Garage door springs play a crucial role in ensuring your garage door operates smoothly. Over time, these springs can wear out or break, making it difficult or dangerous to use your garage door. Whether you’re dealing with a broken spring or suspect it’s time for a replacement, this guide will walk you through the steps on how to repair a garage door spring safely and efficiently.

Warning: Consider Professional Help

Repairing a garage door spring is not an easy DIY task. The springs are under a lot of tension, and attempting to fix or replace them without the right tools and knowledge can lead to injury. If you’re not comfortable with this repair, it’s highly recommended to contact a professional for garage door spring repair and spring replacement services.

1. Understanding the Type of Garage Door Spring

Before you begin, it’s essential to know what type of garage door spring you’re working with. There are two main types:

• Torsion Springs: These are mounted above the garage door and use torque to lift the door.
• Extension Springs: These are typically located along the sides of the door and stretch when the door opens.

Both springs require different tools and approaches, so identifying the correct type is the first crucial step in any garage door spring repair process.

How to Identify the Spring Type

• For torsion springs, you’ll see one or more springs on a metal shaft just above the door.
• For extension springs, look for long springs that run parallel to the tracks on both sides of the garage door.

2. Gathering Necessary Tools and Safety Gear

Before starting the repair, ensure you have the following tools:

• Winding bars (for torsion springs)
• Adjustable wrench
• Vice grips
• Safety glasses and gloves
• Stepladder
• Replacement spring kit (if the spring needs replacing)

It’s also advisable to have someone with you during the repair for added safety.

3. Releasing Tension from the Springs

For torsion springs, you’ll need to release the tension first. Using a winding bar, slowly loosen the screws holding the spring in place while keeping the bar in position to prevent the spring from unwinding too fast. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for winding and unwinding the spring.

Extension springs, on the other hand, should be relieved of tension by fully opening the garage door and securing it with clamps to prevent it from closing.

4. Replacing the Garage Door Spring

Once the tension is released, you can move on to replacing the spring.

For Torsion Springs:

1. Remove the old spring from the shaft.
2. Slide the new spring onto the shaft and ensure it is seated properly.
3. Use the winding bars to carefully add tension to the new spring by winding it in the correct direction.
4. Tighten the screws to secure the spring.

For Extension Springs:

1. Remove the old spring by unhooking it from the garage door and pulley system.
2. Attach the new extension spring to the existing hardware and reassemble the pulley system.
3. Test the spring to ensure proper tension.

5. Inspect and Replace Garage Door Cable (If Necessary)

In many cases, when a spring is damaged, the cables are also worn out. It’s a good idea to inspect them and consider replacing them during the garage door spring repair process.

To replace garage door cable, follow these steps:

1. Disconnect the garage door opener.
2. Release tension from the springs (as described earlier).
3. Remove the old cables from the drum at the top of the garage door.
4. Install the new cables by attaching them to the drum and looping them through the pulley system.

6. Adjusting and Testing the Garage Door

Once the new spring is installed, slowly close the garage door to test its functionality. You may need to adjust the tension on the spring to ensure the door opens and closes smoothly. If the door is too hard to lift or slams shut, the spring may need further adjustments.

After adjusting the spring, reconnect the opener, and test the door’s operation several times. If the garage door is still not working correctly, it might be time to consider a garage door opener repair or further calibration.

7. When to Call a Professional

If you’re still experiencing issues after replacing the spring and cables, or if the door is not working smoothly, it may be best to hire a professional for garage door spring repair in Harwood Heights, IL. Working with garage doors, especially the springs, can be dangerous without the proper tools and expertise. A trained technician can quickly diagnose the problem and ensure your garage door operates safely.

Conclusion

Repairing a garage door spring can save you money, but it’s essential to follow proper safety procedures. Always take the time to inspect other parts of the door, such as the cables and opener, to ensure everything is in good working order. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable performing the repair, don’t hesitate to contact a local expert for garage door spring repair in Harwood Heights, IL.

Remember, garage door springs are under high tension, and mistakes during a repair can lead to serious injury. For peace of mind and safety, professional assistance is often the best option.