If your garage door is 20-plus years old, it may be time to replace it with a new one. Newer ones are safer, work better, and look great. There are a wide variety of styles to choose from so you can match your décor perfectly. You can install a new garage door in just one day with these simple steps.
First, you’ll need a few tools:
- Socket bit
- Level
- Open-ended wrench
- Drill bits
- Phillips drive bit
- Drill
- Hammer
- Safety glasses
- Adjustable locking pliers
- ½” diameter rods
Step 1: Release the Tension
Before you can install the new garage door, you must release the tension in the torsion springs. Clamp the adjustable locking pliers onto the torsion spring shaft. Next, insert the steel rod into one of the holes of the spring winding cone. Hold the rod in place and loosen the screws that hold the winding cone in its place. Use the steel rod to loosen the spring one-quarter turn at a time. Alternate between the two rods until the first rod is removed.
Step 2: Disconnect the Existing Door
After the tension has been released, you can start to remove the existing door one panel at a time. Disconnect the track from the door-frame. If you are going to replace the automatic door opener, remove the opener’s track and the opener.
Step 3: Install Door Panels
Make sure the bar is centered on the panel and drill pilot holes (some manufacturer’s doors come with pilot holes already drilled) and secure with screws. Attach the hinges to the top of each panel. Attach the axle supports to the top of the top panel and the bottom of the bottom panel. Attach the panels together. Continue with this same process, ensuring the groove of the upper panel rests on the ridge of the lower panel.
Step 4: Secure Hinges
From inside the garage, you need to secure the hinges and install the track. Put the wheeled axles in the hinges and top and bottom axle supports. Follow your instruction manual to install the tracks properly. Make sure the brackets are in the right places. Place the brackets against the wall and make sure the wheels line up properly in the track. Attach the door cable to the bottom panel axle support then attach to the wall.
Step 5: Attach Spring Assembly
Assemble the spring assembly and attach to the track. Check the instruction manual to ensure you have them in the right place before assembling the rest. Place the curved part of the track on the vertical piece already installed and attach the other end to the ceiling bracket. Place them in the same ceiling supports as the old door.
Step 6: Bolt Tracks Together
Attach the horizontal track to the vertical track. Do not tighten the bolts until you’re sure it’s in place. Bolt the tracks together when they are lined up. Use the correct size bolt to avoid obstructing the track.
Step 7: Install the Springs
Find the center of the opening and mark it on the door header. That is where the spring support will be attached. Attach the spring anchors to the springs and attach the locking cone. It must be on securely to avoid snapping under tension. Bolt the two springs to the main header bracket.
Step 8: Install Torsion Rod and Pulleys
Slide the torsion rod into holes on side header brackets and make sure the rod is secure. Attach the pulleys to each end of the rod. Secure the center header bracket to the mark you made.
Step 9: Attach the Cable
Bring the cable up and attach from both sides. Turn the wheel to pull the slack tight and secure the wheel to the header bracket and tighten. Put a pair of locking pliers on the rod to avoid it turning while you tighten the springs.
Step 10: Tighten the Springs
Place a chalk line across the springs so you know how many times to turn them. Use the steel rods to tighten the springs in the opposite direction as when you loosened them. Check the owner’s manual for how many times to tighten the springs. Use the chalk line to confirm you’ve done it right. When you are at the right tension, tighten the bolts in place and remove the pliers from the rod.
