replace garage door end bearings without removing springs?

[1956chevy210]

Hello all,

Question: Is it possible to replace a garage door end bearing plate without releasing/removing the coil springs?

Reason: So one of the big doors on my shop has a bad end bearing. It's completely shot and the hole is waddled out to the point that the bottom of the door doesn't sit flat on the ground, it is ****-eyed. A lot of cold air gets under that door. This isn't a residential size door, it's about 14' high and 16' wide. I did the springs and bearings on my regular 8' garage door and it wasn't hard with a 6-foot ladder, but I really don't want to do all of the springs on this big door. 14-18 feet off the floor winding & unwinding springs is too high for this guy! The springs look like they're 4 or 6-inch diameter! I'd really like to just do the bearing for now and do the whole 9-yards when I have more funds for the professionals. I wonder if they'll use a bucket truck???

Thanks for reading!

1956chevy210

 

[BillK]

The bearing is out at the very end of the shaft correct ? I would think that would be a pretty easy job. Put the door all the way up so most of the tension is off the spring. Then put a couple of clamps on the tracks so the door cant go down in case something happens. Unbolt the bracket and pull the whole thing off the end ? There should be no reason to unwind the springs. You might have to block the shaft with some 2x4 pieces but I would think it would be a pretty simple job.

Ill have to look at the one at my shop to be sure. It is 12' wide and 14' tall. I have a big stepladder that I use to get to things up near the roof. I cannot imagine them using a bucket truck. The truck is probably taller than your door lol.

 

[firebirdparts]

if you open the door you can do it.

 

[finn]

I hired it out. Don’t remember what was wrong, but no way was I going to mess with springs 14’ in the air, even though I’ve done it on a regular 8’ door several times without issue.

I was surprised how relatively inexpensive it was, although I can’t recall the actual amount. $178 sticks in my mind. The price of a regular service call, and there was no upselling attempt.

 

[jack stand]

It seems like you have issues working at that height. I don't blame you.
That's your inner self looking out for you, listen to it.
Hire it out, they'll be done in a couple of hours at most.

 

[harrol]

On a regular door I’d probably handle it myself — swapping a bearing or adjusting the springs isn’t a big deal. But a 14-foot commercial door is another story. I’d probably call a pro for that. Working that high up isn’t worth the risk.