How to Replace Garage Door Spring

Garage door springs are used to help raise an otherwise heavy door. Without their aid, the door could easily need two people to lift it. The springs are put in place in their stretched state, so that as the door is lifted, the spring is pulling back into its relaxed position. The pulling by the spring helps pull on the door, as well. When a spring is broken, it needs to be replaced. This can be done by the homeowner or a professional.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Garage door springs

1. Open the door and place a clamp below the door on the track. Do this on both sides. This will keep the door from falling back down.

2. Unhook the broken spring from the hook that holds it to the end of the track and the pulley near the door. It is also best to go ahead and remove the unbroken one on the other side, as well. If one was weak enough to break, then more than likely the other is weak, as well. Having the door in the open position relaxes the spring so that it isn't under as much tension, but you should still be careful when removing the unbroken one.

3. Take the spring to a hardware store with you to ensure that the right spring is purchased for replacement. The wrong spring could be too weak and break more easily, or too strong and not let the door stay down.

4. Attach the new spring to the hook on one end and the pulley near the door.

5. Remove the clamps and lower the door. It should go all the way down. If not, the the spring is too tight. Raise it back up and adjust the cable running through the pulley to allow a little more slack. If the door is too heavy, it means the spring isn't tight enough. Raise the door and tighten the cable.

References

• Spring Replacement and Adjustment Techniques...