Replacing the extension spring on your garage door repair door can seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and a little patience, you can do it yourself and save money on a professional contractor. In this article, we'll walk you through the step-by-step steps involved in replacing the extension spring on your garage door.
Before you start, it's essential to understand the safety precautions involved. Garage doors are extremely heavy and can cause serious injury if they fall. Make sure to disconnect the power to the garage door opener and secure the door in place using the emergency release mechanism. Check your garage door manual for specific instructions on how to do this.
To replace the extension spring, you'll need the following tools and materials:
A new extension spring that matches the specific specifications of your existing spring
Two spring hangers
Two extension spring clips
Safety glasses
Work gloves
A wrench or socket that fits the spring hanger nut
A ladder or step stool
The first step is to disconnect the extension spring from the garage door opener. Locate the spring hanger that attaches to the garage door opener and remove the nut using your wrench or socket. Gently pull the spring hanger away from the opener, taking care not to touch the spring coils.
Next, locate the spring hanger that attaches to the garage door itself. Remove the nut and gently pull the spring hanger away from the door. Use your ladder or step stool to reach the spring hanger and unlock it from the garage door. Once unlocked, you should be able to pull the spring hanger away from the door.
With both spring hangers removed, you should now be able to lift the garage door off the tracks and set it on the ground with one hand. Be careful, as the door is still connected to the opener by the cables, which are under tension.
Now it's time to install the new extension spring. Begin by attaching the new spring to the garage door opener using the spring hanger. Make sure the spring is properly seated and the nut is tightened firmly. Next, attach the new spring to the garage door using the spring hanger. Again, make sure the spring is properly seated and the nut is tightened snugly.
Once the new spring is attached to both the opener and the garage door, you can lower the garage door back onto the tracks. Make sure the door is properly positioned with the tracks and the cables are properly seated.
The final step is to test the new extension spring. Lift the garage door to quickly it is working properly and that the spring is holding its place. If everything seems to be working as it should, you can close the garage door and reconnect the power to the opener.
Replacing the extension spring on your garage door is a relatively straightforward process that requires some basic tools and a little bit of patience. By following these steps and taking the necessary safety precautions, you should be able to easily replace your garage door's extension spring and increase its lifespan in no time. Remember to always refer to your specific garage door manual for any unique requirements or guidelines.