Garage door springs and cables can take a beating from all the weight they carry each day. You might think the springs and cables will last forever, but unfortunately, that is not true. Over time the metal starts to rust, which results in the springs breaking and the cables snapping. When this happens, you will need to repair them immediately or risk compromising your garage’s security.
Cables and springs are vital components of your garage door, so if you see that one of these has snapped or broken, you need to get it fixed as soon as possible before the rest of the system becomes damaged as well. While garage door spring repair and cable replacement may seem intimidating to someone who has never worked on a garage door, there is no need to worry because we are here to help you do this in three easy steps! Follow our step-by-step guide below, and your doors will work again in no time!
Tools Needed for Repairing Garage Door Springs and Cables
To repair your garage door springs and cables, you will need the following tools:
- Hammer
- Clamps
- Locking pliers
- Winding bars
- Ratchet and socket set
- Lift cables
- Goggles, leather gloves, and other protective gear
- Hammer
- Bottom brackets
- Wrench set with an adjustable wrench
- Drill
- Torsion springs
Loosen the Unbroken Springs After Locking the Garage Door
The first step is to loosen the unbroken spring after locking the garage door. You will need to use a pair of pliers for this. Next, remove the cables from the sheaves on both sides. Be careful not to let the cables fall off as they can be quite heavy. Once the cables are removed, you can remove the springs.
Disconnect the Springs from the Center Bracket
Before you begin working on your garage door, it is essential to disconnect the springs from the center bracket. This will help prevent the door from slamming shut while you work on it and protect you from getting injured. To do this, unscrew the bolts that connect the springs to the bracket. Once they are loose, you can remove the springs from the bracket.
Remove old Springs After Securing the Torsion Tube
To remove the old springs, you will first need to secure the torsion tube. The torsion tube is what the garage door spring is mounted on. There are usually two springs, one on each side of the door. To remove the springs, you’ll need to disconnect them from the torsion tube. Once they are disconnected, you can remove them from the garage door.
Install New Left Spring and Center Bearing
Firstly, reassemble by putting the replacement of the torsion spring on the tube. During this step, you will need to have the stationary cone in the middle bracket. Now you will be able to reinsert the cable drum and insert the torsion bar.
Secondly, align the stationary cones with the bracket by fitting the bearing over the torsion bar.
Now Replace Bottom Brackets, Rollers, and Lift Cables
It is never too late to replace your cables and brackets that have become rusted, corroded, or seized. One way to do this is to loop the new bracket around the lift cable and fasten it with cable nuts.
Thread Wires and Tighten Drums
The first step is to thread the wires through the holes in the drums. You will need to be careful not to cross the wires, which can cause them to bind. Once the wires are threaded, you can begin tightening the drums. Be sure to tighten them evenly, so they are both at the same tension. If one drum is tighter than the other, it can cause the door to become unbalanced and may damage the opener.
Conclusion
Spring and cable-operated garage doors can be dangerous if they malfunction. They often require very little maintenance, and when they break, it is usually pretty easy to repair them yourself. If you are having trouble opening or closing your garage door and notice that the springs are making noise, you need to fix it immediately. It is also important to regularly check your garage door for signs of wear and tear and to repair any damage as soon as possible. By following the steps in this guide, you can quickly restore a garage door spring and cables. With just a little time and effort, you can keep your garage door in good working condition for years to come if you are having trouble doing it yourself. You can always contact Capital Garage Doors Ottawa at (613) 604-9779 and have their trained professionals do it for you. With years of experience and knowledge, they serve as the top-rated service providers in the GTA area.
