One Spring Broken? You May Be Able to Fix It Without Replacing Both Springs

If you discover that one of the springs on your garage door has failed, you may be wondering if you need to replace both springs or if you can simply replace the broken one. In many cases, you can get away with replacing just the broken spring. Let’s take a look at when single spring replacement may work and how to determine if your door can handle it safely.

Should You Replace One or Both Springs?

The basic rule is that if one spring breaks, the other spring often can handle the weight of the door by itself. However, there are some factors to consider:

• Age of the Door: Older doors that have had both springs for many years may be more reliant on both springs working together. A single spring on an older door could be overwhelmed.
• Size and Weight of the Door: Extra large or heavy doors require more lifting power. A single spring may struggle on a very large or heavy wooden garage door.
• Condition of the Remaining Spring: If the other spring is starting to show signs of age or wear, replacing both is safer than relying on just one.
• Spring Tension: Replacement springs should be rated to hold the same amount of tension as the originals. An undersized spring risks putting too much strain on the remaining spring.

If the door is newer, of average size/weight, and the other spring looks in good condition, then replacing just one broken spring is usually feasible. However, for an old, heavy door, or if the other spring needs replacement soon anyway, opting to swap both is a safer choice long-term.

How to Tell If One Spring Will Suffice

If unsure whether the remaining spring can handle the weight on its own, here are some tests to determine if single spring replacement is an option:

Safety Check the Existing Spring

Examine the spring that is still intact for signs of wear like rust, loose coils, or broken wires. A compromised spring still installed risks failing under the added workload.

Lift Test the Door Manually

Try raising the door yourself to see how easy or difficult it is lift. A door that takes great effort to lift with hands indicates the single spring may struggle.

Observe Opening and Closing

Watch how the door moves with just one spring installed. Listen for any creaking, straining, or odd noises. The movement should be smooth and balanced.

If any red flags come up in inspection or operation, both springs likely need replacing for long-term reliability and safety. However, a door that passes all tests is a good candidate for fixing just the broken spring.

Replacing a Single Garage Door Spring

Assuming your door passes the lift and function tests, here are the basic steps to replace only one broken garage door spring:

1. Secure the Door Fully – Close the door and latch the handle to prevent accidental falling.
2. Release Tension – Release the winding mechanisms to remove tension from the broken spring (many have wind-up torsion bars or cables). Follow directions specific to your brand.
3. Remove Broken Spring – Unbolt the spring plates at both ends to detach the failed spring.
4. Install New Spring – Attach the replacement spring using the same bolts at each end. Position springs correctly oriented and centered.
5. Apply Tension – Reengage the winding mechanism to apply the proper degree of tension as specified (usually written on the springs).
6. Check Function – Run the door through several open/close cycles to confirm smooth operation with one spring installed. Listen for any odd noises or spots that need adjusting.
7. Safety Inspection – After a few weeks of use, recheck all bolts, supports, and other connections for security and proper function. Monitor the remaining spring for signs of wear or strain.

With care taken in inspection, installation, and follow-up, replacing just one garage door spring ourselves can save money over a full set replacement. However always consider safety first. If you have any doubts, consult a garage door professional like Garage Door Opener in Norfolk for a repair assessment. Their experience helps ensure a secure installation.

Potential Issues to Watch For

While single spring replacement works well in many cases, there are a few potential issues that bear watching:

• Imbalance: With just one spring holding the full weight, the door may hang unevenly or track off-center. Minor adjustments may fix it, or both springs are ultimately needed.
• Early Failure: The added workload on the remaining spring could cause it to burn out faster than normal. Watch closely for any signs of failure like loose coils.
• Noise or Vibration: An imbalance may also lead to new creaking, clicking, or rattling as the door operates that wasn’t there before. Both springs redistribute the load more smoothly.

If any such problems surface after the repair, don’t hesitate to upgrade to a full set replacement for long-term, trouble-free operation. But for many garage doors, a single broken spring can be replaced satisfactorily by a DIY homeowner. Just take care to properly inspect, install, tension, and monitor the repair.