How to Replace Your Garage Door's Torsion Springs Like a Pro

September 28, 2020 1 Comment

When your torsion springs break, you're left unable to open and close your garage door, which can be a big inconvenience to you and your family. Fixing your broken garage door springs by yourself can save you the time and money of waiting for a professional.

Torsion springs should be replaced with springs of the same size and specifications as the existing ones. Do not try to overcompensate with a different wire gauge or length. Learn how to select the right torsion springs for your door here.

Once you have your new torsion springs, you're ready to install them. We recommend hiring a professional, but if you feel comfortable doing so by yourself, be sure to follow all instructions carefully, take all safety precautions, and use proper tools. We are not responsible for any accidents, injuries, or damage that may result from this process.

Learn how to install your new torsion springs with our step-by-step guide below, and check out our video tutorial for further instruction.

You will need:
- DURA-LIFT torsion springs
- 2x winding rods
- Socket wrench
- Drill

Step 1: Disengage the opener

Disengage your garage door opener to ensure that the door won't open by itself during installation.

Step 2: Unwind set screws and loosen old torsion springs

Using the winding rods, unwind the torsion spring until you can easily access the set screws. Use a socket wrench to loosen the set screws enough so that they are no longer gripping the torsion spring.

Continue unwinding the the torsion spring quarter turn by quarter turn using the winding rods. Repeat until the spring is completely unwound and no longer has any tension.

Step 3: Unbolt stationary cones from bracket

Once both springs are unwound, use a drill to unbolt the stationary cone of each spring from the center bracket.

Step 4: Loosen cable drums from rod

Use a wrench to loosen the set screws on each cable drum. Disconnect the cable from the drum at the top of the door and the bracket at the bottom of the door.

Slide the drum off of the torsion bar and set to the side. Remove the old springs from the torsion bar by sliding the bar slightly out of the bearing plate. Repeat on each side.

Step 5: Slide new torsion springs onto the torsion bar

Slide each torsion spring onto the torsion bar the same way you removed the old springs, with the stationary cone toward the center.

Then, slide the drums back onto the torsion bar and place the bar back into the end bearing plate. Use a wrench to tighten the screws on each drum.

Step 6: Bolt springs together at center plate

Use a drill to bolt the stationary cones of each torsion spring to the center plate.

Step 7: Tighten the springs to the torsion bar

Use the winding rods to tighten the springs to the torsion bar. Torsion springs should be wound four quarter turns per foot of door height, plus an extra two turns.

For example, if your garage door is 7 feet tall, you would wind each torsion spring 30 quarter turns (7 feet x 4 quarter turns plus two extra turns)

Step 8: Tighten screws on torsion springs and test tension

Once you're done winding your springs, keep a winding rod resting on the garage door header and tighten the set screws on the spring with a socket wrench.

Test the tension of your door to make sure that the springs have been wound the correct number of times. This is important in ensuring that your garage door can open and close properly.

To do this, lift the door to the halfway position. If the door moves up on its own, the torsion springs have been wound too much. In this case, unwind each spring one or two quarter turns and test again.

If the door moves down on its own, the springs haven't been wound enough times. In this case, wind each spring one or two more quarter turns and test again.

When the springs are wound correctly, the door will balance in the halfway open position, as shown below.

Once the door is balanced, reengage the operator and test the door the make sure that it opens and closes properly.

Congratulations! You have successfully replaced your garage door torsion springs. If you need further assistance, contact us with any questions or concerns. Be sure to check out our other tutorials for more garage door resources.