Garage door cables are vital to the proper operation of your garage door. They keep the door from crashing down when a spring breaks and prevent it from recoiling sharply, reducing the possibility of injury or property damage. While these cables are made of strong metal, they can break from wear and tear, corrosion, rust, or even just regular use. They should be inspected regularly for kinks and frayed areas.

How To Replace A Broken Cable

Whether you have an extension spring system or a counterbalance one, your garage door uses cables to help lift and lower the door. These heavy-duty twisted cables (sometimes called ‘aircraft cables’) consist of a number of strands of galvanized wire. They travel over a system of pulleys or wind on a drum or spool, and over time they can wear out. They can also break due to rust or deterioration, especially if exposed to moisture near the bottom of the garage door or if they are rubbing against other hardware parts like the track or frame.

To replace a broken cable, first, unplug your garage door opener and disconnect the red safety rope from the handle. Open the door to its full height and use a vice grip just below the bottom garage door roller on both sides of the door to hold it open while you work on changing out the cable. You should also wear protective eyewear, leather work gloves, and a tool belt.

Identifying A Broken Cable

If one of your garage door cables breaks, your entire system may become lopsided and create additional strain on the springs and other components. The garage door could even slam down if all the little cables snap simultaneously, causing serious damage. It's important to inspect your cables regularly for fraying and kinks. You can also look for signs of rust, as rusted cables can weaken and break much more easily. You should keep in mind that it isn't necessary to lubricate your cables, as these lubricants can attract dirt and grime, leading to additional problems with the cables.

Most cables will be looped around a pin on the bottom bracket of your garage door. Once you remove the old cable from this pin, it's time to begin installing your new cable. The new cable should match your old cable exactly in terms of length and diameter. It's important that you replace both cables at the same time to ensure consistency in performance and longevity.

Inspecting A Broken Cable

A garage door cable repair uses a system of pulleys and winding cables to lift your door. While they are designed to withstand heavy weight, they do wear over time. They are also susceptible to environmental factors such as rust and corrosion which accelerates their wear. If you hear a loud bang while operating your garage door, it is likely because one of the cables snapped. This can cause the door to shake or squeak and even become unbalanced. This is why it is essential to schedule routine maintenance service that checks the cables for signs of wear and tear.

To inspect a cable, start by opening the door as far as it will go and locking it in place with clamps or a ladder/scaffolding under it. Then locate the end of the cable that rests in a notch in the drum. Locate the end that has a loop and follow it precisely down over the pulleys.

Repairing A Broken Cable

When a cable breaks in a garage door, it can send a spring-damaging shockwave through the system. This can dent your car or even cause life-threatening injuries. Unless you have the right tools and training, it’s best to call a professional for repair. If you’re willing to tackle this task, be sure to follow safety precautions. No loose-fitting clothing, no jewelry and proper footwear like work boots are recommended. Also, watch out for pointed edges and small frays on the cables.

The first step in replacing a broken garage door cable is to remove the old one. You can do this by using an "S" hook attached to the end near the door and either a tie or bolt on the other end. It’s important to know what direction the old cable traveled on the pulley to ensure the new one is installed correctly. You’ll also want to make sure the new cable matches the original, so it doesn’t wear prematurely.

Conclusion

A broken cable is a clear sign that it’s time to call in a professional. Trying to repair one yourself can lead to serious injury, or cause more damage. A garage door can only work properly if the cables are properly aligned with the springs. Regular inspection can help avoid costly repairs.