Save Cash Now! DIY Steps on How to Replace Garage Door Spring Easily!
A garage door spring is a vital component that counterbalances the weight of the garage door, making it easier to open and close. Over time, these springs endure significant tension and eventually wear out or break, leaving your garage door inoperable. While replacing a garage door spring might seem like a job for the pros, it is possible to do it yourself with the right tools, safety precautions, and step-by-step instructions. Learning how to replace garage door spring on your own can save you a significant amount of cash and avoid the inconvenience of waiting for a professional. However, before you begin, it is important to understand that garage door springs are under high tension. This means that replacing them requires attention to detail and adherence to safety procedures to avoid injury. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the necessary steps for replacing a garage door spring safely and efficiently. We’ll cover everything from gathering the right tools to properly winding the new spring so you can get your garage door back in working order. Understanding Garage Door Springs Before diving into the replacement process, it is crucial to identify which type of garage door spring your door uses. There are two main types of garage door springs: torsion springs and extension springs. The replacement process varies depending on the type, so knowing which one you have is the first step. Torsion Springs Torsion springs are mounted horizontally above the garage door opening. They use torque to lift and lower the garage door smoothly. Torsion springs are more common in modern garage doors due to their durability and balanced operation. They come in various sizes and strengths, depending on the door’s weight and size. Extension Springs Extension springs run along the sides of the garage door track. When the door is closed, these springs stretch, storing tension that helps lift the door when it opens. Extension springs are generally found in older garage doors or those with limited headroom. They typically come in pairs and work in tandem to balance the door’s weight. Safety First: Precautions Before Replacing Garage Door Springs Replacing a garage door spring can be dangerous due to the tension in the springs. Safety should always be your top priority. Here are some key precautions to follow before you start: Tools You Will Need To replace a garage door spring, gather the following tools and materials: How to Replace Garage Door Spring: Step-by-Step Guide This guide primarily focuses on how to replace garage door spring for torsion systems since they are more common. If you have extension springs, the process is different, but the basic safety principles still apply. 1. Measure the Old Spring Before purchasing a new spring, measure the length, wire diameter, and inside diameter of the old torsion spring to ensure you get the right replacement. The door’s weight and size will also determine the spring’s strength, so make sure to buy the appropriate spring for your door. 2. Open the Garage Door and Secure It Open the garage door manually to relieve the tension on the springs. Once the door is fully open, secure it in place using C-clamps or locking pliers on the tracks just below the bottom roller. This step is crucial to prevent the door from falling while you work. 3. Release the Tension in the Old Spring For torsion springs, this is the most important and dangerous step. Insert a winding bar into the winding cone of the spring and hold it securely. Use the other hand to loosen the set screws on the cone using an adjustable wrench. Carefully rotate the winding bar counterclockwise to release tension. Insert a second winding bar into the next hole to provide additional control. Repeat this process until the spring tension is fully released. 4. Remove the Old Spring Once the tension is released, use a socket wrench to remove the bolts that hold the center bracket and the spring in place. Slide the spring off the torsion tube and remove it. If you have a double-spring system, repeat the process for the second spring. 5. Install the New Spring Slide the new torsion spring onto the torsion tube, making sure it is oriented correctly (torsion springs are typically color-coded: red for left and black for right). Attach the stationary cone of the spring to the center bracket and secure it with the set screws. 6. Wind the New Spring Winding the new spring requires caution and precision. Insert the winding bar into the winding cone and turn it clockwise to tighten the spring. Most torsion springs require 30 to 36 quarter turns, depending on the door’s specifications. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct number of turns. Use the second winding bar to hold the spring in place as you wind it. Tighten the set screws on the winding cone once the spring is fully wound. 7. Test the Door Balance After winding the spring, carefully remove the C-clamps or vice grips from the tracks and lower the garage door. Check if the door remains balanced halfway open. If it doesn’t, adjust the tension by adding or releasing turns on the spring until the door is balanced. 8. Reconnect the Garage Door Opener Once the door is properly balanced and moves smoothly, reconnect the garage door opener. Use the remote control to test the door’s operation. It should open and close smoothly without any jerking or strange noises. Additional Tips for Replacing Extension Springs If your garage door uses extension springs, the replacement process requires some specific steps for safe and efficient installation. Here are some crucial tips to ensure a successful replacement: By following these steps, you can replace your garage door’s extension springs effectively and maintain the door’s safe, balanced operation. FAQs About How to Replace Garage Door Spring 1. How often should you replace garage door springs? Garage door springs typically last 7 to 10 years, depending on their quality, usage frequency, and