How To Repair Broken Garage Door Spring

The garage door needs the cooperation of several parts to function correctly. One component of your door system may malfunction, reducing its effectiveness. In particular, garage door springs can be highly problematic. When a spring breaks on a residential or commercial property, the owner must know who to call for assistance. One & Only Garage Door and Gate Repair can help.

We have helped countless customers address the root causes of their garage door spring problems with garage door repairs. With the help of our clients, we determine which springs are causing a problem and how to fix them. We can fix any broken garage door torsion spring!

Garage Door Springs: What Happens When They Break?

One of the heaviest moving parts in your house is your garage door. Although it looks sturdy because of its size, it is not indestructible. When the door stops operating, the springs are damaged. When garage door springs break, what should you expect?

1. You’ll Hear a Loud Noise

   There may be a loud noise coming from your garage. You should check your garage door even if you don’t see anything sprawled on the ground. The sound you heard could have been caused by an unwinding spring. A loud noise usually accompanies spring break. Despite not having fallen, the door makes that noise.

2. Spring Will Bring a Gap

   A broken spring can be identified by checking for gaps. An ideal spring should be tightly wound and connected from end to end.

3. You’ll notice a Bend at the Door Top.

   You may notice that the top panel bends when you open the door. Symptoms of a broken spring are evident at this point. The door opener’s power is inadequate when the springs are damaged.

4. The Garage Door Will Fall Quickly

   The garage door will go up and down smoothly with a spring and opener. The door will fall quickly or crash down once the spring breaks. This mechanism no longer counterbalances gravity’s pull on the panels.

5. The Door Will Be Crooked

   Despite a broken spring, the door will likely open. As it moves up and down the track, you will notice that it has become crooked. There is no longer an equal weight distribution on the door.

6. There Will Be Loose Cables

   A broken spring will cause a domino effect of problems. Cables are usually loosened by broken springs. You can see slack cables hanging from the ceiling when you look up.

Getting rid of old springs

1. The garage door opener must be unplugged, and the door must be clamped to the track. Keep the garage door closed by disconnecting the faulty garage door opener. To prevent the door from opening when you release the spring tension, use locking pliers or a C-clamp to secure it to the track.
2. Hold each spring with a winding bar while loosening the set screws. For safety reasons, position a sturdy ladder to the side of the springs instead of directly in front of them. Wear leather gloves and eye protection. A winding bar should be pushed into the bottom hole of the winding cone on the outside of one spring. Loosen the two set screws with a wrench. As the screws are released, the spring will expand powerfully. Hold on to the bar firmly. On the other side, repeat the process.
   • You can make your winding bars if you have none. Obtain two pieces of 18″ (46 cm) long metal bar stock with a 1″ (1.3 cm) diameter. Please make sure the ends of the bars fit securely into the winding cone holes by filing them down.
   • Screwdrivers, pin punches, and pliers are not designed to hold springs in place, so they could cause serious injury if used to unwind the bars.
   • To reach the springs, avoid standing on a bucket or chair. To minimize the risk of injury, use a sturdy ladder.
3. Two winding bars are used to unwind each spring. Place the second winding bar perpendicular to the first in the hole on the winding cone. One winding bar should be moved to the next open perpendicular position after every 14 turns of the spring. On the other spring, repeat the process.
4. Slide the springs onto the end bracket after removing the nuts and bolts. Use a wrench to remove the two nuts and bolts that secure each spring cone to the center bracket. After that, slide each spring toward the bracket at the end.
5. Remove the springs, cables, and cable drums from the tube. To prevent the torsion tube from moving, use locking pliers or a C-clamp to secure it to the bracket. After that, loosen both lift cable drum set screws with a wrench. Slide the cable drums and springs off the torsion tube after disconnecting the lift cables.
   • Locking the tube fully will prevent it from moving around and potentially injuring you.
6. Measure the relaxed spring length. Unfortunately, you cannot measure the springs while installed since their tension would cause the measurement to be inaccurate. After removing the springs, measure their length from one end to the other using a tape measure. To order replacement springs, you’ll need this information in inches.
   • Measuring the other spring will give you an accurate number if one is broken.
7. Measure the spring’s inside diameter and the coils’ diameter. At one end of the spring, measure the opening with a tape measure. Ensure you measure the inside diameter of the spring so you can provide it to the supplier. Measure the length of 10 coils on the spring using a tape measure. To determine the measurement of a single coil, divide the length by 10.
   • Coils range from 0.0135 to 0.625 inches (0.034 cm to 1.588 cm).
   • The inside diameter of a torque spring is 2 inches (5.1 cm). Torsion springs of 24 inches (61 cm) are standard.
   • The spring weight manual can help you determine if the coils are the wrong size, which may be causing your garage door issues.
8. Spring replacements are available. Most manufacturers and distributors do not sell torsion springs directly to consumers. The good news is that replacement springs can be found online so that you can search for them. Ensure the coil size, length, and interior diameter match those you removed. Coils on the left-hand spring are wound differently from those on the right, so order both.
   • Purchase more robust double-life springs that last longer than standard springs. The extra $50-$60 is well worth it.
   • When reinstalling the springs, ask the supplier how many times to turn them to apply the correct tension.
9. Make sure that no other components are worn or rusted. Ensure all the other components are in good working order while the tension is off. Before installing the new springs, replace any worn or rusted pieces.
   • It is best to replace frayed cables as soon as possible to avoid having to dismantle the door again in the future.

Installation of the new springs

1. 1. Add the cable drum to the tube and slide the left spring onto it. Upon receiving the new springs, place the new left spring (the one with the end facing up and to the left) on the torsion tube, making sure the stationary cone on the end faces the center bracket. The cable drum should be replaced after the new spring is inserted, and the torsion bar should be inserted into the left bearing bracket once the spring has been installed.
   2. The cones should be secured after installing the center bearing and the proper spring. Add the center bearing after sliding the torsion bar to the left. Press the bearing into the stationary cone after sliding the right spring onto the bar. Attach both stationary cones to the center bracket with the nuts and bolts you removed earlier. From the center bracket, remove the locking pliers or clamp.
   3. Tighten the drums and thread the cables. Lift the doorjamb and roller with the lift cable. The lift cable stop should be inserted into the drum cable slot. To secure the torsion tube, attach locking pliers. The cable should be wound into the drum grooves, and the set screws should be tightened. Place the locking pliers on the other side and repeat the process.
      • To ensure the door functions correctly, tighten each side evenly so that both sides have the same tension.
   4. It is time to wind up the springs. When inserted into the winding cone, the winding bars should be perpendicular. You can move the bars to various holes in the cone to turn the spring 14 times a time. To determine how many turns to complete, follow the supplier’s recommendations. The second spring should be done in the same manner.
      • For a 7-foot (2.1-meter) tall door, you need 30 quarter-turns; for an 8-foot (2.4-meter) tall door, you need 36 quarter-turns.
      • If you overwind the spring, it could break and injure you, so follow the supplier’s recommendation.
   5. The springs should be stretched 1⁄4 inch (0.64 cm). When the spring is fully wound, leave one winding bar perpendicular to the floor in a cone slot. Tap the winding bar 1⁄4 inch (0.64 cm) from the center with a hammer. On the other side, repeat the process.
   6. Set screws should be tightened. Tighten each set screw until it contacts the torsion tube with your fingers. Once that is done, tighten each screw for another 12 to 34 turns. You should make less than one full rotation once the screws touch the torsion tube to avoid distorting or puncturing it.
   7. Ensure the springs are lubricated. Protect the garage door by sliding a grocery bag or cardboard behind the spring. Lubricate each spring with garage door lubricant. Repeat the process on the other side after wiping off the excess.
   8. Using pliers or clamps, remove the clamps. You can now remove the clamps or pliers you used to hold the torsion bar and the garage door itself in place.
   9. Reconnect the opener and test the door. You will need to lift the door to about 3 feet (0.91 meters) in height and then let it go. You did the job correctly if it stays in place. Adding a 14% turn to each spring will fix the problem. If necessary, add another 14 turns to the door. Plug the fixed garage door opener back in once you’re satisfied.

Garage Door Spring Repair by Experienced Professionals

We provide comprehensive garage door spring repair and replacement services to ensure safety and convenience, regardless of overhead door problems. Your garage door plays a vital role in your daily routine, and we work hard to ensure it runs smoothly. If you notice or experience problems, call us immediately because most garage door spring repairs require a qualified professional.

With years of experience in the garage door industry, we’re proud to serve our clients, and our team is ready to provide the best garage door services. Our garage door spring repair or replacement services guarantee your satisfaction. Get a free quote today; we can even provide same-day service!

A manufacturer’s warranty covers all parts we use

Manufacturer warranties are available on our parts, which are from the most reputable brands in the garage door industry. Garage door springs that break is a common problem. We can provide same-day service whenever you need a garage torsion spring replaced. Our garage door services and artistry are guaranteed, so you know you are dealing with a reliable overhead door repair company. Any work we do on your home will be discussed with you first, including what needs to be done, why it needs to be done, and how much it will cost.

One & Only Garage Door & Gate Repair Should Be Your First Choice for Garage Door Spring Repair

• Extensive industry experience
• Providing comprehensive garage door repair services
• 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed, Risk-Free
• Technicians who are trained, certified, and insured

You Can Trust Our Experts To Repair Garage Door Springs!

One & Only Garage Door and Gate Repair offers garage door spring repairs and replacements to provide the safest and most reliable results to each of our satisfied customers. We recommend hiring a professional to inspect your broken garage door springs for the best results. For the best garage door spring repair services, contact us if your springs need to be repaired or replaced!

Garage Door Spring Repair Near You

It would help if you didn’t attempt to fix your broken torsion spring alone. You can find help nearby. One & Only Garage Door and Gate Repair offers garage door spring repair and replacement services.

Customer satisfaction has always been a priority for our clients. We work daily to provide reliable and efficient service to our clients. We have consistently rated five stars on Yelp, have an A+ rating with the BBB, and have won the Super Service Award from Angie’s List.

Our company is fully insured and bonded for your peace of mind. We hire technicians who have passed rigorous background checks and training.

• Long-lasting
• A 24-hour, 7-day-a-week service is available
• A lifetime warranty is included with the purchase of garage door springs
• Technicians with experience

Let One & Only Garage Door and Gate Repair handle all your garage door and gate needs! We can be reached at (833) 210-3772.