How To Replace A Garage Door Spring

How to Replace a Garage Door Spring

Garage door springs are an essential part of the system, helping to lift the door smoothly and safely. They are under a lot of tension, so if one breaks, it's important to replace it as soon as possible. Here are the steps on how to replace a garage door spring:

1. Gather Tools

New torsion or extension springs
Winding bars
Wrenches
Gloves
Safety glasses

2. Safety First

Garage door springs are under high tension and can be dangerous if they are not handled properly. Always wear safety glasses and gloves when working on them. Make sure the garage door is closed and secured before you start working.

3. Remove Safety Cables

The safety cables help to prevent the door from falling in the event of a spring failure. Remove them before you start working on the springs.

4. Disengage Trolley

The trolley is the part of the garage door that the springs are attached to. To disengage the trolley, first loosen the bolts that hold the trolley in place. Then, use a winding bar to wind up the spring until the tension is released.

5. Remove Old Spring

Once the trolley is disengaged, you can remove the old spring. Torsion springs are typically mounted on a shaft, while extension springs are attached to the door frame. Remove the bolts or brackets that hold the spring in place and carefully detach it.

6. Install New Spring

Insert the new spring into place and secure it with the bolts or brackets. Make sure that the spring is properly seated in its mounts.

7. Wind Up Spring

Use a winding bar to wind up the spring until it is fully tensioned. Torsion springs should be wound up until the arrow or mark on the spring is aligned with the indicator on the bracket. Extension springs should be wound up until they are fully extended.

8. Reconnect Trolley

Once the spring is wound up, reconnect the trolley to the door. Lift the door slightly to ensure that the springs are properly tensioned.

9. Reattach Safety Cables

Finally, reattach the safety cables to the trolley. This will help to prevent the door from falling in the event of a spring failure.

10. Test Garage Door

Open and close the garage door several times to make sure that it is working properly. If the door is not opening or closing smoothly, adjust the tension on the springs until it is operating correctly.

Tips

If you are not comfortable replacing a garage door spring yourself, contact a professional for help.
Never attempt to repair a broken spring by yourself.
Inspect your garage door springs regularly for signs of wear or damage. Replace them immediately if you see any signs of problems.