How to Replace Garage Door Torsion Springs

Torsion springs and extension springs are used for garage doors. Long and heavy springs, attached to the upper portion of the door are called extension springs. They are also known as side-mounted springs. Torsion springs, on the other hand, are attached to a fixed metal plate. They are placed parallel to the surface of the door frame and above the center of the door frame. Torsion springs work on the basic principle of tension. There are cables attached to each side of the lower panel of the garage door. When the garage door closes, these springs twist. As the springs are under tension, they can easily lift the garage door.

How to Replace Garage Door Springs

Replacing garage door torsion springs with new ones can be done easily by following these steps:

• First, you need to do is to stop the power supply. Disconnect the power cord of the door opener and remove it from the door. Those who are having an old garage door opener need to, either flip the circuit breaker or remove the fuse depending upon the type.
• Make sure that you are replacing the old spring with an appropriate new one. Check both the springs for its dimensions and type. Avoid grabbing the spring or touching the winding cones of the spring.
• Mark each end of the torsion shaft. It helps in leveling the garage doors, after the installation of the new springs.
• Wind off the unbroken torsion spring and undo and take off the bolts that secure the torsion cones to the spring bracket.
• Now, replace the torsion springs and reinstall all the torsion hardware.
• Wind up newly replaced torsion springs.
• Check for the door balance and level. Apply some lubricant to minimize the friction.
• Connect the door opener again, after the check-up.

This is how you can replace the torsion springs of the garage door. Though it is easy, it needs to be done extremely carefully.

Tips for Replacing Garage Door Springs

Garage door spring replacement can be dangerous, if it is not done with proper precaution because of the tension in the springs. Do it with extreme precaution, otherwise you may end up losing your hand, fingers, eyes, limbs or even life.

• Gather all the necessary tools and accessories, before you start to replace the garage door torsion springs.
• Release the tension in the old springs, before replacement.
• Do not touch the cable drum.
• Never wind up or wind off the torsion springs, with the help of a screwdriver.
• Always insert a well-fitting bar into the winding cone first, before touching a setscrew. Avoid using a box or socket wrench for the setscrew.
• Always keep a bar in the cone, while replacing the door springs.
• Never touch the bracket, when the springs are wound.
• Check whether you have an appropriate wind in your newly replaced torsion spring.
• Do not expose yourself to any unnecessary risks. Call a professional, in case of any difficulties.

Average life of a torsion spring is about 10,000 cycles, however it differs for every spring. Replacing faulty or broken garage door springs is not a very difficult task, you can even do it yourself if you follow the procedure carefully.