Replacing a garage door spring is a task that many homeowners hesitate to tackle on their own, mainly because it can seem complex and potentially dangerous. However, if you are equipped with the right tools, safety knowledge, and step-by-step instructions, you can successfully complete this project without the need to call a professional. Learning how to replace garage door spring yourself can save both time and money while giving you the satisfaction of a job well done.
Garage door springs play a crucial role in lifting and lowering the heavy garage door, making it easier to open and close. Over time, these springs can wear out or break, making it difficult or impossible to operate the door. In this guide, we will take you through the entire process of replacing a garage door spring, ensuring you do it safely and correctly. From understanding the type of springs used in garage doors to a step-by-step replacement process, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know.
Understanding Garage Door Springs
Before diving into the replacement process, it’s essential to understand the different types of garage door springs. The two main types are torsion springs and extension springs. Knowing which type of spring your garage door uses is crucial, as the replacement process varies slightly depending on the spring type.
Torsion Springs
Torsion springs are the most common type found in modern garage doors. They are mounted horizontally above the garage door opening and work by twisting to store energy when the door is closed. When the door opens, the springs unwind, releasing energy to assist in lifting the door. Torsion springs come in various sizes and strengths to match the weight of different garage doors.
Extension Springs
Extension springs are typically found on older garage doors and are mounted along the sides of the garage door tracks. These springs stretch and contract as the door closes and opens, providing the necessary force to move the door. While less common than torsion springs, extension springs are still used in some garage door setups.
Tools and Safety Precautions for Replacing Garage Door Springs
Replacing garage door springs involves handling high-tension components, making safety a top priority. Before attempting this repair, having the right tools and following strict safety protocols is essential to prevent accidents.
Required Tools
- Two winding bars (specifically for torsion springs): These are used to safely wind and unwind the tension in torsion springs.
- Adjustable wrench: For loosening and tightening bolts on brackets and other hardware.
- Socket wrench set: Helps in removing nuts and bolts with various sizes and ensures a secure fit while tightening.
- Vice grips or C-clamps: Used to lock the garage door in place and prevent unexpected movement.
- Safety glasses and gloves: To protect eyes and hands from debris and potential injury while handling high-tension springs.
- Ladder: Required to reach the garage door’s upper components safely.
- Tape measure: For measuring the old spring to ensure the correct replacement size.
- Marker or chalk: Used to mark torsion shaft positions and other alignment points before disassembly.
- Replacement spring(s): Make sure to select the right size and type that matches the garage door specifications.
Safety Precautions
- Disconnect the Garage Door Opener: Before starting the replacement process, disconnect the garage door opener. This prevents any accidental operation that could cause injury while you are working on the door.
- Lock the Door in Place: Use vice grips or C-clamps to secure the garage door in its fully open position. This prevents the door from moving unexpectedly, which could be dangerous when you are adjusting or replacing the springs.
- Wear Safety Gear: Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from potential flying debris and gloves to safeguard your hands while handling springs under tension.
- Use Proper Tools: Only use winding bars specifically designed for adjusting torsion springs. Using improper tools like screwdrivers can lead to slipping, loss of control, and severe injury.
- Inspect the Work Area: Ensure the work area around the garage door is clear of obstacles and debris to avoid tripping or accidents.
- Release Tension Slowly: When unwinding the old torsion springs, do so slowly and in small increments. Never release the tension all at once, as this could cause a sudden and dangerous release of energy.
- Seek Professional Help if Unsure: If you are uncertain about the procedure or your ability to complete the job safely, it’s best to contact a professional. Garage door springs are under extreme tension, and mishandling them can lead to serious injury.
By gathering the correct tools and strictly following safety measures, you can replace garage door springs efficiently while minimizing the risk of accidents.
How to Replace Garage Door Spring: Step-by-Step Guide
The replacement process differs slightly depending on whether you are dealing with torsion springs or extension springs. This guide primarily focuses on replacing torsion springs, as they are more common in modern garage doors. If your door uses extension springs, the process will vary, but the safety precautions and some steps are similar.
1. Measure the Old Spring
Before purchasing a replacement spring, you need to measure the existing spring to ensure you get the correct size and type. For torsion springs, measure the length, wire diameter, and inside diameter of the spring. Make note of the color-coding on the spring (if applicable) as this indicates its weight capacity. For extension springs, measure the length and color to determine the appropriate replacement.
2. Open the Garage Door and Secure It
Open the new garage door fully to release the tension in the springs. Once the door is open, place C-clamps or vice grips on the garage door tracks just below the bottom roller to hold the door in place. This step is critical to prevent the door from falling while you work on the springs.
3. Release the Tension in the Old Spring
For torsion springs, use a winding bar to slowly and carefully loosen the spring’s tension. Insert the winding bar into one of the holes in the winding cone and carefully turn it in the opposite direction of the spring’s tension. Hold the winding bar securely and insert a second winding bar into the next hole before removing the first one. Repeat this process until all tension is released. Be cautious during this step, as the springs are under high tension and can cause injury if mishandled.
4. Remove the Old Spring
Once the tension is released, use a socket wrench to remove the set screws that secure the torsion spring to the center bracket. Slide the spring off the torsion tube and remove it from the brackets. Repeat the process for the second spring if your garage door uses a dual-spring system.
5. Install the New Spring
Slide the new spring onto the torsion tube, ensuring it is positioned in the correct orientation. Torsion springs are usually color-coded, so make sure to install the right spring on the correct side. Attach the stationary cone of the spring to the center bracket and secure it using the set screws.
6. Wind the New Spring
Winding the new spring is the most critical and potentially dangerous part of the process. Insert the winding bar into the winding cone and rotate it in the direction specified for your spring type (usually away from the door). After making the first turn, insert the second winding bar into the next hole before removing the first one. Repeat this process until the spring is properly wound, typically 30-36 quarter turns, depending on the spring’s specifications. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the correct number of turns.
7. Test the Balance of the Door
After winding the spring, remove the C-clamps or vice grips from the tracks and carefully lower the garage door. The door should stay in place when halfway open. If it does not, the spring may need additional winding. If the door falls or rises, adjust the spring’s tension until the door remains balanced.
8. Reconnect the Garage Door Opener
Once the door is balanced, reconnect the garage door opener and test the door’s operation using the remote control. The door should open and close smoothly without jerking or hesitation. Listen for any unusual noises that could indicate that further adjustments are necessary.
5 Common FAQs About How to Replace Garage Door Spring
1. Is it safe to replace a garage door spring by myself?
Replacing a garage door spring can be dangerous if not done correctly, as the springs are under high tension. With the right tools, proper instructions, and safety precautions, it is possible to replace the spring safely. However, if you are unsure or uncomfortable with the process, it is best to hire a professional.
2. How do I know which garage door spring to buy?
To find the right replacement spring, measure the length, wire diameter, and inside diameter of the old spring. For torsion springs, also note the color coding. If you have an extension spring system, measure the length and color of the spring. Purchasing the correct size and type is crucial for the door’s proper operation.
3. How long does it take to replace a garage door spring?
The process of replacing a garage door spring typically takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on your experience level and the door type. Ensuring safety and accuracy is more important than speed, so take your time to complete each step correctly.
4. How often should garage door springs be replaced?
Garage door springs have a lifespan of approximately 10,000 cycles, which is about 7-10 years for most households, depending on how often the door is used. Regular maintenance, such as lubricating the springs, can help extend their lifespan.
5. Can I use just one spring for my garage door?
Most double-car garage doors require a dual-spring system for balanced lifting and reduced strain on the components. Using a single spring on a double-door system can lead to uneven wear and potential damage to the door or opener.
Conclusion
Knowing how to replace a garage door spring can be a valuable skill, potentially saving you both time and money when done correctly and safely. By familiarizing yourself with the type of springs your garage door uses and preparing the necessary tools, you can approach the replacement process with greater confidence. Prioritizing safety throughout the procedure is key, as dealing with high-tension springs can be challenging and hazardous if not handled properly.
However, if the task feels too complex or risky, it is always wise to consult a professional garage door repair service. Attempting a DIY replacement without the proper knowledge or experience could lead to further damage or injury. For a seamless, safe, and efficient spring replacement, consider reaching out to Arnold’s Garage Door Service. Their expertise ensures that your garage door will be back in working order with the utmost care and professionalism.
End Note
Arnold’s Garage Door Service, located in Alvarado, Texas, specializes in garage door repair, maintenance, and replacement. We are committed to providing exceptional service that consistently meets the needs of our valued customers. Learn more about us and explore our garage spring repair services. For urgent issues, we offer emergency garage door service. If you need repairs in the Arlington area, check out our garage door repair in Arlington, TX. Have questions? Feel free to contact us or visit our blog for more tips and insights!
