Now, you can walk into your garage and press the button to close it. You notice that there is some slack in your spring and cable, which you didn’t see yesterday. What can you do? There are many options. You could always call a service for garage door repair Louisville KY, but this can be expensive and take time. A garage door cable can be replaced easily by anyone with basic skills. It’s also a rewarding and cost-efficient project that is easy to do yourself.
How to Replace Extension Spring Lifting Cables
Step 1: Open your garage door and lock it
Extension spring cables can be replaced in the same way as torsion cables.
You will only be working with one cable (per side) so there won’t be any pulleys. A simple “S” hook attaches the cable track to the track and is used instead of a winding drum that contains extension cables.
Open the door as far as you can and then repeat the ladder and locking-plier steps onto the tracks on the other side. This will allow you to remove the cable. Now, remove the “S”hook from the track.
Pro Tip. Make sure to note the direction that the cable was traveling in the pulley. It is easy to take a picture or to use the opposite side to determine the direction. The cable can be wound in either direction, but if it is wound backward on the pulley the cable may twist. This will increase noise and reduce the life of your cable. Make sure you do the right installation.
Step 2: Install new cable
Prime-Line GD 5262 Extension Spring Cable Set 1/8 in. Galvanized Carbon Steel, Set of 2
An extension cable will have one loop. A pulley will attach to the frame close to the door, and another at the spring’s end.
Follow exactly the same route as the old cable. Hook the looped end around the pin at the bottom of your door.
Be aware of your direction and wind the cable around the pulleys. Then connect the cable to the frame. Once everything is in order, remove the ladder and clamps to verify the operation.
How to Install the Safety Cable on an Extension Spring
A safety cable is part of an extension spring system that prevents debris from a damaged cable from flying all over the garage. This is crucial because springs usually break under tension.
These metal fragments can cause tension to release when the spring breaks. The safety cable supports the spring and stops it from falling to the ground.
Fortunately, changing the cable is a simple process.
The cable is attached to the track using an “S” hook on the end nearest to the door. It can then be tied or bolted to either the other end.
Take the ends off and pull the cable through a spring.
Once you have confirmed that the cable is working, attach the new cable to your track by connecting it from the back, running it through it, and then reattaching it using the “S” hook.
Pro Tip. Make sure to attach the safety cable to your frame as close to the spring as you can before it passes through the spring. While the safety cable can still function, aligned cables will reduce friction with springs when the door is open.
Can I Prevent the Lifting Cable from Breaking?
While you can’t prevent a cable from breaking completely, it is possible to prolong its life expectancy by maintaining the system regularly. Most cables break because of age or damage.
It is the best way to extend your system’s life expectancy. Many parts move when the door is open and closed. Each one can cause friction if it is not properly lubricated.
Squeaking when your door moves is a sign that your system requires attention. The cable is not the only component that needs to be lubricated, the pulley, springs, and opener will.
Unlubricated springs and sticky rollers can cause undesirable noises. A good dose of silicon or graphite can reduce wear and prevent future problems.
A Safe Job Well Done
A garage door that is safe can offer years of reliable service and peace of mind. There are few things more frustrating than an inoperable garage door. However, it doesn’t have to be difficult to repair broken cables. These are some important points to keep in mind if this is a job you want. Take your time, be safe, and use the right parts.