Unwind Torsion From The Spring
If the spring has snapped, it will not need to be unwound. In a dual spring system with one spring broken, however, it is always recommended to remove and replace both units. The main part of unwinding the spring involves becoming comfortable with handling the torsion with the following steps:
- Knowing the spring Dual garage door springs have two sides a stationary end located near the center and a winding end towards the outside. The winding end contains a winding cone with numerous slots where the winding bars will be placed to loosen or tighten the spring.
- Setting the first winding bar – Make sure to wear safety glasses and work beside the spring for maximum safety. Set the first winding bar in the slot facing out until it clicks and move it up and down just a bit to get comfortable with the torsion. Hold the bar and loosen the 7/16 set screws so the spring can be loosened.
- Unwind Bring the first winding bar down and keep it held in place. Set the second winding bar in the next slot up then remove the first bar. Bring the second winding bar down to complete two quarter turns. Repeat this process 30 times until the spring is out of torsion.
- Loosen Stationary Side After removing the torsion from both sides of the spring, prepare them for removal by loosening the 9/16 bolts on the stationary sides of the springs.
The Two Types Of Garage Door Springs
Extension springs are most common for residential garage doors. These springs are usually referred to as standard or early-set torsion springs.
Steel rolling-door and torque-master springs can be used for residential homes but are most often used in commercial and industrial sites with much heavier garage doors.
Choosing the right product for a garage door spring replacement is critical.
Double-looped extension spring on a residential garage door.
Double-looped extension spring on a residential garage door.
Types Of Garage Door Springs
When preparing to replace garage springs, it’s critical that you buy the right style of springs in a length and diameter that matches the old springs. Most residential homes have one of two types of garage door springs: torsion or extension. Torsion springs are heavy-duty springs mounted around a metal rod that runs parallel to the door, directly above the door opening. Extension springs are long, lighter-weight springs that run perpendicular to the door and are mounted above the horizontal portions of the door tracks. As with the torsion system, these springs are tensioned by stretching out, using cables and pulleys.
You May Like: Genie Garage Door Opener Reprogram
Extension Springs: Signs Theyre Going Out
Signs of failure for extension springs are similar to those of torsion springs, but there are also some additional signs that your extension springs have already failed.
First, do a visual check for any gaps in the coils. Gaps signal that the steel the springs are made from has given out, and the spring cant produce the tension needed to move the garage door.
Another thing to look out for is whether the left and right sides of your garage door dont appear to be correctly aligned anymore. This issue usually means that one of the springs has given out and cant lift or close that side of the door anymore.
Finally, you should check for signs of wear and tear on the springs, including on the clips and loops. If any of these give out, the spring wont be able to function anymore.
Trust Your Garage Door Spring Repair And Replacement To Our Experts
Garage door springs are under tremendous tension, and broken springs can be dangerous to work on without the proper expertise and equipment. For the best garage door spring repair near me, contact us today. Our experts will ensure that your garage door springs are repaired or replaced quickly and efficiently, so you can return to using your garage door with peace of mind.
Also Check: Garage Door Repair Sugar Land Tx
Garage Door Spring Maintenance
The following steps help extend the life of your garage door springs:
How Are Garage Door Extension Springs Replaced
Of the two types of garage door spring, extension springs are the easier to replace. But, bear in mind that there are still potential safety hazards if you were to replace them, not least that of a falling door.
When new extension springs are fitted, the garage door is opened fully and secured so it stays that way using C-clamps on both door tracks. Any garage door opener is also disconnected.
After that, the spring is disconnected from the track bracket and the spring pulley, and the safety cable disconnected from the bracket and the old spring removed.
Then the new spring is installed, and the pulley re-installed with the safety cable reconnected.
You May Like: How To Insulate The Garage
Why Do Garage Doors Break
The three most common reasons for garage doors breaking are wear and tear, rust, and not maintaining them properly. Rusted spring parts can lead to the coils degrading faster than they should. In addition, not following a maintenance schedule or getting regular tune-ups can lead to quicker wear and tear of your doors.
Replacing A Garage Door Spring
There are two basic types of garage door springsextension and torsion. Heres how to identify and replace them.
Garage doors are one of those things that you probably dont think about. They go up and they go down. But after opening and closing them every day for six or seven years, the springs that help to support the weight of the garage door lose their strength or even break. Then what?
You could call a professional and spend a couple hundred dollars for the repair, in addition to the replacement parts. Or you could do it yourself. If you decide to go that route, youll first need to know that there are two types of garage door springsextension and torsion.
You May Like: Full Custom Garage Location 2021
When To Call A Professional
It is possible to replace a garage door spring yourself, but it’s often recommended that garage door springs should always be replaced by pros. This is understandable advice, but the rule is not hard-and-fast. A moderately-experienced homeowner who’s competent with tools and has a basic understanding of mechanical systems can replace either type of garage door spring, saving themselves between $200 and $300 in labor costs. The cost to have a garage door spring replaced by professionals typically runs between $150 and $350.
The installation procedure is pretty straight-forward, but it involves many steps that must be done in the proper order. If you hire a pro, make sure to ask about the quality of the springs they will install. They may offer several grades of springs to choose from, at a range of costs. Top-of-the-line springs may be guaranteed for life, while economy springs can be expected to last perhaps five years under normal use.
Because your automatic garage door opener has been under some strain as the springs have become more worn and less effective, this is also a good time to evaluate the opener. The same technician who replaces the springs can also replace the opener if it is nearing the end of its life.
-
Process can be complicated, involving many steps
Identify The Type Of Spring
Following the descriptions above, identify your type of garage door spring. Check the orientation of your garage door spring to determine if you have a common extension spring.
Finding and buying a replacement spring for the garage door shouldnt be difficult, provided youve taken measurements beforehand and determined what type of spring you need. The spring manufacturer or the garage door manufacturer is a great source of information and can usually supply you with a replacement product for your exact door. They can also be a resource to answer questions and supply instructions.
Torsion spring on a commercial garage door marked a blue color for easy identification.
Shutterstock
Torsion spring on a commercial garage door marked a blue color for easy identification.
Extension springs are commonly color-coded with a repeating pattern that indicates the amount of weight they can lift.
Purchase a new spring that matches the color of the current spring:
- Tan: 100 pounds
- Gold: 180 pounds
- Light Blue: 190 pounds
If you cant determine the manufacturer or model, take photos of the springs and bring them to a hardware store. Or you may have to call a pro to come to your home and help you identify what parts you’ll need to replace.
Also Check: How Much New Garage Door
Should You Replace Both Garage Door Springs
Extension springs are replaced individually, but it isnt likely that theyll snap at the same time. Many homeowners take this as a sign to only replace one at a time however, most professionals will advise you that if one of your extension springs breaks, you may as well replace them both. If one breaks, the other may soon follow. Perform a visual inspection to see if the spring that’s still functional shows signs of wear. If you dont replace both at the same time, you may need to do it again in the near future.
Torsion springs require more disassembly to replace them, so it always makes sense to swap out both springs even if just one breaks.
Garage Door Torsion Spring Conversion Cost
Converting from extension to torsion springs costs $200 to $500 per door, depending on the door size and current system. A torsion spring conversion kit costs $50 to $200, without installation. Torsion springs last longer, use fewer parts, and are safer to operate than extension springs.
Torsion spring conversion kits include a tube, safety cables, drums, end and center bearing plates, and a mounting bracket. Always hire a professional to perform the conversion to prevent possible injuries and property damages.
Read Also: Old Stanley Garage Door Opener
What Is An Unbalanced Garage Door Dangerous
If one spring breaks, several things can occur:
- The door may close suddenly.
- Loose springs can crack or may fall out of the brackets.
- Your garage door might slow down or speed up. It may even become unpredictable and put you & your family in danger when you enter or exit your garage.
A malfunctioning spring leads to warping on the tracks due to wear on the wheels. The motor also experiences greater demand for power when the garage door is pushed up, so youll need to be replaced soon.
Cost To Replace Garage Door Spring And Cable
The average cost to replace garage door springs and cables is $200 to $500. Garage door cable repair costs $80 to $185 to replace by itself, but it’s cheaper when combining with spring replacement. Signs the cables need replacing:
- The door becomes uneven, or one side becomes heavier.
- The door makes screeching or whining noises.
- The door came off its track and possibly fell down.
Garage door cables cost $8 to $15 each, without installation. Cables are under high tension and connect the springs to the bottom of the garage door to help lift the door.
Read Also: Average Cost To Replace Garage Door
Adjust The Spring Tension
Double-check both springs first to ensure that all safety cables, tension cables, and hardware are intact.
Carefully lower down the panels along the tracks.
Test if the tension of the spring is enough for the weight of the door.
If its not, lift the panels again and transfer the track end bracket of the spring to the proper hole along the track.
Measure The Inner Diameter And Length
Family Handyman
Measure the inner diameter of the broken spring as shown. Loosen the setscrews on the broken spring and slide the broken portion over to meet the stationary section. Measure the overall length of the springs .
Most home centers dont carry all the replacement parts youll need for garage door spring replacement, and most garage door service companies wont sell you springs. So you may have to order the parts online and wait for the shipment to arrive. Garagedoorpartsusa.com and stardoorparts.com are two online sources . First, inspect the condition of your cables and brackets. If you see any frayed strands on the cables or rust on the bottom brackets, replace them now before they fail. Bottom brackets cost about $15 per set. Premium-quality cables last much longer than economy cables and cost only about $4 more. So its smart to buy the better cables for about $12 per set.
Standard torsion springs have a service life of 7,000 to 10,000 open/close cycles. However, you can buy double-life replacement springs for about $65 per spring. If you have a two-spring setup and one spring breaks, the second spring will break soon. So replace them both at the same time. To get the right springs for your door, youll have to provide the supplier some details. Heres how:
Don’t Miss: Garage Door Wheel Off Track
Other Common Signs Of A Broken Spring
In addition to the above signs, there are also some possible indications of an issue with your garage door spring. Here are a few things to keep an eye for:
- You notice that the garage door jerk when going up and down
- Even the emergency release wont open up the door.
- The above section of the garage door bents when you use the opener
- The door is going up at a slow pace
While other reasons could lead to these problems, it is usually the springs that disrupt the operation of a garage door. Nevertheless, getting an expert at your property to thoroughly examine your garage door springs is better.
Play It Super Safe When Doing Garage Door Spring Repair
Family Handyman
- NEVER use screwdrivers, pin punches or pliers handles to wind or unwind a torsion spring. Trust us: This is the best way to wind up in the hospital. Dont even think about doing this job without a proper set of winding bars. You can buy a set of professional hardened-steel winding bars for about $25 from online suppliers. Professional winding bars work with 1/2-in. and 7/16-in. winding cones. If your winding cones have 1/2-in. openings, you can make your own winding bars by cutting a 36-in. length of 1/2-in.-diameter round bar stock in half . Just file a smooth bevel on each end so it slides into the winding cone holes easier.
- Position your ladder to the side of the spring ends so youre never directly in front of the spring cones when theyre winding or unwinding.
- Keep the garage door opener disconnected from power at all times, and lock the door in the lowered position, especially when youre winding the springs.
- Wear eye protection and leather gloves throughout the garage door spring replacement project.
- Step off the ladder and move it off to the side before unclamping the door and testing the balance. Never test a door while youre standing on the ladder. Step 2
Also Check: Replace Garage Door Opener Remote
How To Replace Garage Door Torsion Springs
The following instructions for replacing garage door springs are for do-it-yourself homeowners and for maintenance repair men who service their smaller commercial or industrial sectional overhead doors. These directions are designed for torsion springs mounted to both sides of an anchor bracket above the middle of the garage door as pictured above. Instructions for replacing a single torsion spring, for replacing garage door extension springs, and for replacing Wayne Dalton Torquemaster springs are linked to our DIY Instructions page above. You’ll also find a link for any other garage door parts you may need while repairing your door.
How much should a garage door spring replacement cost? The national average is between $200 and $300 for a professional to come to your house and replace two springs. On line sources suggest a higher price of over $700 and that you will save $500 or more by replacing springs yourself. This is simply not true. To find the cost for replacing springs in your area look for a reputable company through Yelp or the Better Busienss Bureau. If clicking a site’s BBB logo doesn’t take you to the BBB site, we advise purchasing your springs from a different company.
If your garage spring assembly is different from this, parts of these instructions may be helpful, but other parts may give dangerous, inaccurate directions which could cost you a lot of time and money should you attempt to replace the springs using standard instructions.
How To Install A Single Torsion Spring Assembly
The purpose of this tutorial is to show how to install a standard garage door torsion spring assembly on a new garage door, or on a door that previously used extension springs, torquemaster springs, or EZ-SET torsion springs.
Getting Started: Safety First!
Before getting started on the replacement, it is essential that we begin these instructions with our sternest warning:
You May Like: Garage Door Openers At Menards