Replacing garage door spring might seem simple, but it is a complex and complicated process. You need to learn the parts and perform the steps correctly. Otherwise, the process could be lethal, especially with the broken spring. The snapping spring and falling door could hurt you. This is why learning the proper steps are essential.
Read also: TIPS HOW TO RESET GARAGE DOOR OPENER
1. Must Have Tools
There are several tools to prepare before you could execute the plan. They are divided into three parts: tools for replacing the spring, the newly bought spring and the personal safety tools. To replace the spring, you will need locking pliers, clamps, cordless drill, hammer, and adjustable wrench. These tools help to hold the spring parts while being detached.
You also need a new set of spring to replace the old one. It comes in a set: bottom bracket, the spring and also the lifting cables. The type of the springs might be different, so check the one attached to your garage. Furthermore, you must maintain your own safety: wear glasses, put on gloves, and bring rags to handle the slippery spring. Neglecting these tools will harm yourself.
2. Secure the Door and Power Cord
When there is a problem with the spring, it means that the garage door cannot be opened as well. To safely replace the spring, you need to secure the door first. The trick is easy: bring over the clamp and attach it to the door and the track. Shake the installation several times to make sure that the door won’t crush you. Increase the safety with a locking pliers or c-clamp.
Another important thing is unplugging the cable from the power outlet. The garage door system needs power to operate, but you want to turn it off while the repairing process takes place. Make sure to unplug all cables connected to the garage door. Unless you have checked the cable condition a day before, you cannot tell whether the spring could electrocute you or not.
The setting for the old garage door opener is a little different. Instead of unplugging the cables, you need to remove the fuse or a circuit breaker. If you are not sure, check once again the current using suitable tool.
Source: familyhandyman.com
3. Loosen Up the Spring
The first job is loosening up the spring. You will need a winding bar. Put it into the bottom bole while you remove the screws on both sides. Make sure you have a strong grip because the screws might bounce hard because of the loose screw. Next, you need another winding bar. Slip it into the same bottom hole, this time take a 9 o’clock shape. Now take off the bottom bar, then twist the spring slowly.
If you do this step correctly, the spring will move on the bars. You might also try to loosen the spring from the eye-bolt. It applies for the older type of garage door opener. The eye-bolt is usually attached to a post or a wood, so check them first. Loosen the eye-bolt one by one. You will see the safety cable as well. Hold the cable and the spring once the eye-bolt is detached.
Take the safety cable from the structure as well. Once again, hold the cable and spring or they will drop to the floor. If you forget to park the car outside, then be prepared to pay for the repairing cost.
4. Remove the Broken Spring
The next step is the removal of the broken spring. You need to locate the torsion tube and secure it. Make sure it won’t budge. One way to do it is by using the locking pliers. Release the torsion tube slowly so you could immediately grab it if the locking pliers are not properly attached. In the center bracket, you need another c-clamp, holding the tube in place. Now it is safe to loosen the screws on both sides.
Grab the old spring and pull it from the tube. Next, you need to slide the torsion tube carefully. Never try to remove both at the same time. Remove the spring on the left side before you work on the right spring. It allows you to remove the cable drum safely. Make sure to follow the mentioned steps.
It is time to observe the condition of the track and the support. Is there anything that should be replaced as well? If you find any rusty parts or broken component, replace them immediately. Otherwise, you will be bothered to repeat the above steps again.
5. Install the New Spring
Get the new spring: you need to install them. Again, you need to start from the left side. Before you install the new spring, try to dry fit the parts on the floor. It helps you to grab the proper tools and attach them correctly. Bring the torsion spring and slip it into the torsion tube. Lock the position with the cable drum. Now you could put the left torsion tube to its original place.
When you slide in the torsion spring, the stationary cones must be placed in the middle. It should be connected to the bracket, which supports the center bearing. Only then, you could attach the right spring through the bearing line. Again, lock the position with the drum.
It is time to work with the cables. Untangle the cables, then slip it into the slot. You want to thread it carefully so the cable won’t go off the track. Make sure you have installed all the cables: the lifting cables and the door cables. They go through the rollers and also the doorjamb. Check whether the cable has proper tension.
Now secure the torsion tube. You are going to work with the drum. Rotate it slowly; the cable should follow the movement of the drum. It is important to pull the cables properly before locking the screws. Repeat the process to another side. You could only remove the locking plier after this step is done. Last step would be coating the spring with door lubricant. Don’t forget to clean the dripping lubricant on the floor.
