How to Fix a Garage Door

A green home featuring a green garage door.

Difficulty

Beginner

Duration

Under 2 hours

Keep your garage door running safely and smoothly. A broken garage door is often the result of its springs or cables not working properly. An out-of-balance garage door can close too quickly. This can put an unnecessary strain on the door’s parts. It can also create a potential hazard for kids and pets.

Use this guide to learn general ways of how to fix a garage door. Consult your garage opener’s manufacturer’s instructions for specific directions.

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1

Test and Brace the Garage Door

Move the garage door up and down until you find a place where the door stays suspended when you let go. If that point is more than four feet or less than three feet above the ground, you will need to balance the door.

Before you begin fixing the garage door, make sure it is a few feet off the ground. This will take to the pressure off the door springs. You can brace the door open by putting a step ladder or other study object under the door. Bracing the door will also make sure it doesn't close accidentally while you’re working on it.

Safety Tip: To avoid injury, make sure the door is braced high enough that the spring is completely free of tension before removing it in Step 2.

2

How to Adjust the Garage Door Springs

Once your door is securely braced open, the spring should be completely free of tension. If it is not, adjust your ladder until the spring has no tension.

Remove the spring from its hanger.
If the garage door was closing too quickly, move the spring to the next higher hole on the bracket.
If the garage door was opening too quickly, move it to the next lower hole.
Adjust the springs on both sides of the door the same amount.
Retest the door balance, as you did in Step 1.

3

How to Adjust the Lift Cable

If your door is only slightly off-balance, try adjusting the lift cable instead. Adjusting the cable allows you to make more precise changes to how your garage door opens and closes.

The cable is attached to the door. It runs to an S-hook that attaches to the track support.

With the door propped open, take the S-hook out of the support.
Gradually tighten or loosen the cable.
Close the door and use a level to determine that it’s hitting the ground levelly on both sides.
If it doesn't, adjust the lift cable until it does.

Most garage door balance problems happen because of the spring or lifting cable. Knowing how to adjust these parts makes it easier for you to fix your own garage door. If you need a new garage door, use The Home Depot Mobile App to locate products and check inventory. We'll take you to the exact aisle and bay. For free design, purchase and installation help with windows and doors, call us any time between 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. EST at 1-833-HDAPRON (432-7766).