How to Replace the Torsion Spring of a Garage Door?

Replacing the torsion spring of a villa garage door is an extremely high-risk operation. Please strictly follow the procedures below for replacement.

1.Completely cut off power: Unplug the power cord of the garage door opener or turn off the air switch that controls the opener to prevent the door panel from moving due to accidental activation of the remote control/switch.

2.Secure the door panel: Fully close the garage door, and place a 5-8cm thick solid wooden block under the bottom of each side of the door panel (or use door panel fixing pliers to clamp the gap between the door panel and the track) to ensure the door panel cannot slide up or down.

3.Remove the opener’s drive components (if applicable): If the opener drives the door panel via a chain, first loosen the fixing screws of the chain wheel, then remove the chain to prevent opener components from interfering with the disassembly and assembly of the torsion spring.

Step 2: Release Tension from the Old Torsion Spring (Most Critical – Do Not Remove Screws Directly)

This is the core step to avoid accidents. Any disassembly action when tension is not released may cause the spring to snap suddenly:

1.Install the torsion spring wrench: Locate the "force-bearing holes" (or hexagonal fixing shafts) at both ends of the old torsion spring. Insert the dedicated torsion spring wrench into the force-bearing hole on one side, and keep the wrench perpendicular to the spring’s axis (if the wrench wobbles, re-adjust the angle to ensure a tight fit).

2.Slowly release energy in the reverse direction:

A.For single torsion springs (door width < 3 meters): Determine the rotation direction based on the spring’s winding direction (principle: "release tension in the reverse direction" – for a spring wound clockwise, rotate counterclockwise to release energy; for a spring wound counterclockwise, rotate clockwise to release energy). For each full rotation, use pliers to add a "temporary fixing clip" on the other side of the spring (to prevent spring rebound) until the spring is completely relaxed (it can be easily moved by hand with no tightness).

B.For double torsion springs (door width ≥ 3 meters, one on each left and right side): Two people must operate synchronously. Rotate the wrenches on both sides in opposite directions (rotate the left spring counterclockwise and the right spring clockwise). Make synchronous marks for each full rotation to ensure uniform tension release on both sides (never loosen one side first and then the other, as this will cause the door panel to tilt).

3.Reconfirm tension release: Gently pull the fixing brackets at both ends of the spring by hand. If the brackets have no "rebound force" and the spring makes no tight, strained noise, the tension has been completely released.

Step 3: Disassemble the Old Torsion Spring and Associated Components

1.Remove the fixing brackets: Use a box-end wrench to unscrew the screws connecting the two ends of the torsion spring to the "track bracket" and "roller shaft bearing" (hold the spring by hand during disassembly to prevent it from falling and hitting your feet).

2.Take out the old spring: If the torsion spring is sleeved on the "roller shaft" (a common structure), first loosen the bearing fixing screws at both ends of the roller shaft, slightly lift the roller shaft (by 1-2cm only), then pull out the old spring along the axial direction of the roller shaft.

3.Inspect associated components: After disassembly, check if the roller shaft is bent and if the bearings are stuck (if the bearings do not rotate smoothly, replace them simultaneously; otherwise, the new spring will be damaged prematurely due to uneven force).

Step 4: Install the New Torsion Spring, Ensure "Aligned Position + Uniform Tension"

1.Pre-installation positioning: Sleeve the new torsion spring on the roller shaft. Ensure the "fixing holes/hooks" at both ends of the spring are completely aligned with the old spring’s installation position (deviation ≤ 1mm, otherwise the door panel will tilt during operation), and the winding direction is consistent with the old spring (install the left torsion spring on the left side and the right torsion spring on the right side).

2.Fix one end: First tighten the fixing screw on one side of the spring (do not fully tighten it; leave a slight gap to facilitate subsequent tension adjustment).

3.Tighten tension (key step, determines door panel balance):

A.For single torsion springs: Insert the torsion spring wrench and slowly rotate it in the "clockwise/counterclockwise" direction (the number of rotations depends on the door panel weight – 6-10 rotations for ordinary steel panel doors, 10-14 rotations for heavy polyurethane panel doors. For specific rotations, refer to the old spring’s tensioning rotations or consult the supplier). Make a mark on the spring with chalk for each rotation to avoid over-rotation or under-rotation.

B.For double torsion springs: Two people must operate synchronously. The number of rotations of the wrenches on both sides must be exactly the same (e.g., 12 rotations on the left and 12 rotations on the right) to ensure balanced tension on both sides (uneven tension will cause the door panel to tilt and the track to wear).

4.Fix the other end: After adjusting the tension in place, tighten the fixing screw on the other side of the spring, then remove the wrench and temporary fixing clips.

Step 5: Test Balance + Reset Check, Avoid Rework

1.Remove fixings: Take away the wooden blocks and fixing pliers at the bottom of the door panel. Manually push and pull the door panel (from fully closed to fully open) and feel if the resistance is uniform – if the door panel can stay at any position (e.g., it does not automatically rise or fall when opened to 1/2 or 1/3 of the way), the tension is properly matched; if the door panel falls automatically, increase the spring tension (by 1-2 more rotations); if the door panel rises automatically, reduce the tension (by 1-2 fewer rotations).

2.Reset the drive components: Reinstall the opener chain and adjust its tightness.

3.Power-on test: Plug in the opener’s power supply, use the remote control to open and close the door panel 3 times, and observe if the door panel operates smoothly (no jamming or abnormal noise). If there is a "squeaking" sound, check if the spring collides with the bracket or if the track is misaligned (calibrate the track levelness with a level tool).

CHI Company reminds you that torsion springs store significant elastic potential energy during operation. If tension is not released, they may suddenly snap, causing serious safety accidents such as crushing or laceration injuries. If you have no professional maintenance experience or have not mastered safe operation standards, it is strongly recommended to contact the garage door brand’s after-sales service or certified maintenance personnel.