If you have a loose cable on your garage door, it’s important to address the problem as soon as possible to avoid any potential safety issues. Loose cables can cause the door to become unbalanced and may even result in the door falling, which can cause serious injury or damage.
In this article, we will go over step-by-step instructions from Santa Fe Springs Garage Door on how to fix a loose cable on your garage door.
Step 1: Disconnect the Opener
The first step in fixing a loose cable on your garage door is to disconnect the opener. This will prevent the door from moving while you are working on it. To do this, locate the emergency release cord on the opener and pull it down to disconnect the opener from the door.
Step 2: Secure the Door
Once the opener is disconnected, you will need to secure the door in place to prevent it from moving. Use a clamp or a vise grip to hold the track in place just below the bottom roller on the side of the door where the cable is loose. This will prevent the door from moving and will allow you to work on the cable.
Step 3: Remove the Old Cable
To remove the old cable, you will need to loosen the cable drum on the side of the door where the cable is loose. Use a wrench to turn the set screws counterclockwise to loosen the drum. Once the drum is loose, you can remove the cable from the drum and the bottom bracket.
Step 4: Measure and Cut the New Cable
Once the old cable is removed, you will need to measure and cut the new cable. Measure the length of the old cable and add a few inches to ensure that you have enough cable to work with. Cut the new cable to the appropriate length.
Step 5: Attach the New Cable
To attach the new cable, start by inserting it into the bottom bracket and securing it in place. Then, wind the cable around the cable drum in a tight spiral. Be sure to wind the cable in the same direction as the existing cable on the other side of the door.
Step 6: Tighten the Cable Drum
Once the new cable is attached, it’s time to tighten the cable drum. Use a wrench to turn the set screws clockwise to tighten the drum. Be sure to keep tension on the cable as you tighten the drum to ensure that the cable is tight and secure.
Step 7: Test the Door
Once the cable is tightened, remove the clamp or vise grip and reconnect the opener. Test the door to make sure it’s opening and closing smoothly and that the cable is no longer loose. If the door is not functioning properly, you may need to adjust the tension on the cable or call a professional for further assistance.
Conclusion:
As stated in Santa Fe Springs Garage Door, fixing a loose cable on your garage door is an important maintenance task that should not be ignored. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can replace the cable and ensure that your door is functioning properly and safely. However, if you are unsure of what to do or do not feel comfortable making the repairs yourself, it’s always best to call a professional garage door repair technician.
Santa Fe Springs Garage Door & Gates
11710 Washington Blvd, Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
562-203-0740