From Pop’s Garage Doors, your go-to garage door service provider, welcome to another comprehensive guide. This post will walk you through the process of changing the springs in your garage door system, which is an essential part that keeps your garage door operating smoothly and safely. It can save you time and possibly expensive repair services down the road if you know how to tackle this operation, whether you’re dealing with worn-out springs or just performing routine maintenance.
Let’s examine how to maintain the best possible condition for your garage doors by changing garage door springs.
1. Understanding the Types of Garage Door Springs
The springs in garage door systems are crucial to their operation because they support the weight of the entire Door as it opens and closes. Torsion and extension springs are the two basic types of springs used in garage doors. Although each type has a distinct mechanical principle and arrangement, they all play a crucial part in how garage doors operate.
Torsion Springs
Strong torsion springs use torque to raise the garage door. These springs have a cable drum linked to each end and are fixed to a metal shaft that is immovable and situated just above the garage door opening.
To raise or lower the Door, they wind and unwind in a controlled manner. Their strength and stability make them perfect for larger or heavier garage doors.
Extension Springs
Usually located on either side of the garage door, extension springs run parallel to the horizontal tracks. By expanding and contracting in response to door movement, these springs serve as counterbalances.
The springs give way at their maximum length while the Door is closed, and when it opens, the energy within the springs causes the Door to rise as they retract to their coiled configuration. Lighter doors are better suited for this.
It’s important to know what kind of spring your garage door is using because it affects upkeep, repairs, and the safety measures required during installation or replacement.
2. Safety First: Preparing to Replace the Springs
If done incorrectly, replacing garage door springs can be hazardous. It is crucial to make sure you and everyone around you are safe. To get ready to replace your garage door springs, follow these steps:
Cut Off the Power
Make sure you turn off the power to your garage door opener before starting any repairs. This stops the Door from accidentally opening while you’re working. To make sure there is no electricity running to the garage door opener, unplug it if at all possible.
Secure the Door
Place a C-clamp or locking pliers firmly onto the tracks on both sides of the garage door, right below the bottom roller, to stop it from accidentally opening. While you are changing the springs, this will keep the Door closed and secure it.
Gather Your Tools
To prevent having to search for tools mid-job, which might present a safety risk, gather all the equipment you’ll need before you start. Important instruments consist of:
- Torsion spring winding bar adjustment
- An effective ladder to access the springs
- a set of wrenches for adjusting bolts and nuts
- Wear safety glasses to shield your eyes from flying objects or broken springs.
- gloves to strengthen your grip and protect your hands
- Make the workspace clear.
Make sure everything in the vicinity of your garage door is tidy and free of anything that can impair your mobility or safety. Take out any bikes, cars, or anything else that might be on the path. This helps shield your property from harm while also establishing a safe working environment.
Inform Others
Tell your housemates, if you live with them, not to try to access or use the garage until you’ve finished replacing it. This communication aids in preventing injury-causing disruptions and unintentional door operation.
You can guarantee a safer and more effective replacement procedure by being aware of the many kinds of garage door springs and strictly adhering to safety procedures. Recall that it may be better to speak with or engage a professional technician from a respectable garage door service provider company if you are ever unsure about doing a task as potentially dangerous as changing garage door springs.
3. Removing the Old Springs
Garage door spring replacement calls for careful handling to guarantee efficiency and safety. Depending on whether you are working with extension or torsion springs, the procedure differs significantly.
Removal of Torsion Springs
Because the torsion springs coil under strain, manipulating them above the garage door requires caution. To take these springs out safely:
- Release Tension: To stop the Door from moving, first clamp it firmly in place with locking pliers or a similar instrument. Put the winding bars firmly into the holes in the winding cone. Turn the winding bars in quarter-turn increments to gradually unwind the springs and let the tension relax in a safe and gradual manner.
Release the tension completely before removing the set screws that secure the springs to the central bracket. To regulate the unwinding operation, maintain a tight grip on the winding bar as you remove these screws. Slide the springs of the torsion bar in the direction of the cable drums to extract them from the assembly after removing the screws.
Removal of Extension Springs
When the Door is in the down position, the extension springs are under a lot of tension and extend along the tracks. To securely remove these springs:
Secure the Door: To minimize the stress in the springs, completely open the garage door. To lock the Door in the open position, use C-clamps or locking pliers on the tracks directly below the bottom rollers.
Finding the springs fastened to the safety wires and pulleys can help you disconnect the springs. Release the springs from the Door’s side brackets. The springs can still be little tense, so proceed with caution.
4. Installing the New Springs
Correct installation of new springs is essential to guarantee smooth functioning and avoid possible harm or injury.
Installation of Torsion Springs
- Place the New Springs: Slide the new torsion springs onto the torsion bar, making sure that each spring faces the right way: the winding cone should face the cable drums, and the stationary cone should face the center bearing plate.
- Reattach the springs to the center bracket and tighten the set screws to firmly secure the springs. Till the springs are correctly wound, do not totally tighten them.
- Wind the Springs: Turn the winding bars to create tension after inserting them into the winding cone. For a typical 7-foot door, this usually takes about 30 quarter-turns. To find out the precise number of turns required, consult the manufacturer’s instructions.
Extension Springs Installation
Install the Springs: Fasten the fresh extension springs to the Door’s brackets on both sides. A perfect alignment of the springs and the threading of the safety cable through the center of the springs are crucial.
Adjust Tension: Close the Door after hooking the springs, then measure the tension. To change the tension, move the spring hook to a different hole on the bracket if needed. When the Door is halfway open, it should balance and remain in place.
5. Testing the Door Balance
Testing the garage door’s balance after replacing its springs is essential to making sure it functions properly and safely. In addition to putting stress on the opener, an imbalanced door can lead to uneven wear on different parts.
How to Test Garage Door Balance
- Lift the Door Manually: Unplug the automatic door opener and raise the Door halfway on your own.
- To ensure stability, carefully open the Door. A door that is balanced and partially open will stay in place. The balance is off if it jumps up or slides down.
- If necessary, adjust: The spring tension may need to be changed if the Door won’t stay in place. Usually, you can accomplish this by adjusting the hook attachment point on extension springs or by varying the tension on torsion springs.
Periodically doing balance testing is an important element of routine maintenance, particularly following the installation of new springs or setup modifications.
6. Fine-Tuning and Maintenance
Regular maintenance and fine-tuning are necessary if you want to extend the life and effectiveness of your garage door. Observe the following crucial guidelines:
Inspect and Tighten All Hardware
Your garage door’s hardware may become loose with time as a result of its frequent movements. To make sure everything is firmly secured, check and tighten all of the bolts and roller brackets.
Lubricate Moving Parts
Maintaining lubrication on your garage door components will ease the strain on the door opener and cut down on noise while it operates. Pay attention to these elements:
- Springs: To keep them operating smoothly, lightly lubricate them with silicone-based products.
- Rollers and Hinges: To maintain free motion, lubricate rollers and hinges. Consider replacing any rollers or hinges that seem worn out or bind.
Check the Cables and Pulleys
Check the lift cables and pulleys for wear indicators like rust or fraying. These parts are highly stressed, and if they break down, it could be dangerous. It could be time to replace them if any wear is noticeable.
Test the Auto-Reverse Feature
The auto-reverse feature of contemporary garage doors keeps the Door from shutting in the case that it comes into contact with an obstruction. To test this safety feature, place something in the Door’s passage on the ground, such as a block of wood. Immediately adjust or fix the auto-reverse mechanism if the Door does not reverse after striking an obstruction.
Clean and Paint the Door
Keep your garage door’s exterior looking great by giving it regular cleanings and touch-ups as necessary. This preserves the appearance of your Door while shielding it from environmental factors that could lead to rust or damage.
7. When to Make a Professional Contact
Doing things yourself can be quite rewarding and a fantastic way to save money. However, certain jobs, like changing the springs on a garage door, include risks that may call for expert assistance. Knowing when to bring in the professionals will help keep your garage system operating securely and dependably while also preventing mishaps.
Scenarios Requiring Professional Help:
- Complexity: It is advisable to hire a professional if the task calls for technical competence that is beyond your current degree of proficiency. This is especially crucial when handling torsion springs, which can be hazardous if not used properly.
- Safety Concerns: There is a considerable risk of injury when using high-tension parts, such as garage door springs. Experts can effectively manage these risks because they have the necessary tools and training.
- Troubleshooting: Occasionally, problems continue even after do-it-yourself fixes. If issues such as misaligned doors or broken openers persist, it could be necessary to hire an expert.
- Maintenance and Inspections: An specialist can carry out maintenance procedures that may be too complicated for the typical homeowner as well as give a comprehensive inspection.
- Warranty and guarantees: Do-it-yourself fixes to parts like springs may render warranties null and void. Experts make sure that warranty coverage extends to repair work, providing you with a peace of mind.
Making the decision to work with a reputable company like Pop’s Garage Doors guarantees that skilled and competent professionals will handle your garage door.
Conclusion
You may improve the functioning and safety of your garage door system by replacing the garage door springs. But it’s imperative that you approach this process carefully and, if necessary, seek expert assistance. Pop’s Garage Doors is here to help you with professional garage door installation, maintenance, and repair.
Our staff is available to help with any type of repair, no matter how complex or replacement. You can rely on us to maintain the smooth operation of your garage door all year long.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the recommended frequency of garage door spring replacement?
The average lifespan of garage door springs is seven to nine years, depending on usage and upkeep.
2. Can I change the springs on my garage door by myself?
Yes, you may replace garage door springs on your own, provided you have the proper equipment and strictly follow safety procedures. However, we advise seeking professional assistance owing to the high tension involved, particularly with torsion springs.
3. When should I replace the springs on my garage door?
A garage door that won’t open, produces loud noises or opens unevenly is a common indicator.
4. How much does it cost for a professional garage door spring replacement?
Depending on the kind of springs and the difficulty of the task, the price can change, but it usually falls between $150 and $350.
5. After repairing the springs on my garage door, what should I do if it still won’t open?
First, confirm that the springs are correctly positioned and have the appropriate tension. It could be preferable to contact a specialist to identify and resolve the issue if it continues.