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Garage Door Repair: How to Fix a Broken Garage Door Spring

by Maverick Lewis Writer

If your garage door isn't working right, the first thing you need to do is determine what's wrong. In most cases, a broken garage door spring is the culprit. This article will teach you how to fix a broken garage door spring when you consider garage door repairs. It's essential to be careful when doing this job, as it can be dangerous if you're not familiar with the  garage door repair process. Follow these instructions closely, and you'll have your garage door up and running!

What Are Common Garage Door Problems?

Before we get into how to fix a broken garage door spring, let's first look at some of the most common problems related to garage door repairs. It will help you troubleshoot your issue and determine whether or not you need to replace the garage door spring.

When you consider garage door repair, the most common garage door problem is that the door won't open or close. If this is happening, there are a few things you can check before calling a garage door repair professional:

  1. Make sure that the garage door opener is working correctly.
  2. Check if you're dealing with blocked or misaligned tracks.
  3. Inspect the springs to see if they're broken.


If one of these springs is indeed broken, that's probably why your garage door isn't working right.

Another common garage door repair issue is that the door opens or closes too slowly. A few different things can cause this, but most likely, it's due to worn-out springs. Over time, garage door springs will wear down and lose their tension. As a result, the door will open or close more slowly than usual. You'll probably need to replace one or both of the garage door springs if this is happening.

Finally, another common problem is that the garage door makes loud noises when opening or closing. The problem occurs due to loose hardware, such as screws or bolts. Tightening these up should take care of the noise problem. However, if the noise persists after tightening everything up, it's probably due to worn-out springs, and you'll need to replace them.

These are just a few of the most common garage door repair problems. If you're experiencing any of these issues, it's time to look at your garage door springs for garage door repairs.

How to Inspect Your Garage Door Springs

The first step in fixing a broken garage door spring is to inspect the springs. There are two different types of garage door springs - torsion springs and extension springs. Torsion springs are located above the garage door, while extension springs are located on either side of the door. To properly inspect your garage door springs, you'll need to remove the garage door panels. It will give you access to the inside of the garage door so that you can take a closer look.

Once you have the garage door panels removed, look at the springs. You're looking for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or fraying. If you see any damage, it's time to replace the spring. 

It's important to note that garage door springs are under tension. They can be dangerous to work with if you're not careful. Ensure all safety instructions when inspecting and replacing your garage door springs.

How to Replace a Broken Garage Door Spring

Now that we've gone over how to inspect your garage door springs let's talk about how to replace them. First, you'll need to purchase new springs. Be sure to get the right type and size of spring for garage door repairs. Once you have the new springs, you'll need to remove the old ones. Next, use a pair of pliers to remove the spring hooks from the brackets. You'll need to disconnect the garage door from the opener by pulling on the release cord.

Below, you will find the steps to fix a broken garage door spring:

Step One: Identity Which Type of Spring Is Broken

When you consider garage door repairs, you need to identify which type of spring is broken. There are two types of springs used in garage doors- torsion springs and extension springs. If your garage has two springs (one on each side of the door), both are likely torsion springs. It is essential to remember that you'll need to replace both springs. If only one spring is broken, it's probably an extension spring.

Step Two: Gather the Tools and Materials You'll Need

-Replacement garage door spring (or springs, if you're replacing two)

-Torsion bar (if you're replacing torsion springs)

-Windlass (a tool used to wind the garage door springs)

-Pliers

-Adjustable wrench

-Drill

-Socket set

-Ladder

-Safety glasses or goggles

-Work gloves

Step Three: Prepare for the Replacement Spring(s)

Before you begin working on garage door repairs, it's essential to take some safety precautions:

  1. Disconnect the garage door opener by pulling on the red cord that hangs down from the motor. It will prevent the garage door from opening while working on it.
  2. Put on your safety glasses or goggles and gloves to protect yourself from the sharp edges of the springs.
  3. Prop open the garage door with a ladder so it can't close while you're working.

Step Four: Replace the Spring (or Springs)

If you're replacing torsion springs, use a winding bar to wind or unwind the spring. Insert one end of the bar into the winding cone (the hole in the center of the spring). The other end of the bar should be held in your hand. Now, turn your body in a half-circle to wind up the spring (or unwind it if it's already broken). Do this slowly and carefully, as too much force can cause the spring to break.

If you're replacing extension springs, remove the garage door cable from the pulley by unscrewing the eye bolt that holds it in place. Then, disconnect the spring from the track by unhooking it from the bracket. After disconnecting the spring, you can remove it from the garage door.

Step Five: Install the New Spring (or Springs)

Installing a new garage door spring is essentially the reverse of removing one. If you're installing torsion springs, use a winding bar to wind up each side of the spring until it's tight. Then, hook each end of the spring onto its corresponding bracket on either side of the garage door.

If you're installing extension springs, first hook the spring onto the bracket on one side of the garage door. Then, stretch out the spring until it's tight and affix it onto the frame on the other side of the garage door. After installing both springs, reattach the garage door cable to the pulley.

Step Six: Test Your Garage Door

Once you've replaced your garage door (or springs), it's time to test out your handiwork! Reconnect your garage door opener by plugging it back into its power outlet. Then, press the button to open your garage door. Your garage door should open smoothly and evenly if everything is working correctly. Congratulations- you've just fixed a broken garage door spring!

The Final Thought

Garage door repair is not a difficult task, but it's one that you should approach with caution. Before beginning work, be sure to disconnect the garage door opener and wear safety glasses or goggles. Then, follow the instructions above to replace your garage door spring (or springs). Once you're finished, test out your garage door to ensure it's working correctly.


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About Maverick Lewis Advanced   Writer

45 connections, 0 recommendations, 218 honor points.
Joined APSense since, July 5th, 2022, From Orlando, United States.

Created on Nov 11th 2022 07:46. Viewed 277 times.

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