Replacing the springs on your garage door is a job that many homeowners choose to do themselves. While it can be a relatively simple task, there are some safety concerns you should be aware of before getting started. Additionally, there are certain costs associated with this project – from the purchase of new springs to the cost of professional labor.
This article will help to answer some of the most common questions related to replacing garage door springs. In addition, we’ll show you have to find out what kind of springs you have (torsion or extension) and how to replace each.
Safety Concerns for Diy Repairs of Garage Door Springs
The biggest safety concern when it comes to repairing your garage door springs is simply working with the high tension that these springs are under. One slip of the wrench or any other tool could result in serious injury – even death. It could also damage your garage door or other property. For this reason, it is always recommended that you hire a professional to replace your garage door springs.
If you do choose to complete this repair yourself, be sure to follow all safety instructions provided by the manufacturer. In addition, take extra care to:
- Watch the videos below on how to safely operate a winding bar and how to replace your type of springs. Watch these several times!
- Wear gloves and other protective gear
- Work slowly and carefully
- Test the door after completing the repair
How Much Do New Garage Door Springs Cost?
The cost of new garage door springs will vary depending on the type of spring, the size, and the brand. Expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $350 for a new set of springs.
Special Tools Required to Fix a Garage Door Spring
Yes, beyond the normal tools need (e.g. step ladder, pliers, etc.) you’ll also need a winding bar. This specialized tool is required to properly tension the spring.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Professional to Fix or Change out A Broken Garage Door Spring?
The cost to hire a professional to fix your garage door spring will vary depending on the type of spring, the size, and the brand. Expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $400 for labor.
Should You Replace One or Both Springs?
If one of your garage door springs is broken, you may be wondering whether you should replace one spring or both. The answer to this question depends on a few factors, including the type of spring, the age of your door, and your budget.
Torsion springs are located above the door and they work by twisting as the door opens and closes. These springs typically last for about 10,000 cycles (about 7 years) before they need to be replaced. If one of your torsion springs breaks, you should replace both springs so that they will wear evenly and break at the same time.
Extension springs are usually located along the ceiling of the garage and they work by stretching as the door is opened. These springs typically last for about 20,000 cycles (about 14 years) before needing to be replaced. If one of your extension springs breaks, you can replace just the broken spring to save money.
When deciding whether to replace one or both springs, also consider the age of your garage door. If your door is more than 20 years old, it may be time to replace the entire door, springs included.
So, Can I Replace the Spring on My Garage Door?
Yes, you can replace the spring on your garage door, but it’s important to know what you’re getting into before you start. Be sure to factor in the cost of new springs, as well as the cost of any additional hardware or professional installation. Also, be aware of the safety concerns involved in working with high tension springs. Torsion springs will require a winding bar to release and add tension and getting some training before attempting this repair is always a good idea. With extension springs, you should also be aware of the possibility of an old spring breaking or flying off during a repair and causing serious injury or damage to property. If you’re not comfortable with this repair, it’s best to leave it to the professionals.
How to Know What Type of Garage Door Springs You Have
Torsion Springs
Torsion springs are the most common type of garage door spring. They’re installed above the door on a metal shaft, and they work by twisting as the door is opened and closed.
One advantage of torsion springs is that they’re self-contained, so they don’t require any other parts to operate. However, because they’re under so much tension, they can be dangerous to work with. It’s important to call a professional if you think your torsion spring is broken or do some serious learning via youtube and other means before attempting any DIY repairs.
Extension Springs
Extension springs are installed along the chain or belt drive of the garage door system. As the name suggests, they work by extending and contracting as the door moves.
Extension springs are not as commonly used as torsion springs but they tend to be cheaper. That’s where the advantages end. They also require pulleys and other hardware to work, which makes them more difficult to install. Additionally, they’re not as strong as torsion springs and they’re more likely to break.
How Hard Is It to Fix a Garage Door Spring?
A professional can usually fix a broken garage door spring in about an hour. However, if you’re not experienced with working with springs, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. Attempting to fix a broken spring can be very dangerous.
How Long Does It Take to Fix?
Most garage door spring repairs take about an hour to complete. However, the time it takes to fix your garage door will depend on the severity of the issue and whether or not both springs need to be replaced.
Steps to Fix an Extension Spring
If you have an extension spring garage door, the process for fixing a broken spring will be different than if you have a torsion spring. Follow these steps to fix an extension spring garage door:
- Take lots of pictures of the current setup. This will help you remember how things go together.
- Disengage the opener so that you can operate the door manually. Unplug it as well.
- Open the door and prop the door open with a ladder or 2x4s.
- In addition use c-clamps on the tracks under the door as another fail-safe to prevent the door from closing while you’re working on it.
- Tape the pulley wheel to the steel cable (to prevent them from separating after you disconnect the spring).
- Loosen the bolts that hold the pulley in place.
- Untie the safety cable and pull through the extension spring.
- Remove the old extension spring.
- Place the safety cable clip on the new spring (make sure the new spring has the same color coding as the old spring).
- Thread the safety cable through the new spring and tie it just like it was before.
- Place the pulley back into place and bolt it together as it was before.
- Test the door.
Watch this video several times to see this in action before attempting!
Steps to Fix a Torsion Spring
If you have a torsion spring garage door, the process for fixing a broken spring will be different than if you have an extension spring. Follow these steps to fix a torsion spring garage door:
- Take pictures of your setup before you begin. This will help you put it back together correctly.
- Make sure the door is closed and the opener is both disconnected and unplugged.
- Use c-clamps in the tracks to hold the door in place so no one tries to open it from the outside while you’re working.
- Wear eye protection and leather gloves
- Use a winding bar to release tension in the torsion springs (never use a screwdriver or anything other than a winding bar that works with your type of torsion spring).
- Disconnect the springs from the center bracket.
- Use locking pliers to secure the torsion tube so it doesn’t pop out.
- Remove the broken spring
- Install the new spring (make sure to get the same size and tension as the old spring and to put it on either left-hand orientation or right-hand orientation as it was before – this is why you take lots of pictures!)
- Install a new center bearing
- Replace bottom brackets
- Thread cables
- Wind the torsion springs following the exact manufacturer’s instructions.
- Lubricate both springs
Watch this video many times before attempting and make sure you have the correct winding bar and replacement parts.
Preventing Future Spring Problems and Extending Their Life
Once you’ve replaced your garage door springs, there are certain maintenance steps you can take to prevent the need for future spring replacements.
First, always use proper lubrication on the springs. This will help protect them from rust and corrosion. Second, don’t allow anything to rest on the tracks of the garage door as this can bend or damage the tracks. Third, make sure the tracks are always clean so the rollers can move freely.
If you follow these maintenance steps, your garage door springs should last for many years. But remember, even with proper care, they will eventually need to be replaced. When that time comes, contact a professional garage door company to replace your springs safely and correctly.