How To Install Or Replace Garage Door Springs

Air Conditioning
Bathrooms
Cabinets
Carpet
Chimneys
Concrete
Countertops
Decks
Decorating
Doors
Driveways
Drywall
Electrical
Energy Savings
Fences
Fireplaces
Floors
Gardens
Garage Doors
Gutters
Heating
Insects
Inspections
Insulation
Kitchen
Landscaping
Lawns
Lighting
Miscellaneous
Painting/Staining
Patio
Plumbing
Remodeling
Retaining Walls
Roofing
Security Systems
Siding
Stucco
Trade Shows
Wallpaper
Windows

How To Adjust Or Replace Garage Door Springs

Basically, there are two types of garage door springs. Extension springs are side mounted, located on the right and left sides of the garage door. As the garage door closes, they gain tension. Torsion springs are located at the top of the garage door. These are wound on a rod. These are very dangerous in working with as people have been seriously hurt while trying to adjust or replace them. I've worked with them myself and have had a close call. In this article I will show you how to adjust or replace side mounted springs on your garage door.

Before you get started, make sure you are wearing protective gear. Always keep in mind that these springs can be powerful when extended and carry hundreds of pounds of force.

If you have a garage door opener, make sure it's disengaged by using the release rope.

Next you'll need to open the garage door as far as possible to release the tension on the extension springs. Locate the lowest garage door roller and firmly attach a C-Clamp or locking pliers to the track directly below it. This will hold the door in place.

If you are replacing the springs, be sure to buy a set of them. It's senseless to only replace one spring as the other is likely worn as well. The factors in determining the garage door springs are the spring length, the door weight and the height of the door. Generally speaking, a 8' high door would require a replacement spring of 27" in length. A shorter door of 7 feet would need a spring 25" in length.

Remove the safety cables from the springs. Usually they are attached at the door track. Some are attached at the door frame. Before you remove the spring, take time to look at how the cable runs through the pulleys. It's also a good time to check the pulleys. If they are worn it would be a good time to replace them. When installing the new spring, make sure the door is completely open as you don't want it stretching over an inch to inch and a half. Remove the C-Clamp or locking pliers and move it to the other side of the garage door. Install the other extension garage door spring in the same manner.

Next, it's time to test your springs. Remove the locking pliers or C-Clamp and keep yourself and anyone nearby away from the springs and slowly close the garage door. Take a look at the how the springs are attached and make sure they aren't going to unattach themselves from where they are anchored. Does the door close all the way? If not you may have to loosen the door cable.

Lastly, you need to reinstall the safety cable. If you didn't have any you'll need to get some. The safety cable runs through the springs. Simply install them in the reverse order that you removed them.

WORKING ON GARAGE DOORS CAN BE DANGEROUS. Please take a look at our garage door safety instructions.

Find Local Garage Pros. Get Up to 4 Quotes Now. It's Quick, Free, and Easy!

Related Advice and Tips: