the bar. Make sure that the door stays on the floor when you raise the bar.
Check and lubricate the door.
Check the door balance by open the garage door slowly. Then oil the springs with viscous oil. Now the opener can be engaged again and your door is ready to be used.
All this said replacing garage door springs is extremely dangerous and could cause injury and/or damage to property. If you have any doubts about your ability to change these springs safely, do call a qualified technician.
