How to Repair a Broken Garage Door Spring?

A broken garage door spring can be a considerable inconvenience and safety hazard. With the door disabled, you cannot protect your vehicles, valuables, and home from intruders. Replacing a broken spring may seem daunting, but with the right tools and safety precautions, this is a DIY project that most homeowners can tackle themselves. I’ll walk you through how to repair a broken garage door spring, from removing the old spring to installing the new replacement.

Assessing the Damage

Before repairing it, you must inspect the door and determine precisely what is wrong. Two types of springs operate garage doors:

Extension springs – These run alongside the door tracks. There is typically one on each side.

Torsion springs – These are mounted horizontally above the door. There is usually only one.

Start by visually examining both springs. Look for broken or disconnected coils, frayed cables, or cracked parts. Try manually lifting the door about halfway up. An extension spring on one side should continue lifting the door smoothly. A spring is likely broken if the door feels uneven, sticks, or is challenging to raise.

Once you’ve identified the broken spring(s), take measurements so you can purchase proper replacements. You’ll need the wire diameter, length, and number of coils for extension springs. For torsion springs, measure the length and inside diameter. Mark down the measurements and snap photos to bring to the hardware store.

Safety Precautions

Replacing garage door springs is extremely dangerous due to the intense forces involved. The springs are wound tightly and under extreme tension. Caution must be exercised to avoid serious injury. Before starting work, take these safety steps:

• Wear protective gloves and eyewear to safeguard your hands and eyes.
• Use clamps or vise grips to secure the springs so they don’t fly loose when disassembled.
• Make sure the door is fully open while replacing the springs. DO NOT try to replace a spring with the door closed.
• Have another adult present to assist you.
• Set up a safety cable system running through the spring coils. This will prevent the spring from recoiling fully if it breaks loose.
• Follow the spring manufacturer’s precautions strictly.
• Exercise extreme care when winding and unwinding springs to install them.

Removing the Broken Spring

You can start removing the broken spring with safety gear on and your helper present. The process differs slightly for extension and torsion springs:

Extension Springs

1. Secure vise grip pliers around both ends of the broken spring to hold it in place. Position the vise grips so they grip the winding cones on each end.
2. Insert winding bars into the holes on the winding cones. Use one bar on each end. This allows you to adjust the tension.
3. Use the winding bars to relax the spring tension slowly and remove any residual tension.
4. Once the spring is relaxed and loose, unhook it from the cable pulley and lift bars at either end. Please remove it from the track.
5. Unhook the end of the cable at the bottom roller bracket. Please note how it is routed through the pulleys, as you’ll need to reinstall it the same way.
6. Remove the broken spring and set it aside.

Torsion Springs

1. Position the ladder beneath the torsion spring and bar. You will disconnect the spring from here.
2. Measure the number of turns required to tighten the old spring on the winding cone fully. Mark this number for later when installing the new spring.
3. Insert a winding bar into the winding cone and secure it with vise grips.
4. Place a second winding bar in the adjustment hole on the opposite side.
5. Use the bars to unwind the spring carefully, easing the tension slowly. Unwind the exact number of turns required to relax the spring altogether.
6. Once fully unwound, detach the spring from the cable drum and slide it off the bar. Dispose of the broken spring.

Installing the New Spring

Again, the process varies slightly between extension and torsion springs. Follow the appropriate instructions:

Extension Springs

1. Install the new spring on the track with one winding cone over the rear cable pulley.
2. Secure the other end over the front pulley with locking pliers.
3. Thread the cable through the pulleys, as noted when you removed the old spring.
4. Tighten the spring to around half tension using the winding bars to twist the cones in equal amounts.
5. Once partly tightened, disconnect the winding bars and manually lift/lower the door to test the spring’s lifting assistance.
6. If needed, add slightly more tension and retest until the spring provides proper lifting power.
7. Install cable safety retainers at each end of the spring. This secures the cable in case the spring breaks.
8. Repeat installing and adjusting the replacement spring on the other side.

Torsion Springs

1. Slide the new torsion spring onto the bar and center it above the door.
2. Attach one end of the spring to the outer cable drum.
3. Insert the winding bar into the winding cone and secure it with locking pliers.
4. Insert a second bar into the opposite adjustment hole.
5. Use the bars to slowly wind the spring, applying the exact number of turns initially marked.
6. Test the spring’s lifting assistance by manually raising the door halfway.
7. Delicate tune tension as needed until smooth operation is restored.
8. Secure the winding cone with set screws to hold the spring’s position.

Testing and Troubleshooting

With the new spring(s) installed, test operation and make any final adjustments:

• Raise/lower the door thoroughly to verify smooth travel in both directions.
• Test the opener motor to raise and lower the door without strain or resistance.
• Check that spring cables are centered on drums and pulleys. Realign if needed.
• Examine springs closely for any gaps between coils when relaxed. This signals under-winding.
• Tighten winding cone set screws firmly to prevent slipping.
• The spring needs more tension if the door binds, sticks, or cannot open fully.
• Use winding bars to add about 1/4 turn of tension until the operation is smooth.

After confirming everything functions properly, remove any locking pliers and tools. Lubricate the pulleys and tracks using garage door lubricant to prevent squeaking.

With that, the repair is complete! Your garage door should now open and close normally once again. Replacing broken springs isn’t fun, but saving hundreds on repair bills makes the effort worthwhile.

Frequently Asked Questions

What tools do I need to replace a garage door spring?

You’ll need essential hand tools like winding bars, vise grip pliers, a ladder, tape measure, a hammer, and winding cone wrenches. A socket set can assist in loosening hardware. Come prepared with work gloves and safety goggles as well.

How much does it cost to replace a broken garage door spring?

The springs range from $30-150 each, depending on the type and size required. This DIY project can cost less than $200 with tools you likely already own. Compare that to $300 or more to hire a pro!

Should I replace both springs or just the broken one?

It’s recommended to replace the set together. If one spring breaks, the other is likely exhausted and close to breaking. Replacing only one creates an imbalance that strains the opener.

Can I wind the springs without special tools?

It’s hazardous to attempt winding bars without winding bars. They allow you to tighten and loosen the springs safely from a distance. Never try to use substitutes or improvise winding tools.

My spring makes grinding noises but hasn’t broken – should I replace it?

The grinding is a warning sign the spring is severely worn and ready to break soon. Replace it before it snaps unexpectedly and causes damage or injury. Preventative maintenance saves more extensive repairs down the road.

Conclusion

Repairing broken garage door springs isn’t for the faint of heart. Strenuous work can be dangerous if proper precautions aren’t taken. How do I know what springs to get for my garage door? With ample care and patience, this project is manageable for many DIYers willing to invest some sweat and elbow grease. Follow each step closely, exercise extreme caution when tensioning springs, and consider calling on a friend to lend extra hands for added safety.  And don’t be afraid to pay a pro if you have doubts about safely completing the repair. But if successful, you’ll save hundreds of dollars and be satisfied with having conquered a tricky home project.