How do I change garage door springs? Get detailed instructions and safety precautions for DIY success!
Garage door springs help your door open and close easily. Over time, they can wear out or break. Learning how to change garage door springs can save you time and money. This simple guide gives easy steps to follow. Be careful, take your time, and stay safe while doing the job.
Garage springs help your door work smoothly, but can wear out or break. Learning how to change garage door springs saves time and money. Unplug the opener, clamp the door, change the spring carefully, and test it. For safety, it’s best to call a garage door repair pro for full service.
What Are Garage Door Springs and How Do They Work
Before diving into how to change garage door springs, it’s essential to know the two main types:
1. Torsion Springs
Torsion springs sit above the garage door, and a twisting force lifts it. When the door opens, the springs unwind. When it closes, they wind up again. This gives the door a steady, smooth movement and better control.
2. Extension Springs
Extension springs are found on each side of the garage door. They stretch out when the door is shut and pull back when it opens. These springs help lift the door using stored energy and are often used in smaller garage spaces.
How to Stay Safe During Garage Door Repairs
Replacing garage door springs is not a simple DIY task; it involves significant risk due to the high tension. Follow these safety measures:
- Wear safety goggles and gloves.
- Use sturdy winding bars for torsion springs (never use screwdrivers).
- Keep children and pets away from the work area.
- Ensure the garage door is fully closed and secured before starting.
If you’re unsure about handling the tension, consult a professional.
Simple Steps to Replace Your Garage Door Springs
Step 1: Gather the Right Tools
You’ll need:
- Winding bars (for torsion springs)
- Adjustable wrench
- Vice grips or locking pliers
- Socket set
- A sturdy ladder
- Replacement springs (correct size and type)
Step 2: Release Tension from Old Springs
For Torsion Springs:
- Insert a winding bar into the winding cone.
- Slowly unwind the spring (turn in the direction that loosens tension).
- Repeat until all tension is released before removing the spring.
For Extension Springs:
- Secure the door in place with clamps.
- Disconnect the safety cable and springs from the pulley system.
Step 3: Remove the Old Springs
Once tension is released:
- Unbolt the torsion spring from the center bracket.
- For extension springs, slide them off the track.
Step 4: Install the New Springs
For Torsion Springs:
- Mount the new spring onto the torsion tube.
- Secure it with the set screws.
- Wind the spring carefully using winding bars (follow the manufacturer’s instructions).
For Extension Springs:
- Attach one end to the track hanger.
- Connect the other end to the pulley system.
- Reinstall the safety cable.
Step 5: Test the Door
Gently lift the garage door by hand to check if it’s balanced. A well-balanced door should stay halfway open without falling or rising. If it moves, adjust the spring tension until it holds steady. This helps the door work safely and smoothly.
How Often Should You Replace Garage Door Springs
Garage door springs typically last 7-10 years, depending on usage. If you notice signs like squeaking noises, uneven door movement, or visible wear, it’s time for a replacement. Regular maintenance can extend their lifespan, but knowing how to change garage door springs ensures you’re prepared when the time comes.
What Are the Signs of a Broken Garage Door Spring
If your garage door isn’t working right, it could be because of a broken spring. Garage door springs help lift the door, and you’ll notice some clear signs when they break.
1. The Door Won’t Open or Close Too Fast
The spring might break if your garage door won’t open or shuts too fast. Springs help the door move the right way. Without a working spring, the door can be hard to use and not safe.
2. You Hear a Loud “Bang” from the Garage
A loud bang from the garage could mean a spring has snapped. Garage springs hold a lot of pressure. When they break, it can sound like something popped or exploded. This is a clear sign that something’s wrong.
3. Visible Gaps or Damage in the Spring Coils
Look at the spring above or next to the door. If there’s a space between the coils, or it looks bent or broken, the spring is bad. A broken spring needs to be changed to keep the door working safely.
4. The Door Feels Too Heavy to Lift by Hand
If your door is too heavy to lift, the spring might not work. Springs help carry the door’s weight. Without them, the door can be tough to move and may not open at all by hand.
Can You Replace Just One Spring, or Should You Do Both
If your garage door has two springs, it’s best to change both even if only one is broken. This keeps the door balanced and helps it open and close correctly. Replacing just one spring can make the door work unevenly.
Using an old spring with a new one puts extra strain on the new spring and opener. It wears out faster. To stay safe, learn how to change garage door springs properly or call a garage door repair expert for help.
Avoid These Mistakes When Fixing Your Garage Door
1. Skipping Safety Gear
Never skip wearing safety gear when working on garage door springs. These parts are under high tension and can snap without warning, causing serious injuries. Always wear gloves and safety glasses to protect your hands and eyes during the job.
2. Using Incorrect Springs
The wrong spring size or type can make the door work poorly or break other parts. Always check the size, type, and weight rating. Matching the exact spring helps your new garage door work safely and smoothly.
3. Over-Winding Torsion Springs
Over-tightening torsion springs can wear them out fast or make them snap. This mistake can also damage the door opener. Wind the springs correctly, and if unsure, follow a guide or get expert help.
4. Ignoring Professional Help
If you feel unsure or unsafe about changing garage door springs, it’s best to call a garage door technician. Professionals have the tools and experience to handle high-tension parts and ensure your door works correctly and safely.
When to Call a Professional for Garage Door Repairs
While learning how to change garage door springs is useful, some situations require expert intervention:
- If the door is excessively heavy.
- If you lack the proper tools.
- When the springs are part of a more advanced system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change a garage door spring myself?
You can try, but it’s not safe. A garage door spring is very tight and can snap if mishandled, causing serious injury. It’s better to let a trained garage door repair expert replace the garage door spring to keep everything safe and working correctly.
How much does it typically cost to replace a garage door spring?
Replacing a garage door spring typically costs $150 to $300, depending on the type of spring and the size of the door. A pro can fix it safely and ensure it works well. Contact Affordable Garage Door Repairs of Indianapolis to book an appointment and get a quote.
How do I tell which garage door spring I need?
To know which garage door spring you need, check your door’s type, size, and weight. Most homes use torsion or extension springs. The best way is to ask a garage door expert to find the right spring for your door.
Can you still use a garage door with a broken spring?
No, using a garage door with a broken spring is unsafe. The door may be heavy and hard to open, and using it could break more parts or hurt someone. If the garage door spring is broken, stop using it and get it fixed.
How do you tell if a garage door spring is broken?
The spring might be broken if your garage door is hard to open, feels heavy, or makes loud sounds. You may also see a gap in the spring. A broken garage door spring needs quick repair, so call a technician to check and fix it.
Conclusion
Changing garage door springs is not a simple DIY job. These parts are under heavy tension, and doing it wrong can cause injury or damage. Let a garage door repair expert handle it with the right tools and care; it will always be safer.
Learning how to change garage door springs helps you understand what’s involved. Knowing how your garage door works is good, even if you don’t do the work yourself. But when safety is on the line, calling a trained pro is the smarter choice.
For safe and quick garage door repair, call Affordable Garage Door Repairs Indianapolis at (317) 372- 5337. We’re here to repair your springs and ensure your door works smoothly. Let us handle the hard part while you enjoy peace of mind.
End Note
Affordable Garage Door Repairs of Indianapolis is here to help if your garage door spring is broken or worn out. We offer fast, expert spring repair services to get your door working safely again. We also serve McCordsville, IN, and nearby areas with trusted, affordable solutions.
Explore our stylish Legacy Collection for strong, beautiful garage doors that improve your home’s look and function. Learn more about our friendly team on the About page, and check out real work in our Gallery. For simple tips and updates, visit our helpful blog.
Stay connected with Affordable Garage Door Repairs of Indianapolis on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates, photos, and tips. Read what people say on Yelp and Google. Visit our Contact Page to book your service or request a free quote.
Affordable Garage Door Repairs of Indianapolis, LLC
1111 E 54th St suite 171, Indianapolis, IN 46220, United States
+13173725337
