6
STEP 4 – Removing the Existing Door
Springs
Garage doors use springs to balance the door weight. There are
two types of springs used — extension and torsion. Each of
these is available in either a standard or EZ-Set
™
assembly
option.
If your present door uses standard torsion springs,
do not attempt to remove the door or the springs yourself.
They should be removed by a qualified door service
professional. Attempting to remove a torsion spring assembly
without proper training and tools may result in an uncontrolled
release of spring forces which can cause serious or fatal injury.
The following instructions detail how to remove Extension
springs and EZ-Set
™
Springs.
Serious injury could result if spring tension has not been
released before other work begins.
Removing Extension Springs
Use two or more helpers to assist you in lowering the door.
Step 4-1a
: Raise the door to the full open position. Place “C”
clamps or locking pliers tightly on both sides of the track under
the door so the door is held securely in place. With the door fully
open, most spring tension has been removed. (Fig. 4-A)
Do not attempt to remove or adjust extension springs with door
in the down position. Use “C” clamps to keep the door from
moving or falling once the springs are removed.
Step 4-2
: Detach the cable at both ends. Disassemble and
remove the springs and cable completely from the door.
NOTE
: Wood blocks should be placed underneath the door
when closing to prevent fingers from being trapped.
Step 4-3
: Remove the “C” clamps from the track and carefully
close the door. Some large doors might weigh as much as 500
pounds when the spring tension is removed. The weight of the
door will not be apparent when you first begin to close the door.
The door will feel progressively heavier as it is lowered until its
full weight (as much as 500 pounds) is realized about one foot
from the floor. A single car door may weigh as much as 200
pounds. (FIG. 4-B)
To avoid injury, keep hands and fingers clear of section
joints, track, and other door parts while the door is
opening and closing.
Removing EZ-Set
™
Extension or Torsion
Springs
Step 4-1b:
With the door in the DOWN position, position a drill
with a 7/16” socket bit over the worm drive. Using the reverse
(counter-clockwise) direction on the drill, remove all the tension
from the spring (repeat for each side). After spring tension has
been removed, detach the lift cables at both ends. Disassemble
and remove the springs and cable completely from the door.
(Fig. 4-C)
FIG. 4-A
FIG. 4-B
FIG. 4-C
“C” Clamp
Wood
Block
Black
Housing
Lifting
Cable
Safety
Cable
Red Mark
on Safety
Cable
Black
Bushing
Worm
Drive
Sheave
Fork
Sheave
