Installing or replacing garage door springs can be a tricky task that requires mechanical skills and the proper tools. Knowing which side the red spring goes on is an important detail to get right for proper door function. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about garage door spring configuration, color coding, and safety tips for a successful DIY or professional spring installation.
Understanding Garage Door Spring Types
There are two main types of springs used on garage doors:
- Extension springs – These springs run along the horizontal tracks of the garage door. There is typically one spring on each side of the door. Extension springs stretch and contract as the door moves up and down along the tracks.
- Torsion springs – These springs are mounted on a bar that runs horizontally above the door. The springs wind and unwind around the bar to counterbalance the weight of the garage door. There are often two torsion springs on the bar, one on each side.
Torsion springs are the most common type used today. However, some older garage doors still utilize extension springs. It’s important to identify which type of spring system you have before proceeding with any repairs or replacements.
Color Coding Garage Door Springs
Springs are color coded to indicate their wind direction, tension, and size rating. The color coding allows installers to quickly identify and configure the springs properly. Here is what the color codes typically signify:
- Red – Right hand wound, with a winding cone facing outward to the right side of the door.
- Black – Left hand wound, with a winding cone facing outward to the left side.
- Silver – Non-standard wind direction or size.
- Yellow – Standard lift capacity spring.
- Blue – Intermediate lift capacity spring.
- Green – Heavy lift capacity spring.
- Gold – Extra heavy lift capacity spring.
So if you have a red spring, it will always go on the right side of the garage door to wind properly and counterbalance correctly. The red color indicates right hand winding, while black would be used to denote left hand winding.
Where Does the Red Spring Go on Torsion Springs?
For torsion spring systems, the red spring will be mounted on the winding bar on the right side of the garage door, when facing it from the inside of the garage. Here are the specific placements:
- With a standard two-spring torsion system, the red spring goes on the right end of the winding bar.
- On a single spring torsion configuration, the red spring mounts on the right side of the center bearing plate.
- For an EZ-SET torsion spring system, the red spring assembles on the right hand side.
Keep in mind that “right side” is determined when standing inside the garage, facing the door. The red spring winds in a clockwise direction to create the proper lifting force. It will have a winding cone facing outward to the right side of the door.
Where Does the Red Spring Go on Extension Springs?
For garage doors with extension springs, the red spring will install on the right side track when facing the door from inside the garage. Specifically:
- On a standard double spring setup, the right side track gets the red extension spring.
- For a single spring extension system, the red spring goes on the right track.
- The right track is on the side that has the pulley bracket and cable drum in a standard configuration.
Again, “right side” refers to your right as you stand inside the garage facing the door. The red extension spring will connect to the right side rear track hanger to wind in the proper direction.
Does Spring Color Matter on a Single Spring?
On a garage door with only one spring, either torsion or extension style, the color of the spring does not necessarily matter. With a single spring, there is no “opposite” spring for comparison. However, using the proper red or black color coded spring can still be beneficial for identifying the wind direction quickly and properly configuring the components.
If replacing a single red torsion spring, install the new spring in the same right side location. For a single black spring, the new one would go on the left side. For single extension springs, match the old spring color with the replacement if possible, installing red on the right and black on the left.
Can You Mix Up the Spring Colors?
It is strongly advised to follow the color coding scheme and install the springs in the proper red-right and black-left configuration. However, in certain rare circumstances, it is possible to swap the two springs:
- A black spring could be installed on the right side, and a red on the left.
- This winds the springs in opposite directions from normal.
- Additional components may need reconfiguring for compatibility.
- The door likely will not function properly until all parts match.
The color coding scheme exists to simplify proper installation and prevent errors. Mixing up the red and black springs is likely to result in an improperly counterbalanced door that does not open and close properly. It is best to adhere to standard placement guidelines.
Garage Door Spring Color Codes and Sizes
Refer to the chart below for common garage door spring colors and related wire size and winding diameter:
| Spring Color | Wire Diameter | Mean Diameter |
|---|---|---|
| Red | 0.225 | 2.44 |
| Black | 0.225 | 2.44 |
| Yellow | 0.250 | 2.68 |
| Blue | 0.250 | 2.68 |
| Green | 0.275 | 3.125 |
| Gold | 0.325 | 3.45 |
This information can help determine compatible replacements when servicing a garage door. The wire diameter and mean diameter (or coil size) must match the original specifications.
Special Considerations for High Cycle Springs
High cycle garage door springs are designed for longer life and durability with frequent daily door operations. They are color coded differently:
- Brown – For 20,000 standard cycles.
- Purple – For 30,000 standard cycles.
- White – For 50,000 standard cycles.
These special springs should be installed and tensioned according to manufacturer’s instructions for maximum longevity. The brown, purple, and white high cycle springs have the same requirements in terms of right vs left side winding directions.
Garage Door Spring Installation Tips
Once you know which side the red spring goes on, you’re ready to complete the full installation or replacement job. Here are some helpful installation tips to ensure success:
- Always exercise extreme caution when working with torsion springs due to the high tension forces.
- Follow torsion spring winding bars and extension spring stretching rods stay firmly seated in the winding cones.
- Make sure the springs are evenly and properly tensioned on both sides.
- Verify that any spring anti-wind brackets are secured.
- Double check that all fasteners are tight after winding the new springs.
- Test door balance and function before regular operation.
- Adhere to all manufacturer winding and safety guidance.
Replacing garage door springs has inherent dangers. If you lack the proper knowledge, tools, and experience, the best option is always to hire a professional garage door service technician to handle the job safely and correctly.
Conclusion
When installing or replacing garage door springs, proper color orientation is imperative for safe and reliable function. For standard torsion spring setups, the red spring goes on the right side and the black on the left. For extension springs, red belongs on the right side track and black on the left. Adhering to manufacturer guidance and color coding schemes allows for quick, fool-proof spring configurations. With the fundamentals covered here, you can tackle spring replacements with confidence knowing the proper installation orientation.