Torsion springs play a crucial role in opening and closing garage doors smoothly by evenly balancing their weight. However, torsion springs are under significant tension, making them replacing them potentially hazardous.
While many DIY enthusiasts may attempt to replace a garage door torsion spring themselves, it’s important to understand that garage door torsion spring replacement requires precision, the right tools, and a strong knowledge of how the system works.
This guide provides step-by-step instructions for safely replacing a broken garage door torsion spring, including tools, preparation, and key steps. Learn why torsion springs are critical, how to replace them, and when to call a professional like Rainbow Garage Door Service.
What are garage door springs?
Garage door springs are essential components of your garage door system. Without them, your door would struggle to open or close, as they balance the weight of the door. The two main types of garage door springs are torsion springs and extension springs. Each of these has a unique function and operates under different principles.
- Torsion springs: These are the most commonly used type of springs for residential doors. Torsion springs are installed above the garage door and operate by rotating as the door opens and closes. When the spring twists, it stores energy that is used to counterbalance the weight of the door, making it easier to lift and lower. Known for their durability, torsion springs provide reliable and steady performance, helping ensure smooth door operation over time.
- Extension springs: Extension springs are mounted on either side of the garage door’s horizontal tracks. These springs work by expanding and contracting as the door opens and closes, providing the necessary force to balance the door’s weight. While they are a more cost-effective option, extension springs generally have a shorter lifespan and may require more frequent replacement compared to torsion springs.
What is the role of torsion springs in your garage door system?
Torsion springs wind and unwind, creating tension and helping lift the door. This tension is adjusted according to the door height, spring weight, and cable drums in your system. It’s crucial to ensure that the right torsion spring is used to match the weight of your garage door since they are tightly wound to perform their function.
If you ever notice your door not opening properly, making loud noises, or moving unevenly, it could be a sign that your garage door torsion springs are malfunctioning. Garage door torsion springs endure constant stress, and with regular use over time, they can weaken and eventually break. When a garage door spring breaks, it’s essential to replace it promptly to avoid damaging the door or causing a potentially dangerous situation.
Key components: Wire diameter, cable drums, and spring
Before starting any DIY work on your garage door, it’s important to understand the main components of the system. This knowledge will help you see why replacing broken springs requires precision and the proper tools to ensure safety and functionality.
- Wire diameter: The thickness of the steel, or wire diameter, used for a torsion spring determines its tension capacity, strength, and longevity.
- Cable drums: The cable drum works alongside the garage door torsion springs by winding the cables, transferring tension from the springs to lift and move the door smoothly.
- Spring: Garage door torsion springs are made from high-quality spring steel that’s specifically designed to withstand the stress and tension of daily use without breaking.
The risks of DIY garage door torsion spring replacement
Replacing a broken spring is not a DIY job that should be taken lightly. Because garage door torsion springs are under high tension, they must be handled with great care.
If you’re unfamiliar with using winding bars or adjusting set screws, attempting to replace garage door springs can lead to a serious injury. The spring’s tension can cause the spring to fly off unexpectedly, potentially damaging your door or harming you and other people around. Even experienced professionals understand the risks involved, which is why safety precautions must always be followed when performing a torsion spring replacement.
Preparing for torsion spring replacement
If you’ve resolved to replace torsion springs by yourself, it’s crucial to ensure you have the correct tools and knowledge to proceed safely. Here are the essential tools you need to prepare for the replacement process:
- Winding bars: These are for winding or unwinding the torsion spring. It’s important to use winding bars that are the correct size and made from a durable material.
- C-clamps: These are used to secure the garage door in place while you replace the spring.
- Safety glasses and gloves: Wear these to protect your eyes and hands from potential debris or a spring that might snap unexpectedly.
- Ratchet wrench: This tool allows for efficient tightening or loosening of bolts and nuts with a back-and-forth motion, providing leverage and control without needing to reposition the tool after each turn.
- Measuring tape: This tool is for measuring the full width and height of your door to ensure you choose the right spring.
Step-by-step guide to replacing the torsion spring
Carefully follow these steps to replace your garage door’s torsion springs:
1. Disable the garage door opener
The first step is to disconnect the garage door opener from the door to prevent any unintended movement while working on the springs.
2. Stabilize the door
Make sure the door is in the correct position, usually slightly above the ground, so it remains stable throughout the replacement process.
3. Unwind the old spring
Use the winding bars to carefully unwind the tension in the broken spring. Proceed slowly and carefully to avoid accidents during the process. Loosen the screws that are holding the spring in place and remove the spring from the shaft.
4. Remove the broken spring
Once the old spring is unwound and the screws are loosened, you can carefully remove the old spring and detach the cable drum.
5. Measure and install new springs
Before installing the new torsion springs, measure the spring’s inside diameter, wire diameter, and total measurement to ensure they match the old springs. Install the new springs, securing them with the set screws and winding bars.
And to make sure you purchase the right replacement torsion springs, you need to measure your garage door correctly. The door height, spring diameter, and wire size are all crucial measurements to get the right springs. If the springs are not sized correctly, they may not provide enough tension to properly lift the door.
Keep these in mind when measuring your garage door:
- Measure the door height to get the correct spring length.
- Measure the diameter of the spring to make sure the replacement springs you buy are the correct fit for your existing ones.
- Inspect the cable drum to confirm it’s working properly and that the cables are intact.
6. Adjust and test
After installing the new garage door springs, adjust the tension to make sure the door moves smoothly and evenly. You’ll need to balance the two garage door springs (if applicable) to ensure that the garage door spring system works correctly.
7. Final check and troubleshooting
After replacing the garage door torsion spring, test to confirm everything is working properly. If you notice uneven operation, check the alignment of the cable drums and cables. Verify that the torsion springs are wound correctly and make adjustments if needed.
When to consult a professional for garage torsion spring replacement
If you don’t have the right tools, experience, and safety knowledge, replacing a broken spring yourself is not only risky, but it could make the problem worse. Although DIY projects can save you money, there are times when it’s safer and more efficient to call a professional.
A trusted garage door repair service like Rainbow Garage Door Service has the necessary expertise and tools to complete the task safely and correctly. They can also help ensure that your torsion spring replacement matches the exact specifications of your existing springs, reducing the risk of additional issues down the line.
If you’re uncomfortable handling the job on your own, the professionals at Rainbow Garage Door Service are ready to help. Contact us today to schedule your torsion spring replacement or to learn more about our comprehensive services.