What are Garage Door Cables?
Garage door cables are a vital component of your garage door system. They are responsible for lifting and lowering your garage door safely and smoothly. These cables are made of sturdy steel wires that run through the torsion springs on either side of the garage door. When the garage door is opened, the cables wind around the springs, and when it is closed, they unwind.
Since they are under high tension, the cables are prone to wear and tear over time. Frayed or damaged garage door cables can pose a significant safety risk to you and your family. Therefore, it is essential to inspect your garage door cables regularly for any signs of damage and address them promptly.
If you notice any issues with your garage door cables, do not hesitate to contact a professional garage door repair service like us for expert assistance.
Identify the Problem
The first step in fixing a garage door cable is to identify the problem. Check the cables thoroughly for any signs of wear and tear, frayed ends, or rusted components. These issues could be caused by the age of the door or damage from daily use. It’s important to identify the specific problem before attempting any repairs.
If you notice any frayed cables or rusted components, it’s likely that your garage door cable has worn out over time and is in need of a replacement. In cases where the cables are still in good condition but have come off the pulley or drum, you may be able to fix the problem yourself.
It’s important to note that fixing garage door cables can be dangerous and should only be attempted by someone with experience. If you’re unsure about the extent of the damage or how to fix the issue, it’s best to contact a professional service to ensure that the repair is done safely and effectively.
Disconnect the Door
One of the first things you need to do when fixing the garage door cable is to disconnect the door. This is important for safety reasons as well as for making the repair process easier and more straightforward.
Start by closing the garage door and then disconnecting the opener from the power source. You can do this by unplugging the cord that connects the opener to the electrical outlet or by turning off the breaker that supplies power to the garage.
Next, locate the manual release cord that is typically attached to the garage door opener. Gently pull the cord downwards to release the garage door from the tracks. Be sure to do this carefully to avoid damaging the door or the surrounding components.
Once you have successfully disconnected the door, you can begin the process of identifying and fixing any issues with the garage door cable.
Replace the Cables
If your garage door cables are worn, frayed or broken, it’s time to replace them. Here are the steps for a successful cable replacement:
- Get the right cables.
Remove the old cables and measure their length to purchase new ones of the same size. Use a measuring tape to determine the length of each cable and purchase the new ones accordingly. Ensure that the new cables are of the same size and diameter as the old ones for a proper fit. - Secure your garage door.
Make sure your garage door is securely closed before you begin the cable replacement process. Unplugging the opener or locking the door is advisable to avoid any accidental injury. - Release tension on the old cables.
Locate the cable drum and insert one winding bar in the hole at the bottom of the drum. Use another winding bar to loosen the set screws on the cable drum. Slowly release the tension on the cable until it can be removed from the drum. - Remove the old cables.
After releasing tension on the cables, remove them from the door’s bottom brackets. Then, take the cable through the center of the spring and remove it carefully from the cable drum. - Install the new cables.
Install the new cable in the same manner as the old one. Begin by attaching the cable to the bottom bracket of the garage door. Then, thread it through the center of the spring and finally attach it to the cable drum. Remember, it is important to wind the cables properly before reattaching them to avoid any injury. - Test the door.
Once the new cables are installed, test the door by slowly raising and lowering it a few times. Check to ensure that the drum is winding the cable properly. Always test the door before leaving your garage to ensure it is functioning correctly
Replacing garage door cables can be a challenging task, and if you are not confident in your abilities, it is always best to hire a professional. Remember, garage doors are heavy, and the tension in the springs can be dangerous to work with, which is why taking additional safety measures is of top priority.
Reconnect the Door
After you have successfully installed the new garage door cables, it’s now time to reconnect the door. This is a crucial part of the process as it ensures that you have installed the cables correctly and that the door will function normally.
To reconnect the door, start by pulling the emergency release cord to put the door in manual mode. This will allow you to move the door up and down without using the garage door opener. Then, open the door until it reaches the top and stays there on its own.
Next, grab both sides of the door and carefully guide it back into the vertical tracks on each side of the garage. Ensure that the rollers are properly positioned within the tracks. Once the door is in place, release the emergency release cord to disengage the manual mode and allow the opener to take over.
Using the garage door opener, operate the door in both directions fully to check if there are any issues or unusual sounds. If everything runs smoothly, then your installation is successful, and you’ve reconnected the door.
However, if you notice any issues such as the door being uneven or jammed, then you will need to disassemble the door and cables again to correct it. It’s best to consult a professional technician to diagnose and fix complicated issues that may arise after installation.
Reconnecting the garage door after cable replacement is a vital step that can ensure the safety and proper functioning of the door. This is not a difficult task to do, but you need to follow the above steps correctly. With these steps, you will be able to reconnect your garage door safely, effectively, and efficiently.
