Replacing Broken Garage Door Cables

If your garage door is not opening, it might be because a cable is broken. Garage door cables are part of the system that opens and closes the door. They also hold it in place when it is open. It’s important to replace them immediately if they are wearing out to prevent damage to your doors or injuries.

What Are Garage Door Cables?

Garage door cables are galvanized steel cords that work together with springs to open and close your garage door and bear the load of your garage door. They transfer the tension from the spring to the door in order to lower and lift it. There are two main types of garage door cables. You can choose the right type of cable depending on the type of cables and springs your door already has:

1. Torsion Cables

Torsion cables are attached to torsion springs installed above the garage door. The cables are attached to a drum and run down the sides of the garage door. They are attached at the bottom of the garage door. As the torsion springs turn, the cables lift and lower the garage door.

2. Extension Spring Cables

Extension spring cables are connected to the bottom of the garage door and pulleys on either side of the garage door. As the extension springs stretch and contract, the cables lift and lower the garage door.

What Do Garage Door Cables Do?

Garage door cables have two main purposes:

• They support your garage door’s weight so that it does not fall.
• They ensure even, smooth movement during opening and closing.

Causes of Broken Garage Door Cables

Want to know what causes garage door cables to break? Here are some potential causes:

1. Improper Installation & Maintenance

Cables balance your garage door’s weight. Improper cable installation can lead to unequal weight distribution, which in turn causes uneven tension along the wires. Consequently, certain parts of the cables have to endure more stress, causing them to fray faster.

2. Broken Springs

Tension in the springs allows you to open your garage door easily. However, they can be damaged over time due to frequent use and eventually break. A broken or improperly installed garage door spring causes the cable to slip off the pulley and snap under pressure.

3. Wear and Tear

Just like all other mechanical components, your door cables also deteriorate over time. This may happen faster due to various factors, such as:

• Consistent usage
• Exposure to harsh climate conditions
• Stress exerted by a heavy door

Signs of Broken Garage Door Cables

Cables facilitate your door’s movement as it opens or closes. Broken garage door cables can be troublesome. Watch out for some warning signs that your cables might be wearing out to avoid more extensive damage.

1. Loose Cables

If you notice the cables are improperly attached or have fallen off a drum or pulley, do not try to move your garage door. Call a professional to have the door inspected to prevent further damage.

2. Difficulty Opening or Closing

Are you having difficulty opening or closing your garage door? Check your garage door cables! A stuck garage door might mean that the cable has snapped or detached from the pulley.

3. Loud Noises

Banging, grinding, or scraping sounds when you open your garage door might indicate broken cables or cables that have begun to fray or slide off the drum or pulley system.

4. Uneven Movement

Jerky or uneven door movement is a clear sign that your garage door cable has been broken or damaged. To prevent cables or springs from snapping, stop using your door and get the cables replaced right away. When one cable frays or breaks, it puts immense strain on the other cable. As a result, the door lifts unevenly and may shake and squeak.

How to Replace a Broken Garage Door Cable

Broken cables not only make it difficult to operate your door. They also expose you and your family members to potential injuries. Wondering how to fix a broken garage door cable on a garage door? Call AAA Garage Door Services for quick, reliable repairs.

Step 1: Taking Adequate Safety Measures

Before initiating the cable repair process, our technicians take effective measures to ensure safety. They wear personal protective equipment and disengage the door opener to avoid accidental activation. Then, they use a winding bar to release the tension in the springs.

Step 2: Removing the Broken Cables

Next, we place a step ladder under the door and secure it in an open position using C-clamps so that it does not fall unexpectedly. The cable is carefully unwound and removed from the door.

Step 3: Attaching a New Cable

We install new cables so that your door can function smoothly. We make sure they are properly connected to the brackets on the bottom of the door and the drums or pulleys.

Step 4: Testing the Door Operation

Finally, we remove the clamps, reattach the door opener, and test the garage door. If the door is operating smoothly, the cables have been successfully replaced.

Tips for Maintaining Garage Door Cables

Follow these tips to maintain garage door cables:

• Regular Inspections: Examine your garage door regularly and examine components such as cables, springs, and pulleys in detail.
• Lubricate Moving Parts: Friction can compromise the movement of the mechanical components of your garage door. To avoid this, you can regularly lubricate the moving parts, including: pulleys, drums, hinges, rollers, springs, cables
• Check Your Cables: Examine the cables for kinks and fraying. Assess them for tension and alignment and make any necessary adjustments.
• Check the Door Alignment: Since loose or broken cables can cause the door to shift, keep monitoring your garage door’s alignment on a regular basis.
• Tighten Anything Loose: Periodically tighten the nuts, bolts, and cables from time to time. This way, you can reduce the risk of cables dislodging from the pulley.

Conclusion

AAA Garage Door Services has been providing high-quality garage door cable repair and replacement services for more than 25 years. Our skilled technicians install superior-grade cables while repairing your door, restoring its safety and seamless performance.