How to Replace Garage Door Spring in 5 Easy Steps—DIY Guide or Disaster Waiting to Happen?

Garage door springs are essential components of any garage door system, responsible for bearing the weight of the door and ensuring it opens and closes smoothly. Over time, these springs experience wear and tear, leading to eventual breakage. When this happens, many homeowners may consider attempting a garage door spring replacement as a DIY project to save time and money. However, while the process of learning how to replace garage door spring might appear straightforward, it is a task fraught with risks if not done correctly.

Before diving into this repair, it’s important to understand the potential hazards involved, including severe injury from mishandling high-tension springs. This blog post will outline the step-by-step process of replacing a garage door spring, explore the pros and cons of DIY versus professional repair, and help you decide whether this is a DIY project you should undertake or a disaster waiting to happen.

Understanding Garage Door Springs

Types of Garage Door Springs

Before you attempt to replace a garage door spring, it’s crucial to understand the two types of springs used in garage doors: torsion springs and extension springs.

• Torsion Springs: These are typically mounted above the garage door, along a metal shaft. Torsion springs store mechanical energy by twisting. They are designed for larger, heavier garage doors and are generally safer and more durable than extension springs.
• Extension Springs: These springs are installed along the sides of the garage door and extend when the door is opened. They are commonly found on smaller, lighter garage doors. While they are less expensive than torsion springs, they can be more dangerous if they break during operation.

Both types of springs serve the same purpose—helping lift and lower the garage door easily. Understanding which type of spring your garage door uses is essential when considering replacement.

Signs Your Garage Door Spring Needs Replacement

The need for garage door spring replacement is usually evident when the door stops functioning correctly. Here are common signs that indicate it’s time to replace your springs:

• Difficulty opening or closing: If the garage door struggles to open or close smoothly, it’s a sign that the springs are wearing out.
• Visible gaps in the springs: Springs may start to stretch, creating visible gaps.
• Loud noises: A loud bang may occur when a spring breaks.
• Crooked door: If one side of the door appears higher than the other, one of the springs may have failed.

The Dangers of DIY Garage Door Spring Replacement

High Tension and the Risk of Injury

Garage door springs operate under high tension, particularly torsion springs. Mishandling or improperly releasing that tension can result in severe injuries such as cuts, broken bones, or even life-threatening accidents.

Many DIY enthusiasts underestimate the force these springs can exert, leading to accidents that not only harm the person performing the repair but also potentially damage the garage door system.

Tools and Expertise Required

Replacing a garage door spring requires specific tools and technical expertise. Specialized winding bars are needed to safely release and tighten torsion springs. Without the proper tools or knowledge of how to use them, you risk damaging the door, the springs, or worse, injuring yourself. It’s not just a matter of following instructions—it requires precision and experience.

Voiding the Warranty

Most garage doors come with warranties that may be voided if unqualified individuals perform repairs. Attempting a DIY repair could nullify the manufacturer’s warranty, leaving you responsible for the costs of any future damage or professional repairs.

How to Replace Garage Door Spring in 5 Steps

If you’re still considering the DIY route and are confident in your skills, knowledge, and safety precautions, here’s an expanded and detailed overview of how to replace a garage door spring. This guide focuses on torsion springs, which are more complex to handle but are the most common type of garage door springs due to their durability and efficiency.

Keep in mind that garage door spring replacement can be dangerous due to the high tension these springs are under, so it’s important to proceed with caution, use the proper tools, and ensure that you follow each step carefully.

Step 1: Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials

Before beginning the replacement process, it’s essential to gather all the tools and materials you’ll need. Having everything at hand will make the replacement process smoother and safer. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Winding bars (specifically designed for torsion springs): These are specialized tools used to wind and unwind the torsion springs safely. Do not attempt to use makeshift tools such as screwdrivers or regular rods.
• Clamps or locking pliers: These are used to prevent the garage door from moving during the repair, adding an extra layer of safety.
• Socket wrench set: Used to remove and tighten nuts and bolts securing the spring to the center bracket and support.
• Ladder: To safely access the torsion spring, you’ll need a sturdy ladder. Make sure it’s positioned securely.
• New torsion springs: Make sure that you purchase the correct type of replacement springs. Torsion springs come in various sizes and tension ratings, so match them to your old springs’ specifications.
• Safety gear: Wear safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself from potential injuries during the replacement process.
• Tape measure: This will help ensure you have the proper distance between components for accurate alignment.

Having all of these tools and materials ready before starting will help prevent unnecessary delays and potential mistakes, keeping the process efficient and safe.

Step 2: Release the Tension in the Old Spring

The next step is the most dangerous part of replacing a garage door spring: releasing the tension in the old torsion spring. This is a highly critical step, as mishandling it can result in severe injury. Torsion springs are under significant tension, and releasing them incorrectly can cause the spring to snap or the tools to fly out of control.

To safely release the tension, follow these steps carefully:

1. Ensure the garage door is fully closed: This will reduce the tension in the spring as much as possible. It’s also a safety measure, as an open door could slam shut unexpectedly if the spring tension is suddenly released.
2. Disconnect the garage door opener: This is an important safety precaution to prevent the door from accidentally being activated while you’re working. Pull the emergency release cord to disengage the opener.
3. Insert the winding bars into the winding cone: The winding cone is located at the end of the torsion spring. Make sure you insert the winding bar fully into the holes in the winding cone before attempting to turn the spring.
4. Slowly release the tension one quarter-turn at a time: Keep a firm grip on the winding bars and turn the spring slowly and methodically. Each quarter-turn releases a small amount of tension, allowing you to maintain control over the spring. Be sure to alternate between the winding bars as you release tension to prevent slipping.
5. Continue until the tension is fully released: You’ll need to make several turns (depending on the spring size) to fully release the tension. Make sure to count the turns and track your progress carefully.

Failure to release the tension correctly is one of the most common causes of injury when replacing garage door springs, so this step must be handled with caution and precision.

Step 3: Disconnect the Old Spring

After you have fully released the tension in the torsion spring, you can move on to removing the old spring from the system. Here’s how to safely disconnect the spring:

1. Remove the nuts and bolts securing the spring to the bracket: Using your socket wrench, loosen and remove the nuts and bolts that hold the spring to the center bracket and other supports. Make sure you keep all hardware in a safe place in case you need it later.
2. Carefully slide the spring off the torsion bar or shaft: After the spring is disconnected from the bracket, you can gently slide it off the shaft that runs across the top of the garage door. Be cautious, as the spring may still have residual tension.
3. Inspect the shaft and other components: Before installing the new spring, take a moment to inspect the torsion shaft, cable drums, and other hardware for signs of wear or damage. If any of these components are damaged, now is the time to replace them.

Step 4: Install the New Spring

With the old spring removed, it’s time to install the new garage door spring. This step involves reversing the process used to remove the old spring but requires careful attention to detail to ensure the new spring is correctly installed.

1. Slide the new spring onto the shaft: Place the new torsion spring onto the shaft, making sure that the spring is positioned correctly for the side of the garage door it will be supporting (right or left). Springs are typically marked with color codes to indicate which side they belong to, so double-check this before proceeding.
2. Secure the spring to the center bracket: Once the new spring is in place, reattach it to the center bracket using the same bolts you removed earlier. Tighten them securely with your socket wrench.
3. Reattach the cable drums and ensure proper alignment: The cables, cable drums, and other parts of the torsion system must be perfectly aligned to ensure the door operates smoothly. Check that everything is aligned and the cables are properly wound onto the drums.
4. Ensure the spring is oriented correctly: One of the most common mistakes DIYers make when installing a new torsion spring is installing it in the wrong direction. If the spring is wound incorrectly, the door will not function properly. Verify that the spring is installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 5: Tighten and Test the New Spring

The final step in replacing your garage door spring is winding the new spring to apply the appropriate amount of tension. This is another critical and potentially dangerous step, so proceed carefully:

1. Wind the new spring: Using the winding bars, wind the new spring according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Each torsion spring requires a specific number of turns based on the door size and weight. Typically, this is marked in the manufacturer’s instructions, so be sure to follow them closely.
2. Apply tension gradually and evenly: As you wind the spring, do so one quarter-turn at a time, alternating the winding bars to maintain control. The goal is to evenly distribute tension across the spring. Avoid rushing this process, as improper tension can lead to malfunction or accidents.
3. Tighten the bolts: Once the spring has been wound to the correct tension, tighten all bolts, including those on the cable drums and the center bracket. Double-check that everything is secure.
4. Test the garage door: After securing the spring, it’s time to test the door. Reconnect the garage door opener, then slowly open and close the door by hand to check for smooth operation. Ensure the door stays balanced, doesn’t stick, and operates smoothly throughout the entire range of motion.

If the door opens and closes correctly and without issues, you’ve successfully replaced the garage door spring.

When to Call a Professional

While the above steps provide an overview of the process, it’s important to note that replacing garage door springs is a technical and dangerous task. Many homeowners find it safer and more convenient to call a professional instead of attempting the repair themselves.

The Complexity of Torsion Springs

Torsion spring replacement is especially complex, requiring experience and specialized tools. Even minor mistakes, such as winding the spring incorrectly or failing to secure components, can lead to malfunctions and additional costs.

Safety Concerns

The risks associated with how to replace garage door spring extend beyond physical injury. A mishandled spring replacement could result in damage to your garage door system, which may cost more to repair than if you had hired a professional from the start.

Hiring a licensed and experienced garage door technician ensures that the job is done safely and correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What tools are required to replace a garage door spring?

To replace a garage door spring, you’ll need winding bars, clamps, a socket wrench, a ladder, and new springs. Safety equipment like gloves and goggles is also essential for protecting yourself during the repair process.

Can I replace my garage door spring without professional help?

While it’s possible to replace a garage door spring on your own, it’s not recommended unless you have experience working with high-tension springs. The risk of injury is significant, and it’s often safer to hire a professional.

How do I know if my garage door spring is broken?

Signs of a broken garage door spring include difficulty opening or closing the door, loud banging noises, and visible gaps in the spring. If the garage door becomes crooked or stops moving altogether, it’s likely that the spring has failed.

How long do garage door springs last?

Garage door springs typically last between 7 to 10 years, depending on usage. Springs are rated by the number of cycles (one cycle is one complete open and close). Standard springs are usually rated for 10,000 cycles, though some high-end springs can last up to 20,000 cycles.

Is it dangerous to replace a garage door spring?

Yes, replacing a garage door spring can be dangerous due to the high tension in the springs. Mishandling the tension can lead to serious injury or damage to your garage door. It’s recommended to call a professional if you’re unsure about your ability to safely complete the repair.

Conclusion

Replacing a garage door spring is not a task to be taken lightly. While it may seem tempting to take the DIY route, the risks involved—such as injury and potential damage to your garage door system—are significant. Understanding how to replace a garage door spring is one thing, but executing it safely and effectively is another.

For most homeowners, hiring a professional is the safer and more cost-effective solution. By entrusting the job to an experienced technician, you can avoid the pitfalls of DIY garage door repair and ensure that your garage door operates smoothly and safely for years to come.

Veterans Garage Door specializes in professional garage door repair and installation services. Whether you need spring replacement or any other garage door service, our experienced team is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or service.

End Note

Veterans Garage Door is your trusted garage door service provider across Citrus County, Manatee County, Sumter County, Sarasota County, and Lake County. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to providing high-quality garage door repairs, replacements, and installations. Visit our About Us page to learn more about our company, explore our Services, or get in touch with us through our Contact Us page. You can also browse our Gallery for inspiration or check out our latest updates on the Blog.