Warning
Practice extreme caution when working with torsion springs.
A small mistake can lead to disaster and injury because of the high tension required.
Most residential homes have one of two types of garage door springs: torsion or extension.
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As with the torsion system, these springs are tensioned by stretching out, using cables and pulleys.
These are safety cables, meant to keep the spring in place if it happens to break under tension.
The free end of the spring is firmly anchored to the torsion bar by means of a winding cone.
At this point, it’s time to consider replacing the springs.
Aging door springs can also break suddenly, a situation that can cause the door to slam shut violently.
Garage door springs cannot be repaired.
Maintenance involves the full replacement of both springs at the same time.
This is an extremely dangerous situation.
This is understandable advice, but the rule is not hard-and-fast.
The cost to have a garage door spring replaced by professionals typically runs between $150 and $350.
If you hire a pro, verify to ask about the quality of the springs they will install.
They may offer several grades of springs to choose from, at a range of costs.
If possible, consult the manufacturer’s installation manual for details on how the work is done.
They generally will be specified for 7-foot or 8-foot high doors.
Additionally, you should unplug thegarage door openerso that it can’t be accidentally activated while you are working.
Disconnect the moveable pulley from the end of the spring, and unthread the loose cable from the pulley.
Disconnect Safety Cable
Disconnect the safety cable that runs through the spring.
The extension spring is now free for removal.
Repeat steps three through five for the other door spring.
Repeat steps six and seven for the other door spring.
Lubricate and Test Springs
Apply somegarage door spray lubricantto the springs.
Disconnect the garage door opener.
Most bars have both 1/2-inch and 7/16-inch ends that will fit most torsion springs.
Hold the bar tightly as you loosen the two setscrews on the winding cone.
Slide the springs slightly down the torsion bars towards the end.
Detach the lift cables from the door brackets at the bottom of the door.
Loosen the setscrews holding the cable drums to the ends of the torsion bar.
Reattach Lift Cables
Reattach the lift cables to the brackets at the bottom of the door.
Be careful not to over-tighten, as this can deform the torsion bar.
Finish Installation
Apply a garage door spray lubricant to the springs.
Most garage door springs should last between 10,000 and 20,000 cycles of opening and closing when properly installed.
Most standard one-car garage doors work with one spring, but heavy doors may require two.
Garage Door Spring Replacement and Repair Costs.
