How to Repair Garage Door Springs

The most common garage door problem that people face is broken or damaged springs. And as a result of this, the garage door does not open and close. Identifying a garage door spring problem is very easy, which can be done by just taking a glance at the springs. However, the repairs and replacement of the springs are slightly difficult to handle. Also, you must be careful while trying to raise the door manually when the spring is broken. When the spring breaks, the door muscles accompanying it make the repairs even more difficult. Therefore, a professional repairman is always recommended to repair the springs. But taking certain precautions and following proper instructions can help you ensure a proper garage door spring repair and replacement. Here is how it is done. 

1. Types of Garage Door Springs 

Garage door springs are of two types; the first one is the tension spring, while the other is the torsion spring. Both of these have the same functionality: to lift the door while opening and closing and to maintain a smooth balance. Or, in other words, to act as counterweights. 

• Tension spring 

Placed on the top of a horizontal garage door track, tension springs act perpendicular to the garage door.

• Torsion spring 

The torsion spring is usually located in the center of the garage door running parallel to the garage door’s opening. 

2. Signs of Broken Garage Door Springs 

Before you start fixing your garage door springs, find out why the door won’t open. If your garage door isn’t opening, it doesn’t always mean that the springs are broken. Several other reasons can be behind it, and not all of them require calling a professional company for repairs. If you want to figure out whether there is a spring problem or not, there are two ways for it. 

• The door opener’s motor is working, but the garage door isn’t moving. In other words, the opener resists the door to move upwards. 
• When you hear loud noises, for example, rattling or cracking.

3. Safety Considerations When Repairing or Replacing Garage Door Springs 

If your garage door is suspected of having damaged springs, make sure you don’t disconnect the opener from it. If you do this, the door may collapse at almost full weight, and there may be no way to avoid it. It is a very critical situation that can lead to serious consequences. Also, if you are sure that springs are broken, it isn’t safe to leave the door opened. It is because anyone can try to close the door without noticing the problem. However, if you want to keep the door opened while repairs are being done, block the door tracks. This will prevent the door’s motion, and you can then disconnect the opener. Keep out of the way of the door to avoid getting injured. However, you can call some good helpers to hold the door when removing it from the operator. Meanwhile, if you are manually closing the door, do it carefully. There are some precautions that you can follow:

• Keep the children away from the garage door while it is getting repaired. 
• Wear proper gloves and keep your distance away from the door sections. 
• Do not try to repair the door all by yourself. Seek guidance from an expert or a professional garage door repairman.
• Frequent visual inspection of the door is important to ensure that it functions properly.

4. Equipment You Need to Repair Worn Out Springs 

Repairing or replacing worn-out garage door springs isn’t easy, and you will need certain tools for it. Here is what should be present in your toolbox for spring repairs or replacements. 

• At least 6 feet long step ladder (Folding)
• Winding Rods/ Coiling Rods (certified winding bars are always preferred over ordinary metal rods)
• Locking Pliers 
• Socket Wrench Set 
• Drill machine (Cordless)
• Measuring Tape
• Wire Gauge
• New springs
• Lubricant

5. Preparation for Repairs 

Start the repairing procedure by closing the garage door and disconnecting the opener. Pull the hanging handle and then remove the opener. Attach one of the locking pliers to the vertical rail above the casters. It is a safety measure that prohibits the door from being lifted when a new spring is installed. 

6. Removal of the Old Spring

Once the plier is attached to the rail, it is time to remove the broken spring from the garage door.

• If the remaining spring is retaining tension, insert the coiling rod into the coiling cone and remove the retaining screw using a socket wrench. This helps in releasing the tension that is retained. 
• Keep on releasing the tension of the coiling cone until it is pressed against the door and is facing downwards. After that, put the second coiling rod, and push the first bar to remove it. Then, release the second winding bar until it points to the ground. 
• Use two take-up rods to increase tension by 1/4 turns at one time. 
• Once tension is released from the springs, remove the central screw which holds them together.  
• After removing the central screw, remove the cables and loosen the cable drums. 
• Next, drag the torsion shaft out, remove the drum cables afterward, and detach the springs. However, leave the plastic sleeve intact.
• At this time, decide whether your garage springs need repairs or replacement. If the springs were loosened and can be fixed, repair them on the spot and fix them back. However, even if they are slightly worn out, go for replacements.
• When looking at the garage door from the inside, slide replacement spring on the shaft, making sure that the red coil is on the left of the garage. The spring on the other side has a black winding cone. Make sure to repeat the procedure for the other side as well. 

7. Tightening the Spring to the Proper Tension 

The most difficult part is to provide the exact amount of tension back to the spring after repairing or replacing it. Using two winding rods, start by twisting and loading the coiling cone and torsion spring. Follow the manufacturer’s guiding manual for the rotations required to compress the spring fully. This is usually a quarter-turn of 30-36 times. After knowing the exact turns, start twisting the spring. When the spring is properly pulled, tap on one side of the winding rod with a hammer to slide the coiling cone down about 1/4 inch. This will make the spring slightly longer. After that, tighten the set screws to the torsion bar. However, make sure that you don’t over-tighten the because if you do so, the torsion bar might deform. 

8. Final Step                        

At last, lubricate the newly installed springs with a lubricant. After that, reconnect the garage door opener and try operating the door several times. If the door isn’t opening to its maximum height, apply additional tension to the spring. However, if the door isn’t closing completely, you may need to loosen the spring a little.

By Master Lift experts if your garage door isn’t opening, it doesn’t always mean that you have broken springs. However, if it is the case, following the safety measures is extremely important if you want to avoid injuries. Once you follow all the instructions properly, you will be able to do a perfect garage door spring replacement.