How to Repair a Garage Door Spring

Garage door spring repair involves releasing tension, removing the broken spring, and installing a new one with proper torque adjustment. This is dangerous work that requires special tools and safety precautions.

  1. Know Your Enemy First. Identify whether you have torsion springs (mounted horizontally above the door) or extension springs (mounted vertically along the tracks). Look for visible breaks, gaps, or separated coils. Never attempt repair if the door is stuck in the up position or if you see multiple broken springs.
  2. Arm Yourself Properly. Put on safety glasses and work gloves. You'll need winding bars (for torsion springs), a socket wrench set, vise grips, and a stepladder. For extension springs, add a C-clamp to secure the door. Have a helper available for safety.
  3. Kill the Power First. Pull the emergency release cord to disconnect the automatic opener. This prevents the motor from accidentally engaging during repair. Make sure the door is fully closed and supported.
  4. Bleed Tension Slowly. For torsion springs, insert winding bars into the winding cone and slowly release tension by turning counterclockwise. For extension springs, open the door fully and clamp it in place, then carefully unhook the spring from its attachment points. Never use screwdrivers or makeshift tools for this step.
  5. Bag the Broken Part. Once tension is released, unwind the spring completely from the torsion tube or disconnect it from the pulley system. Note the spring's orientation and connection points. Take the old spring with you to ensure you get the correct replacement.
  6. Mirror the Old Setup. Mount the new spring in the exact position of the old one. For torsion springs, slide it onto the torsion tube and secure the stationary cone. For extension springs, attach one end to the track bracket and thread the cable through the pulley system.
  7. Dial In the Balance. Using winding bars, turn the torsion spring clockwise to add tension. Most residential doors require 7-9 quarter turns, but check your door's specifications. For extension springs, adjust the S-hook position to achieve proper tension. Test the balance by manually lifting the door halfway.
  8. Prove It Works Smooth. Reconnect the opener and test the door operation several times. The door should open and close smoothly without binding or excessive force. If the door doesn't stay put when stopped halfway, adjust the spring tension in small increments until balanced.