Instructions / Assembly

IMPORTANT: Please read all of the following instructions
thoroughly. This replacement project is difficult. It is necessary
to comply with the step by step procedures for safe installation.
Flat File
3/8", 7/16", 1/2" & 9/16" Wrenches
1/2" x 16" Winding Rods
Part Number: GD-52238*
SPRING IDENTIFICATION:
Please see the illustrations under Spring Selection Guide to assure
that the proper replacement spring has been selected and, in the case
of dual spring installations, proper use of LEFT WIND & RIGHT WIND
SPRINGS is imperative. When dual spring installations are involved,
it is important to replace both springs.
REPLACEMENT PROCEDURES:
To remove the defective torsion spring; close door and manually lock.
Disconnect automatic opener arm (if applicable). If dual springs are
involved, always start with the undamaged spring first! The first step
is to release (unwind) the tension on the good spring. Do not attempt
replacement until this step has been completed. Locate a ladder to
one side of the winding cone side of the spring. Do not locate ladder
directly in front of this winding cone. Place one of the winding rods
(GD-52238) firmly in a plug hole
located on the winding cone (see
figure 1). Loosen one set screw
slowly while holding rod until
downward pressure is felt, then
slowly loosen the second set
screw. Resist full downward
pressure and ease rod down,
resting it against the door. Insert
second rod into next plug hole
and lift gently, allowing removal
of first rod. Ease second rod down and rest it against door. Continue
this process until all spring pressure on rod has been released. Cable
should be in a relaxed position and shaft should rotate freely.
Loosen set screws on drum of broken spring and slide toward the
inside, away from bearing plate. Check shaft for burrs left there by the
set screws (file down as necessary to allow removal of drum and
spring). Remove bolts holding spring to center mount. Slide drum and
spring off end of shaft.
INSTALLING REPLACEMENT SPRINGS:
Check carefully to insure that the correctly wound spring (left or right
hand) is being used on the appropriate side. Slide replacement spring
(anchor cone first) toward the center of door. Slide drum onto shaft
* This product is specifically designed to unwind & wind torsion
springs. It is important that you DO NOT ATTEMPT removal or
adjustment of torsion springs with any tool other than the GD-
52238. Failure to do so may result in personal injury or property
damage. GD-52238 winding rods are 1/2" in diameter by 16" long.
Do not use on winding cones larger than 33/64" in diameter.
with set screws facing center of door.
Slide bearing plate onto shaft and bolt
into place. Do not set drum at this
time. If two springs are being replaced,
repeat this procedure. Remember,
when replacing a single or double
spring installation, the second drum
must also be replaced. Bolt springs to
center mount (see figure 2). Equal
sections of the shaft should protrude from end bearings.
SETTING DRUMS:
Vise grips will be required to hold the shaft. Starting with the left side,
be sure the cable stop is securely attached into the drum slot at the
left hand side of drum (see figure 3). Then pull drum down until cable
is taut. Tighten set screws. Attach
vise grip to shaft, pressing firmly
against header and clamp. Leave
vise in place until springs are
wound in order to insure that
drum and shaft remain stationary.
Repeat procedure for right drum
setting. Important: Both drum
slots must be in exactly the same
position. This will keep the cable
from coming loose when door is
being lifted.
WINDING SPRINGS (APPLYING TENSION):
Once again, place a ladder to one side of the winding cone. Place a
winding rod into a plug hole and lift up (figure 1). Place second rod in
the hole below, lift gently and remove first rod. This process will need
to be repeated until 29 (1/4) quarter turns have been facilitated
(remember that each plug hole equals 1/4 turn). Tighten winding cone
set screws in shaft firmly and remove rod. Tension should now be on
the cables and the vise grip can be removed. This procedure will need
to be repeated for the second spring.
Remove ladder, unlock and open door. Lift door and check balance;
door should lift easily and stop midway in the opening. If door fails to
hold this position, but continues to close, then add a 1/2 turn on either
spring. If door continues to rise, then remove tension 1/2 turn.
When project is completed and all adjustments have been made,
then oil springs, cables, pulleys and rollers (grease is not an
acceptable lubricant in this case).
SPRING SELECTION GUIDE:
1) Right hand or left hand wind: When spring is at 12:00 and finger is
pointing to the left, the spring is a right wind; if finger points to right it
is a left wind. NOTE: Left hand springs are wound clockwise and right
hand springs are wound counter clockwise. When winding springs, the
rods must be lifted up. Right hand springs are mounted to left side of
center and left hand springs are mounted to the right side of center
(as viewed from inside the garage looking out).
2) Measuring spring: Measure 10 coils to determine the wire size (see
wire chart below). Then measure total length of spring and the inside
diameter. These dimensions will assist you in selecting the proper
spring for your replacement project.
Sectional Garage Door
TORSION SPRING
Installation Instructions
Figure 3
Figure 1
Figure 2
Wire Chart
2-1/16"
= .207
2-3/16"
= .218
2-7/16"
= .243
2-1/2"
= .250
TOOLS REQUIRED:
Vise Grip