Having to fix an unstable garage door is no picnic. Your day is thrown off, and there are moments when you feel like there’s no way to get things back on track without breaking the bank. A very significant culprit? Garage door spring. When you open and close your door, these springs take a lot of the strain. Your door could get jammed or even unsafe if they break or wear out. The plus side is that you can fix it or replace it. But the challenge is that how to repair the garage door springs? We will simplify everything for you in this guide. We’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of repairing and replacing garage door springs, drawing from the expertise of the team at Garage Doors Woodlands TX. We’ll cover the necessary tools, safety precautions, and proper techniques to ensure a successful and safe garage door spring replacement.

What Role Does Garage Door Torsion Springs Play? 

Garage door torsion springs are the primary components responsible for counterbalancing the weight of your garage door, making it simple to open and close. These springs are typically located above the garage door, and they work by storing and releasing energy as the door moves up and down.

When a torsion spring breaks or becomes worn, it can cause the door to become significantly heavier, making it difficult or even impossible to operate manually. This is why it’s crucial to address any issues with garage door spring repair and replacement. 

If you don’t fix the issue with these springs, over time, these springs can become worn, stretched, or even break, leading to a variety of issues, such as:

• Difficulty opening or closing the garage door
• Uneven or jerky door movement
• Potential safety hazards if the spring fails completely

Remember, identifying the type of spring you have and understanding its function is crucial before attempting any repair or replacement work.

What Preparation Do You Need for the Garage Door Repair or Replacement? 

Before you begin the process of repairing or replacing your garage door torsion springs, there are a few important steps you should take to ensure your safety and the success of the project.

Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials

To complete this task, you’ll need the following items:

• Tape measure
• Winding bars (also known as torsion spring winding rods)
• Pliers
• Safety glasses
• Gloves
• Replacement torsion springs (the correct size and type for your door)
• Wrench set (3/8″, 1/2″, 7/16″, 9/16″)
• Adjustable wrench
• Safety goggles
• Gloves

Take Measurements Correctly

Additionally, you’ll need to measure the existing springs to ensure you order the correct replacement parts. Garage Doors Woodlands TX recommends taking note of the following measurements:

• Spring length
• Inside diameter of the spring coil
• Wire diameter
• Number of spring turns

Accurately measuring the size of your garage door is crucial for ensuring you purchase the correct replacement springs. You’ll need to measure the width and height of the door, as well as the inside diameter of the existing springs.

How To Take The Exact Measurement Of The Spring? 

To measure the wire diameter of your garage door spring, use a tape measure to check the length of 20 coils and 40 coils. Convert these measurements to decimals (e.g., 4-1/2 inches becomes 4.5). Then divide the measurements by 20 and 40, respectively. If the two results are the same, you’ve got the correct diameter.

Next, determine the “hand” (wind direction) of the spring. If the end of the spring is pointing up on the right, it’s a right-hand spring; if it’s on the left, it’s a left-hand spring. Most doors with two springs will have one of each.

To measure the broken spring, loosen the setscrews and slide the broken piece to meet the stationary section. Measure the overall length (excluding the cones).

What Are Necessary Steps To Replace Or Repair The Garage Door Spring? 

The necessary steps for garage door repair and spring replacement are as follows: 

Remember that if you are doing it on your own, then follow the safety instructions effectively. However, if you are hiring the professionals, make sure that they follow the instructions given below.

1. Disconnect the Garage Door Opener

The first step in the process is to unplug the garage door opener. This will prevent the door from accidentally opening or closing during the repair, which could be extremely dangerous.

Next, you’ll need to disconnect the garage door from the opener. This is typically done by pulling the emergency release cord, which will allow you to manually operate the door.

2. Unwind The Torosion Spring (With Safety Measures)

Before you start replacing your garage door springs, take safety seriously. First, clamp a pair of locking pliers or a C-clamp to the track just above one of the rollers to prevent the door from suddenly shooting up and causing injury. 

When it comes to winding the torsion springs, never use makeshift tools like screwdrivers or pliers. These can easily slip and lead to serious injury. Instead, invest in a proper set of professional winding bars. If your winding cones have a 1/2-inch opening, you can even make your own winding bars using 1/2″ round bar stock from a hardware store.

Always set your ladder to the side of the springs, so you’re never directly in front of them when winding or unwinding. Keep the garage door opener disconnected from power, and lock the door in the down position. Wear eye protection and thick gloves throughout the process.

Finally, after winding the springs, step off the ladder and move it aside before testing the door balance. Never do this while on the ladder to avoid any accidents. Safety first!

3. Safely Remove The Old Spring 

It’s crucial to wear safety glasses and gloves during this step, as the springs can suddenly release and cause serious injury.

So, once the springs have been fully unwound, you can remove the old springs from the garage door. Be sure to note the orientation and placement of the existing springs, as this will help you properly install the new ones.

4. Reassemble the Springs and Components

Start by sliding the new torsion spring onto the torsion tube, making sure the stationary cone faces the center bracket. Reinstall the cable drum with the garage door wire and slide the torsion bar back into the left-side bearing bracket. Move the torsion bar left, attach the center bearing, then install the right spring and push the bearing into the stationary cone. Reinstall the drum and connect both stationary cones to the center bracket.

Next, deal with any rusted parts. Attach the lift cable to the pin on the new bottom bracket, insert the new roller, and replace the bottom brackets and cables. Run the lift cables up between the rollers and doorjamb, and slide the cable stop through the drum slot.

5. Tighten, Wind, and Lubricate the Springs

Lock the torsion tube in place using locking pliers, then rotate the drum to wind the cable into the grooves, pulling the cable tight before tightening the set screws. Repeat this on the other side to ensure even tension on both sides of the door. For winding the springs, slide a winding bar into the cone and wind the spring a quarter turn at a time, following the spring supplier’s instructions for the total number of turns. For a 7-foot door, aim for 30 quarter turns, or 36 for an 8-foot door.

Once the spring is fully wound, tap the winding bar to stretch the spring about 1/4 inch, then tighten the setscrews until they contact the torsion tube, turning them another half to three-quarters turn. Be careful not to overtighten. Finally, lubricate the spring using garage door lube—spray it on while protecting the wall with a piece of cardboard or paper bag, and wipe off any excess.

6. Test The Torsion Spring And Door Operation

Once you’ve removed the clamps and pliers, lift the door about 3 feet by hand. If the springs are properly adjusted, the door should stay in place when you release it. If it falls, add a quarter turn to each spring and test again. Repeat if necessary. If the door keeps opening on its own, reduce the spring tension in quarter-turn increments until it stays in place.

Afterward, reconnect the opener. If your opener isn’t working, you may need to learn how to open the garage door manually.

How To Maintain Your Garage Door Springs? 

To ensure the longevity of your garage door springs and prevent future issues, it’s important to perform regular maintenance and inspections. Here are some tips:

• Visually inspect the springs for any signs of wear, rust, or damage on a regular basis.
• Lubricate the springs and other moving parts of the garage door system every 6-12 months to keep them functioning smoothly.
• Be mindful of any changes in the door’s operation, such as increased effort required to open or close, as this may be a sign of a problem with the springs.
• Consider replacing the springs every 7–10 years, even if they appear to be in good condition, as a preventative measure.

By following these maintenance guidelines, you can extend the lifespan of your garage door springs and avoid the need for costly and potentially dangerous repairs in the future.

Meet The Professional 

Replacing or repairing garage door torsion springs can be a challenging task, but with the right knowledge and precaution, it’s a project that many homeowners can tackle on their own. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to safely and effectively replace and repair your garage door springs, ensuring the smooth and reliable operation of your garage door for years to come.

Remember, if you ever feel uncomfortable or unsure about the process, it’s always best to consult a professional Woodlands garage door service​, such as Garage Doors Woodlands TX, to ensure the job is done safely and correctly.