Stop struggling, follow this simple guide on changing garage door springs and keeping your home secure!
Garage door springs help lift your door smoothly, but they wear out over time due to daily use. Learning how to change garage door springs can save you money on repairs. Before starting, turn off the power, clamp the door, and check if your system uses torsion or extension springs for safety.
Use winding bars to loosen torsion springs, then change the spring. For extension springs, remove the safety cable, switch the spring, and return the cable. Test the door for balance. This guide helps, but hiring a garage door repair pro is best if you’re unsure.
What Are Garage Door Springs and How Do They Work
Before diving into how to change garage door springs, it’s important to know the two main types:
1. Torsion Springs
Torsion springs run across a metal bar above the garage door. They twist to create the force needed to lift the door. These springs last a long time but are under high tension. Handle them with care to avoid injury.
2. Extension Springs
Extension springs are found on each side of the garage door. They stretch when the door closes and pull back when it opens. These springs are easier to change than torsion ones, but can still be dangerous if not done carefully.
What to Know Before Replacing Garage Door Springs Safely
Replacing garage door springs is not a simple DIY task; it involves significant risk due to the stored tension. Follow these safety measures before starting:
1. Wear Protective Gear
Wear safety glasses and gloves before starting any garage door repair. Glasses will shield your eyes, and gloves will protect your hands from cuts. These small steps will help prevent injuries and make your repair job much safer.
2. Use the Right Tools
Always use the right tools when fixing your garage door. Always use winding bars, not screwdrivers, when working with torsion springs. You’ll also need locking pliers and a strong ladder. These tools help you stay safe, avoid damage, and finish the job properly.
3. Secure the Door
Before working, keep the garage door from moving by using clamps or locking pliers. This stops the door from sliding or dropping suddenly. A secure door keeps you safe and helps prevent accidents while you work on springs or cables.
4. Work with a Partner
Get someone to assist you while working on your garage door. A partner can hold tools, steady the ladder, or call for help if needed. Working together makes the job easier and safer, especially when dealing with heavy doors or tight springs.
Steps on How to Change Garage Door Springs
Knowing how to change garage door springs takes time, the right tools, and extra care. These parts are under high tension, so follow each step carefully to stay safe.
Step 1: Release Tension from the Old Springs
For torsion springs:
- Insert winding bars into the winding cone and slowly unwind the spring until all tension is released.
- Only remove the bars after the spring is fully relaxed.
For extension springs:
- Open the garage door fully and secure it with clamps.
- Take off the safety cable, then carefully detach the spring from the pulley system.
Step 2: Remove the Old Springs
Once the tension is released:
- Unbolt the torsion spring from the center bracket or slide out the extension springs from their tracks.
- Take note of how the springs are installed to ensure proper reassembly.
Step 3: Install the New Springs
For torsion springs:
- Slide the new spring onto the torsion tube and secure it with set screws.
- Use winding bars to gradually wind the spring to the required number of turns (refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines).
For extension springs:
- Attach one end to the track hanger and the pulley system.
- Reconnect the safety cable to prevent accidents if the spring breaks.
Step 4: Test the Garage Door
After installation:
- Gently move the door up and down to see if it works smoothly.
- Listen for unusual noises, which may indicate improper tension.
When to Call a Pro for Garage Door Spring Repair
While this guide explains how to change garage door springs, some situations require expert help:
1. Not Comfortable with Springs
Garage door springs are tightly wound and dangerous if mishandled. If you’re unsure what to do or feel unsafe, it’s best to let a trained garage door repair expert handle the work to avoid injury or damage.
2. Door Still Not Working
If the door still feels heavy, uneven, or noisy after the springs are replaced, there could be a bigger problem. A professional garage door repair service can check the whole system, find what’s wrong, and fix it before it worsens.
3. Large Door Issues
Double-car garage doors are heavy and need the right spring size and balance. One mistake can cause damage or hurt someone. For safety and proper tensioning, it’s better to call a garage door technician who handles big doors.
Maintenance Tips for Longer Garage Door Spring Life
The first step in safely changing garage door springs is knowing the right steps and using the right tools. Regular upkeep can also prolong spring life.
1. Lubricate Springs Twice a Year
Apply silicone spray to the springs twice a year. This helps them move smoothly and prevents them from getting rusty. Lubricating your springs often can prevent them from breaking early and help your garage door work better and quieter.
2. Inspect for Damage or Rust
Check the springs carefully for rust, cracks, or coils that look stretched. If anything looks wrong, replace the spring. Checking your springs often helps stop bigger problems later and keeps your garage door safe and working as it should.
3. Check Door Balance Regularly
Turn off the opener and lift the door halfway. If it doesn’t stay there, the springs may be unbalanced. A balanced door is easier to use and puts less stress on the opener, helping everything last longer and work right.
4. Tighten or Adjust Springs When Needed
Springs can get loose over time. If your door feels heavy or off, the springs might need tightening. Use winding bars to do this safely. If you don’t know how, it’s best to call a garage door expert for help.
5. Clean and Protect the Area Around the Springs
Dirt and dust can build up around the springs and make them harder to move. Wipe the area clean often. Keeping it clear helps your springs last longer and makes it easier to see if something starts to go wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change a garage door spring myself?
It’s not safe to change a garage door spring by yourself. The spring is tight and can snap, which can hurt you badly. It’s better to call a garage door repair expert. They have the tools and training to do the job safely.
How do I know if my garage door springs need replacing?
If your garage door feels heavy, opens unevenly, or doesn’t stay open, the garage door spring might be broken or worn out. You might also hear loud sounds or see a gap in the spring. These signs mean it’s time to replace it.
How do you know how much tension to put on a garage door spring?
The right tension depends on your garage door’s size and weight. Each spring is turned a certain number of times. Too much or too little tension can cause problems. A garage door expert knows how to set the spring tension correctly.
Which direction should to wind garage door spring go?
One garage door spring turns one way, and the other spring turns the other way. Right side springs turn clockwise. Left side springs turn the other way. If you turn them wrong, the door may not work. It’s best to let an expert do it.
Do both garage door springs wind the same way?
No, garage door springs do not wind the same way. One spring turns one way, and the other turns the opposite way. This helps balance the door. If done wrong, the door may not open correctly. A garage door repair expert should do the job.
Conclusion
Is your garage door acting up or refusing to open properly? It might be time to check those worn-out springs. Don’t delay repairs now that you understand how to change garage door springs. Acting early helps prevent severe damage and keeps your door working smoothly and safely.
While some homeowners try to do it themselves, spring replacement can be dangerous without the right tools and know-how. One small mistake can lead to injury or damage. If you’re unsure, it’s always smarter to call a trusted professional for safe and reliable garage door repair in Sussex.
Anytime Garage Doors makes spring repairs easy, fast, and affordable. Whether you have torsion or extension springs, our team is ready to help. Call us today at (262) 246-3680 to book your service. We’ll take care of your garage door, so you don’t have to.
End Note
If you’re looking for fast and trusted garage door services, visit Anytime Garage Doors. From expert repairs in Sussex, WI, to high-quality Amarr and LiftMaster products, we’ve got you covered. Whether it’s routine service or learning how to change garage door springs, we’re here to help.
Learn more about our company background and meet the skilled team that brings experience and care to every job. Stay informed with helpful advice from our blog. Check out our location on Google Maps to schedule a visit today. Stay connected by following us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn. We share helpful tips, updates, and more. Visit our contact page to get in touch. Our team is here to help and make scheduling easy.
Anytime Garage Doors
N70W25156 Indian Grass Ln # B, Sussex, WI 53089, United States
+12622463680
