Replacing garage door springs can seem intimidating, but with the right tools and safety precautions, it can be a do-it-yourself project. Garage door springs come in two main types: torsion and extension. Knowing which type of spring you have and how to properly remove and install them is key to a successful spring replacement.

Safety Tips for Replacing Garage Door Springs

Replacing garage door springs can be a dangerous job if proper precautions are not taken. Here are some important safety tips to keep in mind:

Wear protective gloves and eye protection. The springs are under high tension and a break can cause the parts to fly around.
Make sure the door is fully open when removing the old springs. This gives you the most room to work.
Do not try to remove or install a spring that is wound. Only work with relaxed springs.
Use spring winding bars to carefully unwind and wind springs. Do not try to do it by hand.
Make sure the winding bars are the correct size for the springs being worked on.
Stand to the side when winding and unwinding springs. Never stand directly in front or behind.
Follow directions carefully and do not take shortcuts. Replacing springs must be done in the proper sequence.
Call a professional if you have any doubts or concerns about doing the job safely. Garage door springs can cause serious injury if handled incorrectly.

How to Remove Torsion Springs

Torsion springs mount horizontally above the garage door on a metal shaft running through the springs. Most residential garage doors have two torsion springs, one on each side. Here are the steps for removing old torsion springs:

Preparation

With the door fully open, measure the existing springs to determine their size. Measure the length and inside diameter. This will assist in purchasing replacement springs.
Disconnect the opener by disengaging the opener arm from the door. This allows you to manually operate the door.
Wedge locking pliers or a C-clamp between the door tracks just above the top roller to prevent the door from falling.

Remove Springs

Examine the winding unit supports to determine which type you have. Some have winding cones that the springs screw directly into. Others use cables and spring anchor plates.
For spring anchor plate types, loosen any cable drum set screws. These hold the cable securely on the winding cone.
Use winding bars to stabilize the winding cone and carefully unwind the spring turns 3 to 4 full turns. This relieves the tension.
For springs with winding cones, loosen the set screws holding the cones. For anchor plate types, detach the spring from the anchor plate.
Slide the winding cone out of the winding collar and remove the springs and cones from the torsion shaft. Be careful as the springs will still be under some tension.
Repeat the process to remove the second spring on the other side. Make note of the number of turns required to unwind the old springs. This will help determine the proper pre-wind for the new springs.
Clean the torsion shaft and lightly lubricate to allow free movement of the new cones.

Removing old torsion springs takes patience and care. Now you are ready to install the new spring replacements.

How to Install New Torsion Springs

Once the old springs are removed, installing new torsion springs involves carefully winding and adjusting for proper door balance. Here are the steps:

Wind Springs

With the door closed, place the new torsion spring on the shaft oriented correctly. Winding direction is indicated by the direction the end coils point.
Install the corresponding winding cone, ensuring it engages tightly on the torsion shaft. Tighten the set screws firmly.
Repeat spring and cone installation for the other side.
Pre-wind both springs equally using winding bars. Match the original number of turns closely to provide the same torque as the old springs.
Check that the spring winding is even on both sides by making sure the shaft rotates smoothly. Adjust windings if needed.

Attach Cables

For spring anchor plate styles, attach one end of the cable to the winding cone using cable clamps.
Run the cable up and over the garage door pulley, then down to the bottom pulley.
Pull the cable taut and attach the other end to the spring anchor plate with cable clamps.
Tighten all cable drum set screws, securing the cable tightly.

Adjust Springs

Carefully wind the springs 1/2 turn tighter. Then unwind to effectively seat the spring end coils tightly on the cones.
With winding bars inserted, have a helper lift the door manually from the bottom to check balance. Adjust spring tension as needed until the door lifts smoothly with little resistance.
Secure the winding cone with the tightening set screw. Check door balance again. The door should lift smoothly, stay open around 3 feet up, and close gently.
Reconnect the opener and test automatic operation. Adjust spring tension until operation is smooth.

With some patience and care, new torsion springs can be installed successfully as a DIY garage door repair. Call a pro if you have any issues with the door balance or operation.

How to Remove Extension Springs

Extension springs run vertically along the sides of the garage door. Most residential doors have two springs, one on each side. Extension springs stretch and contract to create lift for the door. Here are the steps for removing old extension springs:

Preparation

Start with garage door fully open. Measure the length of the existing springs. This will help in purchasing replacements.
Disconnect opener arm from door. Wedge locking pliers between tracks above top rollers. This prevents door falling once springs detached.

Remove Springs

Examine how the springs connect. Older models have hook ends that attach to eye bolts on the door track brackets. Newer ones use pulley wheels with cables running to the bottom of the door.
For hook type extension springs, detach the hook ends from the eye bolts using winding bars for leverage. Maintain tension while detaching.
For pulley wheels, loosen cable at the bottom bracket. Keep tension on the cable and detach it from the pulley.
Slowly release the tension until spring is fully relaxed. Remove fasteners and detach spring from the bracket.
Repeat process to detach and remove the second spring on opposite side.

Removing old extension springs takes patience to safely release the tension. Now the garage door is ready for the new spring installations.

How to Install New Extension Springs

Once the old extension springs are removed, the new springs can be installed. Proper attachment and adjustment is needed to get smooth door operation. Here are the steps:

Install Springs

With door fully closed, position new spring vertically aligned with bracket.
Attach top of spring securely to bracket with fasteners. Make sure it is centered on bracket.
For hook types, attach end of relaxed spring to eye bolt with wiring pliers keeping tension.
For pulley types, run cable over pulley and under door, pulling taught. Attach to bottom spring bracket.
Repeat installation on other side with a matching spring. Make sure both springs are oriented correctly for proper operation.

Adjust Springs

Carefully stretch the springs just enough to lift door several inches when released. Do not over-stretch.
Lift door manually and check balance. If springs were over tensioned, release tension slightly.
For a hook type, adjust spring hooks on the eye bolts until door lifts smoothly. Engage safety latches.
For pulley types, finely adjust cable tension using the threaded end brackets until smooth operation achieved.
Test door for smooth automatic operation. Adjust spring tension slightly if needed until operation is ideal.

With the proper precautions, extension springs can be replaced successfully as a DIY project. Contact a professional if the door does not operate smoothly after adjusting spring tension.

FAQs about Replacing Garage Door Springs

Replacing garage door springs often brings up common questions. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

How long do garage door springs last?

On average, residential torsion springs will last 5-7 years with moderate usage. Heavy use can shorten life span. Extension springs tend to last a bit longer, around 10-15 years.

How do I know if my springs need replacing?

Signs that springs are failing include doors not opening smoothly, unequal spring tensions, sagging, binding, or the door opening unevenly. Frequent servicing helps identify worn springs.

Can I replace just one spring or do I need to do both?

It is strongly advised to always replace both springs as a set. Even if one spring is damaged, the other is likely weakened also. Replacing only one can cause an imbalance and further issues.

Will new springs make my door feel heavier?

Properly tensioned and balanced new springs should make the door feel the same. In some cases, old over-stretched springs made the door feel too light. New springs restore proper balance.

How much tension should torsion springs be wound to?

As a general rule, average one full winding turn for every inch of inside diameter of the springs. So a 2-inch diameter spring gets around 2 full winding turns when installed.

How do I measure garage door extension springs?

Fully extend the relaxed spring and measure from hook to hook. Or measure the relaxed compressed length. Be sure to note whether dual or single action. This ensures correct replacements.

Can I wind torsion springs by hand or do I need winding bars?

Winding bars allow for controlled, safer winding. Attempting to wind heavy garage door springs by hand can result in serious injury if slipping occurs. Always use proper winding tools.

Conclusion

Replacing worn out torsion and extension garage door springs is a project a handy homeowner can tackle. But due to the risks involved, proper preparation, tools, and safety precautions are a must. Take your time, follow instructions carefully, and call for professional help if needed. With patience and care, you can avoid costly service calls by replacing springs yourself. Just focus on safety and proper balance, and your garage door will once again run smoothly.

How to Replace Garage Door Springs: Torsion and Extension

Replacing worn out garage door springs is an essential maintenance task to ensure your garage door continues to operate smoothly and safely. While a challenging DIY project, it can be successfully accomplished with proper preparation, tools, safety precautions, and patience. In this article, we will provide detailed steps for replacing the two main types of residential garage door springs: torsion and extension.

Overview of Garage Door Springs

Garage door springs provide the lifting force needed to counterbalance the weight of the door and allow smooth, easy opening and closing. There are two primary types of springs:

Torsion springs – Mounted horizontally above the door on a metal shaft running through the springs. Most residential garage doors have two torsion springs, one on each side.

Extension springs – Run vertically along the sides of the garage door. Stretch and contract to assist in lifting the door. Most doors have two springs, one on each side.

Over time, springs wear out and lose tension and must be replaced to restore proper operation. Replacing worn springs before they break helps prevent more serious damage.

Safety Tips for Replacing Springs

Replacing garage door springs involves dangerous high tensions and should only be done with extreme care:

Use protective gloves, goggles, and clamp locking pliers to prevent injury if springs break
Only work with the door fully open for maximum working room
Do not try to remove or install a spring that is wound or under tension
Use winding bars for placing tension on springs, not your hands
Follow instructions carefully and do not take unsafe shortcuts
Get help from a professional if you are unsure of any part of the process

Removing and Replacing Torsion Springs

Torsion springs mount on a shaft running lengthwise above the door. Here are the steps for safe torsion spring removal and replacement:

Prepare the Work Area

With the door fully open, measure the springs to determine the size for replacements
Disengage the opener to operate door manually
Place locking pliers between door tracks above top roller to prevent door closing

Removing Old Springs

For springs with winding cones, loosen any set screws securing the winding cone
Use winding bars to stabilize cones and unwind springs 3-4 complete turns to relieve tension
Detach springs from cones or anchor plates and slide parts off torsion shaft
Clean shaft and lubricate lightly to allow free movement of new cones

Installing New Springs

Place new springs on the shaft oriented as originals were
Install corresponding winding cone and tighten set screws firmly
Pre-wind both springs equally, matching original number of turns
Attach cables and adjust tension until door lifts smoothly
Reconnect automatic opener once smooth operation achieved

Removing and Replacing Extension Springs

Extension springs run vertically along the garage door sides. Here are the steps for safe extension spring removal and replacement:

Prepare the Work Area

With door fully open, measure and note the length of the existing springs
Disengage automatic opener
Place locking pliers between door tracks above top roller

Removing Old Springs

Examine connection points, either hooks or pulley wheels
For hook types, detach hooks from eye bolts using winding bars for leverage
For pulley types, detach and unwind cable from pulley wheel
Slowly release tension fully until spring can be removed

Installing New Springs

With door closed, align new springs and attach to brackets
Stretch springs enough to lift door several inches then check balance
For hook types, attach spring hooks to eye bolts
For pulley types, run new cable and adjust tension until smooth

Conclusion

With proper tools and careful adherence to safe procedures, worn out torsion and extension garage door springs can be successfully replaced by a DIYer. Take time to prepare the work area, follow exact removal steps, and exercise extreme caution when installing and adjusting new springs. Paired with regular maintenance, replacing old springs before they fail will keep your garage door operating safely for years to come.