How To Replace Garage Door Springs?
Are you wondering how to install a garage door spring? Are you searching for a quick and reliable solution? You are at the right place.
Springs are installed in garage doors to balance their weight and ensure smooth and stable movement. Lubricating springs and keeping them well-maintained can help increase their lifespan.
No matter how much effort you put into keeping the garage door springs in order, they will get damaged once their lifespan is completed. This is why you must keep a close eye on the performance of the springs installed in your garage doors.
This article presents common indications of spring failure and how to change out garage door springs. Let’s get deeper into the discussion on how to fix garage door springs.
What Are the Prominent Symptoms of Failing Garage Door Springs?
Before you move toward replacing garage door springs, you must be familiar with the potential symptoms of this problem. Here are the most common symptoms you should be familiar with.
- The garage door is bent or crooked.
- The door opener is unable to lift the door properly.
- There is no tight spring coil, and the springs are stretched out.
- The door starts producing a loud snapping sound.
- Unexpectedly, the garage door has started closing very fast.
- The door opens too slowly or partially.
- A prominent gap in the spring.
- The door produces jerks when you open or close it.
Apart from the symptoms mentioned above, loose or broken cables are the leading reason behind failing garage door springs. After reading through these symptoms, you are familiar with when to replace garage door springs. Let’s go ahead.
Understanding the Spring Types Before New Garage Door Spring Replacement
Getting familiar with the spring types is necessary, as different techniques are used to replace springs of different categories. This section presents the two major types of garage door springs: Torsion and Extension. Let’s read them one by one. You will learn to replace spring on garage door in the later sections.
Torsion
These springs are installed parallel to the garage doors and sit above. They are mounted on a horizontal shaft in pairs. This shaft is connected to the cable drum. Torsion springs resemble threaded screws. These springs don’t stretch; instead, they are installed under tension.
A Torsion spring gradually releases the tension when you open a garage door. In terms of service life, torsion springs have a longer lifespan than extension garage door springs. The average lifespan of a Torsion spring lies between 15,000 and 20,000 cycles.
Extension
These springs were usually installed in old garage doors. An extension door opens or closes with the help of cables and one or two pulleys. It works by stretching and comes mostly with a service life of 10,000 cycles.
Whether you buy a Torsion or an Extension spring, both are color-coded. The paint on either side of the spring indicates the length and pulling strength. Remember, your garage door height and weight should match these specifications.
Cost Comparison of Extension and Torsion Springs
Before you hire a professional to replace the spring on a garage door, you should know the cost of materials and charges for garage door spring repair services.
The cost of a Torsion spring material is somewhere between $60 and $200. If you hire a professional to replace a Torsion spring on a garage door, it will cost between $200 and $350.
On the other hand, the material cost of an Extension spring is between $30 and $90. Hiring the extension garage spring fix or installation services with the material will cost you between $150 and $200. To avoid scams, ensure you are familiar with the market prices for changing garage door springs.
How to Install Garage Door Springs?
Are you looking forward to replacing springs on garage doors? This section explains both the replacement of Torsion and Extension springs for your garage doors. Let’s get into further specifics.
How to Replace Torsion Springs of Your Garage Door?
The required tools and complete steps for this process are as follows.
Tools Required
- New springs
- Wrench
- Winding bars
- Stepladder
- Vise-grip
Step-By-Step Guide
It is a simple, 10-step guide.
- Disconnect the door opener from the door.
- Place the stepladder near the winding cone and open the two bolts (that secure the cone to the winding bar) with a wrench.
- Ensure you have firmly gripped the bar and allow the Torsion spring to unwind slowly.
- Remove the first winding bar so the spring can unwind for another turn. Keep repeating this process until the tension is released completely.
- Use the adjustable wrench to disconnect the Torsion springs. Then, disconnect the cable drums and cables, respectively. While doing this, hold the Torsion bar firmly.
- Mount the new springs on the Torsion bar and ensure you have correctly mounted the left-hand and right-hand springs.
- Attach the lift cables again to the brackets. Then, slide the drums onto the Torsion bar’s ends. Don’t forget to ensure lift cables are anchored perfectly inside the cable drums.
- Load the Torsion spring by twisting the spring and winding bar. Read the manufacturer’s instructions to determine how many twists are needed to fully tighten the spring.
- Once you load the spring, tap the winding bar’s side with a hammer. Then, tighten the setscrews to secure the cone to the bar.
- Apply lubricant to the newly replaced Torsion springs and remove the clamps.
How to Replace Extension Springs of Your Garage Door?
How to replace old style garage door springs or extension springs? Here’s a list of the tools needed and steps required to follow.
Tools Required
- New extension springs
- Wrench
- Stepladder
- C-clamps
Step-By-Step Guide
The steps you should follow to replace garage door springs are as follows:
- Open the garage door fully.
- To prevent the door from falling accidentally, attach two C-clamps on each side of the vertical door’s track.
- Disconnect the garage door from the door opener.
- Unbolt the spring and pulley to disconnect the cable.
- Remove the spring after disconnecting the safety cable. For this, you must have hands-on experience with how to remove garage door springs.
- Now, connect the stanchion to the far end of the extension spring. Then, attach the safety cable to the stanchion.
- It is time to connect the pulley with the free end of the spring. Then, attach the cable to the garage door again. Repeat the same process on the second side.
- Connect the door to the door opener.
Now that you know how to change garage door spring. It is time to wind up today’s discussion.
Final Words
How to replace a garage door spring? Are your door springs faulty? Searching for trusted and affordable repair garage door spring services? Look no further than Core Garage Door. They are a skilled team of certified technicians specializing in garage door repair and replacement.
If you have any problems related to garage doors, contact Core Garage Door for a free consultation and expert guidance. What else do you need?
FAQs
Is DIY Garage Door Springs Replacement Worth It?
How do I replace a garage door spring? Installing garage door springs on your own could be risky. You might not have the right tools and skills to deal with this issue. Therefore, hiring professional garage door repair or replacement services has always been a safe solution. Though you spend some money hiring such services, they are worth it.
How do I know if my garage door springs need replacement?
Common signs of failing garage door springs include a bent or crooked door, loud snapping sounds, slow or partial door opening, and noticeable gaps in the spring.
Can I replace garage door springs on my own?
While it’s possible to replace garage door springs yourself, it is risky and requires specific tools and expertise. Hiring a professional is safer and ensures proper installation.
What is the difference between Torsion and Extension springs?
Torsion springs are mounted above the door and last longer, while Extension springs stretch to lift the door and are commonly found in older garage doors.
How much does it cost to replace garage door springs?
The cost varies: Torsion springs range from $200 to $350 with professional installation, while Extension springs cost between $150 and $200, including installation.
Is it worth lubricating garage door springs?
Yes, regular lubrication of garage door springs can extend their lifespan by reducing friction and preventing rust, leading to smoother operation and less wear over time.
