garage door spring broke
#1
01-05-19, 03:36 PM
garage door spring broke
We heard a loud bang two nights ago , could not figure what it was....Today i went to open one of my manual garage doors...Will not lift up...I noticed cables both side lose and large spring in middle is broke in half......Why would a spring just pop like that with nobody in the garage?......Anyway i have no idea how to fix..Wayne Dalton door model # 9005-5 according to the stickers i pulled off door.We been in this house around 20 years,bought brand new......Where do i start?.....
#2
01-05-19, 03:48 PM
Group Moderator
When the door is closed..... the spring is at maximum tension and that's the likeliest position for it to snap. If you've never changed a torsion spring before I recommend having a company do it. Those springs can be unforgiving when winding them.
If you thinks it's something you might want to tackle..... search "torsion spring replacement" on You Tube. There are many good videos there illustrating the job. You can get an idea if it's something you can handle.
If you thinks it's something you might want to tackle..... search "torsion spring replacement" on You Tube. There are many good videos there illustrating the job. You can get an idea if it's something you can handle.
#3
01-05-19, 05:28 PM
Group Moderator
We DIY just about everything we can in our rental units but we won't touch a torsion spring - fairly straightforward concept but so much potential for injury or even death if something goes wrong so we hire this done.
#5
01-05-19, 08:01 PM
Group Moderator
I have done it before. I've replaced springs and balanced them for people. You MUST concentrate on what you are doing. A second adult helper is a plus. Don't let any children in the area.
#6
01-05-19, 08:45 PM
Main thing is never stand directly in line with the winding bars. Work slightly off to the side. Might bruise a forearm real good, but better than a cracked skull or broken collar bone.
#8
01-05-19, 09:04 PM
Cause it weighs 300 lbs or more? Plus it could be slightly cocked in the rails adding friction.
Try it with 3 people. One at each end and one in the center....you can probably lift it then. Why bother til you get replacement parts? It's not safe to leave it blocked open for any length of time.
Try it with 3 people. One at each end and one in the center....you can probably lift it then. Why bother til you get replacement parts? It's not safe to leave it blocked open for any length of time.
#10
01-05-19, 11:36 PM
As others stated, would seriously consider a professional to replace the torsion spring. I install simple grarage doors as part of my job, but when it comes to toresion springs, I draw the line. Will not, won't and most importantly, will not put my life in jeopardy over something that I don't know and has the potential to take my arm off. I too can watch lots of videos, have also seen it done in person, still would not tackle this if it was asked of me.
#11
01-06-19, 01:52 PM
If you go the professional route, be prepared to be hit with an estimate as high as $800 (based on my experience in Georgia). For this I would get two new springs, bearings in the center and on both sides and new cables.
I would recommend, if you call a professional, you get an upfront price over the phone before you obligate yourself to a trip charge.
Personally, I think the danger of winding the springs is overstated but yes, there is the possibility of personal injury if a person does not have the right tools and/or is careless.
I would recommend, if you call a professional, you get an upfront price over the phone before you obligate yourself to a trip charge.
Personally, I think the danger of winding the springs is overstated but yes, there is the possibility of personal injury if a person does not have the right tools and/or is careless.
#13
01-06-19, 03:53 PM
Group Moderator
Wow..... based on rates here in NJ.... $130 is a bargain.
I'd consider it a two hour job which would put it around $325-400 complete.
I'd consider it a two hour job which would put it around $325-400 complete.
#14
01-06-19, 06:23 PM
Group Moderator
The job of the springs is to help you lift the door which is why it's so hard to lift with one broken.
#15
01-07-19, 04:57 PM
Only time I saw a price that low ($130) was a guy from a large door installer who was moonlighting. Same guy offered to install a full door for $100 in a bare opening (no haul away).
#16
04-06-19, 10:35 AM
Well i did it !
I researched online with the pros....Ordered the spring & winding bars cost me around $63.....Took my time and done in about an hour....THANKS to everyone for your help!
#17
04-08-19, 06:25 AM
Good job, can't beat $63 as long as you're careful. 
Talking to my daughter a week ago as she pulled into the garage and she said it is very noisy and 'pops' when she closed it. I said, "call the guy".
She has a 16' door so...
2 springs
pair cables
16' strut
$319 which I thought was pretty good. If that was my door I think I'd put another strut, 2 struts that she had was Mickey Mouse to me.
Talking to my daughter a week ago as she pulled into the garage and she said it is very noisy and 'pops' when she closed it. I said, "call the guy".
She has a 16' door so...
2 springs
pair cables
16' strut
$319 which I thought was pretty good. If that was my door I think I'd put another strut, 2 struts that she had was Mickey Mouse to me.
