Replacing a Broken Spring: A Step-by-Step Guide

Broken Spring Replacement Aurora is a challenging and potentially dangerous task, as the springs are under significant tension. If you're confident in your DIY skills and understand the risks, here's a step-by-step guide to replacing a broken spring:

Safety First

• Disconnect the Garage Door Opener: Unplug the garage door opener and disengage the door from the opener by pulling the emergency release cord. This will prevent the door from accidentally moving while you work.
• Secure the Door: Ensure the garage door is fully closed. If the door is stuck open, do not attempt to move it. Use C-clamps or locking pliers to secure the door to the track just below the bottom roller on each side.
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Tools and Materials Needed

• Replacement spring(s) (ensure you have the correct type: torsion or extension)
• Winding bars (for torsion springs)
• Wrenches (various sizes)
• Socket set
• Ladder
• Safety glasses
• Gloves
• Tape measure
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Step 1: Identify Your Spring Type

• Torsion Springs: Mounted horizontally above the door, parallel to the ceiling. These springs wind and unwind to open and close the door.
• Extension Springs: Located on each side of the door, running parallel to the tracks. These stretch and contract to lift the door.

Step 2: Measure the Old Spring

• Measure the length, wire diameter, and inner diameter of the broken spring. This information is essential to ensure you purchase the correct replacement spring.

Step 3: Release Tension (Torsion Springs)

• Insert Winding Bars: Insert one winding bar into a winding cone at the end of the torsion spring. Slowly release the tension by loosening the set screws with a wrench. Carefully hold the bar as you release the tension, and use a second bar to rotate the cone until the tension is fully released. Repeat on the other side if you have a second torsion spring.
• For Extension Springs: If you have extension springs, open the garage door fully to release the tension. Secure the door with C-clamps, then disconnect the spring from the pulley system.

Step 4: Remove the Broken Spring

• Torsion Springs: After releasing the tension, remove the bolts securing the spring to the center bracket. Slide the broken spring off the torsion bar.
• Extension Springs: Disconnect the spring from the bracket on the door and from the pulley.

Step 5: Install the New Spring

• Torsion Springs:

1. Slide the new spring onto the torsion bar.
2. Attach the stationary cone to the center bracket and secure it with bolts.
3. Reattach the cable drum at each end of the torsion bar.
4. Wind the new spring using winding bars, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Typically, you'll need to wind it about 30-36 quarter turns.
5. Tighten the set screws on the winding cone to secure the spring.

• Extension Springs:

1. Attach the new spring to the bracket on the door and the pulley.
2. Ensure the safety cable is threaded through the spring, if applicable.
3. Reconnect the spring to the pulley system and remove the C-clamps.

Step 6: Reconnect the Door

• Re-engage the garage door to the opener by pulling the emergency release cord again. If you disconnected any safety cables or other components, reattach them now.

Step 7: Test the Door

• Carefully raise and lower the door manually to check for smooth operation. The door should move evenly and stay in place when stopped at any point.
• For Torsion Springs: Check the balance by lifting the door halfway. If it stays in place, the spring tension is correct. If it moves, adjust the tension by adding or releasing a quarter turn at a time.

Step 8: Final Safety Check

• Inspect all connections, cables, and springs for secure attachment.
• Reconnect the garage door opener and test the door’s automatic operation. Ensure that the door opens and closes smoothly and that the safety reverse mechanism works correctly.

When to Call a Professional

If at any point you feel unsure about the process, or if the door doesn’t operate correctly after replacing the spring, it's wise to call a professional. Local Garage Door Repair Service are powerful and can cause injury if not handled properly.

Replacing a garage door spring is a task that requires precision and caution. Following these steps will help you complete the job safely and effectively.