Garage Door Spring Adjustment
Garage Door Spring Adjustment: Ensuring Smooth Operation
Garage door spring adjustment is one of the most critical aspects of maintaining a smooth and safely operating garage door. Without properly adjusted springs, your garage door can become unbalanced, hard to open, or even dangerous. As the springs weaken or tighten over time, adjusting them ensures that the door is properly balanced and supported.
We specialise at fixing garage door springs and making the correct adjustments to ensure your door operates correctly.
In this article, I’ll explain the importance of adjusting your garage door springs, how spring tension impacts the performance of your door, and what you should know about garage door torsion spring adjustment.
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What is Garage Door Spring Adjustment & Why is it Important?
Garage door spring adjustment involves tightening or loosening the torsion or tension springs that help counterbalance the weight of your garage door. These springs are responsible for supporting the door’s weight (Around 150KG) and making it easy to lift, whether manually or with an opener. Over time, springs lose their tension, or they can become too tight, both of which lead to operational problems.
There are two main types of garage door springs:
- Torsion Springs: Located above the garage door and sitting around the torsion pole, these springs twist and release tension to help lift the door. These are used for sectional doors. Sectional Garage Doors are made up of 4 to 5 individual panels typically about 500mm high and 5200mm wide. One end of the springs are tightened to the torsion pole, the other end is tightened to a bracket that is is connected to the ceiling or wall. The spring turns the torsion pole which in then turns the cable drum which winds-up the steel cables. The cables are connected to the bottom (not the top) of the garage door. It should be noted sectional garage doors are always meant to be lifted from the bottom as they do not have the structural integrity to be pulled. The springs are effectively lifting around 90% of the garaged doors weight while the motor only pulls the last 10%. If the springs are weak and only lifting say 60% of the doors weight, the motor is then pulling 40% of the doors weight which will (over time) bend the top panel of the door.
- Extension Springs (Tension Springs): These are located on the sides of the door and stretch to help balance the door’s weight during operation. These are used for Tilt-Doors. A tilt door is one rigid door. Tilt doors in our opinion are very dangerous and have caused many fatalities and injuries. We do not recommend installing a new tilt door, but do recommend installing Section garage doors.
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Signs That Your Garage Door Needs Spring Adjustment
Knowing when your garage door springs need adjusting can save you from bigger problems down the road.

Here are some common signs that indicate it’s time for a garage door adjustment:
1. Door Feels Too Heavy or Hard to Lift
If your garage door feels unusually heavy or difficult to lift, the springs may need to be tightened. This is a sign that the springs aren’t supporting the door’s weight properly, causing the door to rely more on the opener or manual force to lift it.
2. Door Opens Too Quickly or Flies Up
If your garage door flies up too quickly when you open it, the springs are likely too tight and need to be loosened. Over-tightened springs can cause the door to lift too fast, which can lead to safety concerns and strain on the opener.
3. Door Won’t Stay in Place
A properly balanced garage door should stay in place when lifted to about 1 meter off the ground. If the door drops or doesn’t hold its position, this indicates that the springs need adjustment.
4. Door Doesn’t Close Evenly
If the door closes unevenly or one side seems higher or lower than the other, this could be a sign of imbalanced springs. When the spring tension is uneven, the door can become misaligned, causing it to close improperly and potentially damage the tracks or panels.
5. The Opener Struggles or Makes Noise
If your garage door opener is making more noise than usual or struggling to lift the door, it could be due to unbalanced springs. When the springs aren’t adjusted correctly, the opener has to work harder, which leads to more noise and wear on the motor
4 Steps to Fix Your Garage Door!
Professional assessment
We begin by asking you a series of simple questions to determine the issue with your garage door. This helps us quickly identify whether it's a minor fix/replacement or something more complex.
Competitive rates
Once we understand the problem, we provide you with a detailed over the phone quote that outlines the exact price to repair your garage door. We offer a 90 day warranty on labour.
Guaranteed satisfaction
After you approve the quote, we’ll arrange a convenient time for our technician to visit your home. We work around your schedule to ensure minimal disruption.
We warrant all labour
Our qualified technician will come to your location and either repair or replace the broken or damaged part.
The Role of Torsion Springs in Garage Door Adjustment
Torsion springs are the most common type of spring used in modern garage doors, and adjusting them is key to maintaining the door’s balance. These springs are mounted horizontally above the garage door and store energy by twisting as the door opens and closes. Proper garage door torsion spring adjustment ensures that the door’s weight is evenly distributed and that the door moves smoothly along the tracks.
How Torsion Spring Adjustment Works
During a garage door torsion spring adjustment, a professional will either tighten or loosen the springs depending on how the door behaves.
Here’s how adjusting the torsion springs impacts the door’s performance:
- Tightening the Springs: If the door is difficult to lift or feels heavy, the springs need to be tightened. Tightening the springs increases the tension, making it easier for the door to lift and balance.
- Loosening the Springs: If the door flies upward or feels too light, the springs need to be loosened. Loosening the springs reduces tension, preventing the door from shooting up too quickly and ensuring a controlled movement.
Why Spring Adjustment is Essential
Garage door spring adjustment is not just about fine-tuning the tension in the springs—it’s also about ensuring the safety and longevity of your garage door system. A door that is too heavy or unbalanced can cause damage to the opener, tracks, and other components, while an over-tightened door can create safety hazards.
Properly adjusted springs allow the garage door to glide smoothly with minimal effort, whether you're operating it manually or using an automatic opener. This reduces strain on the motor and cables, extending the lifespan of your entire garage door system.
Quick Tip: How to Check if Your Springs are Adjusted Correctly
A quick way to check if your garage door springs are properly adjusted is to perform a manual lift test. This simple test gives you a good indication of whether the springs are supporting the door’s weight correctly.
Manual Lift Test
- Disengage the door from the opener by pulling the manual release cord. This allows you to operate the door manually.
- Lift the garage door by hand to about 1 meter (3 feet) off the ground.
- Let go of the door and see how it behaves.
- If the door stays in place at that height, the springs are properly adjusted, and the weight is balanced.
- If the door drops to the ground, the springs are too loose and need to be tightened.
- If the door flies upward, the springs are too tight and need to be loosened.

While this test provides a quick way to check for balance, garage door spring adjustment should always be performed by a professional to ensure safety and accuracy.
The Importance of Professional Garage Door Spring Adjustment
Garage door spring adjustment, especially for torsion springs, is a complex and potentially dangerous task that requires specialized tools and expertise. The springs are under high tension, and improper adjustment can lead to injury or damage to the door.
Here’s why professional adjustment is essential:
1. Safety
Torsion springs store a tremendous amount of energy, and attempting to adjust them without the proper tools or knowledge can be dangerous. A professional technician knows how to safely release or increase the tension in the springs, ensuring that the adjustment is done correctly without the risk of injury.
2. Precision
Proper spring adjustment requires precision. A professional will take into account the weight of the door, the condition of the cables and tracks, and the tension in the springs to ensure that the door is perfectly balanced.

3. Preventing Further Damage
An incorrectly adjusted spring can lead to further damage to your garage door system, including the opener, cables, and tracks. A professional adjustment ensures that the door is operating smoothly, reducing wear and tear on other components.
Preventing Future Spring Issues
To prevent future issues with your garage door springs, it’s important to maintain regular service.
Here are some tips to keep your springs in good condition:
- Schedule annual maintenance: Have a professional inspect and adjust your garage door springs at least once a year
- Perform regular manual tests: Check the balance of your door by lifting it manually every few months
- Lubricate the springs: Lubricating the springs can reduce friction and prevent them from wearing out too quickly
Why Choose Fix-It Garage Door Repair?
While DIY repairs can save money, certain garage door issues—especially involving springs—can be dangerous to fix or attempt fixing yourself. If you’re not comfortable or confident in performing repairs, it’s best to hire a professional garage door repair service in Perth.
Licensed and Professional Garage Door Fix-It Experts You Can Trust
When you book with us, you’re booking a fully licensed and qualified technician who will provide you with a fixed service time for your garage door repair, so you can plan your day with ease.
Our head technician is a Licenced Electrician!
Our technicians arrive with vans fully stocked with high-quality tools and parts, ensuring we implement the best possible solution for your garage door problem.
We also offer free quotes with no call-out fees or hourly rates. If no work is required, there will be no charge!
Garage door spring adjustment is essential for maintaining the balance, safety, and smooth operation of your garage door. Whether your door feels too heavy, opens too quickly, or struggles to stay in place, adjusting the torsion or tension springs can resolve the issue.
At Fix-It Garage Door Repair, we provide expert spring adjustment services, ensuring that your door is properly balanced and operating smoothly. Contact us today for professional garage door adjustment and maintenance services.
Experienced Technicians
Our team is made up of highly trained professionals with years of experience in garage door repair. We know how to identify and fix even the most complicated issues.
High Quality Parts
We only use the best quality parts for all of our repairs, including genuine manufactured parts where possible. This ensures that your garage door will continue to function properly for years to come.
Fast and Reliable Service
We understand that a broken garage door can be a major inconvenience. That’s why we offer fast and reliable service to get your door back in working order as quickly as possible.
Affordable Pricing
We confirm pricing before we show up by going through over the phone what the problem is.
Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed
Garage door springs are under high tension and can cause serious injury if handled improperly. Professionals have the tools and training to handle these repairs safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my garage door springs need adjustment?
If your garage door feels heavy, difficult to lift, or opens too quickly, the springs may need adjustment. You can also perform a manual lift test to see if the door stays in place at 1 meter off the ground. If not, it’s time for a spring adjustment.
Can I adjust the garage door springs myself?
Garage door spring adjustment is a dangerous task that should only be performed by a professional. The springs are under high tension, and improper adjustment can cause injury or damage to your door.
How often should I have my garage door springs adjusted?
It’s recommended to have your garage door springs checked and adjusted at least once a year. Regular maintenance helps ensure that your door stays balanced and operates smoothly.
Unfortunately every year springs loose their strength which means more strain on the motor opener.
For expert garage door spring adjustment and reliable repair services, trust Fix-It Garage Door Repair in Perth to keep your garage door functioning safely and efficiently.
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