How to Install a Single Torsion Spring on a Garage Door

Looking to save money on garage door repair?

If you have torsion spring issues, you can replace them on your own. However, without the right expertise, you might find it difficult. With proper knowledge, you’ll avoid preventable household injuries.

Read on as we lay out the steps on how to install a single torsion spring on a garage door.

Before Starting: Safety First

When winding or unwinding a torsion spring, never use screwdrivers, plier handles, or pin punches. It’s the easiest way to get a visit to the emergency room. Never do this task without the right set of winding bars.

Your ladder’s positioning also matters. Ensure it’s to the side of the spring ends. It ensures you aren’t directly in front of the spring cones as they wind or unwind.

Disconnect the garage door opener’s power source. Lock the door while in a lowered position. It’s especially when you wind the springs.

Wear the proper protective gear. It must cover your eyes and hands, regardless of your DIY garage door repair task. Never take it off throughout the process.

Before unclamping the door and testing the balance, step off the ladder. Move it to the side. Never test while you’re on the ladder since it can cause you to fall off.

1. Clamp the Door to the Track

The first task is to clamp the locking pliers. Putting it on the track over the rollers stops the door from going up while replacing the spring. It also protects you once you install the new spring later in the process.

Pull the cord and loosen the door opener before the replacement starts.

2. Loosen and Unwind the Functional Garage Door Spring

Use a winding bar to loosen the functional spring. Push it into the spring’s bottom hole, and it will do the job for you. Loosen the screws while holding the bar to prevent movement.

When doing this task, never let your hold waver. The spring gives a strong push, so a firm hold will ensure your safety.

Slide the next winding bar in a straight position. Remove the bottom bar once you’re done. Do a quarter turn to unwind the spring.

3. Disconnect the Springs and Secure the Torsion Tube

Remove the nuts and bolts from the central brackets. It disconnects the spring. After that, hold the torsion tube.

You can hold the tube with the locking pliers. Insert them into the center bracket. Check the left and right lift cable drums and loosen their screws.

Once done, disconnect the cables.

4. Remove the Old Spring and Install the New Spring

Slide the torsion tube to the right (or left, depending). Start from the door’s left (or right) side to remove the cable drum. Finishing this allows you to slide off the old spring.

After removing this spring, you can now put the new spring into the torsion tube. Install the cable drum and the garage door wire. Insert the torsion bar with the new spring on the left (or right) side.

5. Install the New Center Bearing

Connect the stationary cones with the bracket. It’s easy since you need only to slide the torsion bar to the central bearing. After that, install the right spring while shoving the bearing into the cone.

Install the drum before connecting both stationary cones. Remove the rusty components. Use a cordless drill to install the replacements.

6. Insert Cables and Tighten Drums

After removing the rusty components, insert the new cables. Operate the lift cables located between the rollers and the doorjam. After that, slide the lift cable stop to make it reach the drum.

With the locking pliers, tighten the winding grooves’ set screws. Ensure that the cable is tight before doing this task. Pull it until it feels tight enough.

Repeat this process with the other side. It ensures that the door has equal tension.

7. Wind the Tension Spring

Wind the cone toward the ceiling with the winding bar. Depending on your garage door’s height, you’ll need anywhere between 30 and 36 quarter turns. For example, you’ll need 30-31 quarter turns for a height of 7ft and 34-35 quarter turns for a height of 8ft. If you aren’t sure, look for the spring manufacturer online and ask for recommendations.

8. Finish the Installation

Stretch the spring with the winding bar. It’s a vital step before you tighten the set screws. Once done, lubricate the spring using a garage door spray.

Insert a cardboard piece in the space between the wall and the spring. Doing it while spraying protects the latter. Finish it off by wiping the excess spray using a clean cloth.

With everything ready, test the garage door spring. Get rid of the clamps and pliers on the track and torsion tube. Lift the door using your hands until it’s 3 feet up.

Let go and see whether it falls. If it does, do a quarter turn for each spring and repeat. If it continues opening, release the tension using quarter-turn increments.

Stop adjusting once the door stays in place after letting it go. Reconnect the opener and marvel at a job well done.

When to Call Professionals

With thousands of garage door technicians in the country, you always have the option to ask them for help. If you’re confident with your DIY skills and have lots of time to spare, it’s unlikely for them to be necessary. However, some untoward situations need professional intervention.

After finishing the installation, the door might not function. If you exhaust every possible solution within your capabilities, it’s time to call the experts. It can be a safety hazard since the door’s tension can increase over time.

Besides, attempting DIY on some garage doors will void their warranty. Check your warranty first before doing your single torsion spring for garage repairs.

Now You Know How to Install a Single Torsion Spring on a Garage Door

With these steps, you’ll have a good idea of how to install a single torsion spring on a garage door. Use them to solve your torsion spring issues.

Do you need parts for your DIY garage door torsion springs project? Check out our contact details and use your preferred method to get in touch today.