Garage door end bearing plates

[Joe120]

I’m installing new torsion springs on my garage door. I already loosened the springs and unscrewed the springs from the center bearing plate and unscrewed the drums on both sides but I can’t get the torsion tube to slide to the side. It seems like it’s stuck in the end bearings on the end bearing plates. So does anybody have any suggestions to get the torsion tube to slide out of the end bearing plates so I can take out the old springs from it?

 

[cdestuck]

I’d try loosening the plates that hold the bearings. Shoot it with some good penetrating our and wrapping on the bearings. When hitting, try hitting just the inner race of the bearing.

 

[jstroede]

Sounds like the screws were probably tightened down too tight on the drum and deformed the shaft to the point that it won't slide through the bearing. Might need to take a file and clean up the shaft. Otherwise sometimes it is easier to unbolt the end and center bearing plates and pull the whole shaft assembly down and do it on the garage floor.

John

 

[Joe120]

The shaft looks fine. There’s no dents on it or anything. I tried spraying the end bearings with WD-40 but it still doesn’t move not even an inch

 

[kbs2244]

I am guessing some little "burrs" at the point the set screws dig into the tube.
You will need to file them down or drive them through and replace the bearings.

 

[MikeF]

Doesn't take much to deform a hollow shaft to where it won't slide through the bearing. It truly is easier to take the brackets down with the shaft as an assembly, especially if your alone and the door is wider than 10 feet. If the brackets are tweaked alittle on either end, the shaft won't slide out. And get a good lube, wd40 is not a good lube.