How To Fix Garage Door Extension Springs
Posted on: 29 June 2015
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If you're having trouble opening your garage door, it could be the extension springs. Extension springs resemble the coils in a box springs mattress and they are commonly mounted on the overhead tracks on each side of the door. The springs are held in place by safety cables to keep them from breaking off and damaging a vehicle or injuring a driver. Here are some tips to replace a broken garage door extension springs.
Brace the Door
Unplug the cord to the garage door opener. On old garage door openers, you may need to remove a fuse or turn it off from the breaker. Newer openers have a neutral mode to disengage the trolley. On older models, you will have to disconnect the L-bar to disengage the trolley.
Fully open the garage door and brace it with C-clamps, locking pliers, or lumber cut to fit. Insert the clamps or pliers below the last roller of the lower door. Place lumber against the track of each side of the door to hold it open. Tug on the door to make certain it is secure.
Detach the Broken Spring
Wearing gloves and eye protection, climb the ladder and disconnect the spring from its mounting points. Loosen the cable from the wall and hold it securely so the spring won't fall and damage objects. Remove the spring from the cable. Examine the tracks, cables, and pulleys for damage and replace them if needed.
Even if the other spring isn't damaged, buy two new springs of identical size that mount the same way. Though the other spring isn't showing signs of damage, common sense should tell you the other spring may malfunction at any time. However, don't take it off until the broken spring has been replaced.
Install the New Spring
Install the new spring using the spring still connected as a guide. New springs should not extend more than one inch when the garage door opens. Reconnect the cable and disconnect the other spring for replacement.
After replacing both springs, remove door supports and close the door. Reconnect the garage door opener and test the door to see if everything works correctly. Lubricate the door rollers and stationary pulley before you test the door to keep them running smoothly.
You should be able to fix garage door extension spring yourself. Keep in mind that repairing garage door springs can be a dangerous job so you must exercise safety at all times. If your repairs failed or you would rather not take a chance with your skills, you may need a garage door repair service to fix the problem.