If your garage door isn’t lifting or lowering properly, it could have broken springs. If it’s difficult to lift the door by hand, or if you see physical signs of wear like cracks, rust, or deformities, call in a professional to replace the springs and help you safely repair your garage door.

There are two main types of garage door springs replacement: extension and torsion. Extension springs connect to the pulleys alongside a door and help control the opening and closing movement. They can be a little trickier to replace than torsion springs, which are horizontally mounted on a shaft with cable drums at both ends.

Garage Door Springs Replacement: When and Why It’s Needed

When it’s time for a new spring, disconnect the door opener and clamp the doors in place before starting. Always use gloves and safety glasses to protect your hands from cuts and your eyes from flying debris or snapped springs. It’s also a good idea to use tools that fit snugly so they don’t slip during the replacement process.

Once you’ve removed the old springs, install the new ones by putting the larger stationary cones (the ends of the winding cone) on first, then the smaller moving cones. Line up the color markings on the shaft and winding cones, then hand-tighten the set bolts and nuts. Finally, wind the new springs with winding bars until you’ve reached the recommended number of turns for your door height. If you’re unsure how to do this, consult the spring manufacturer’s guide or a local hardware store.