Garage door spring binding

[jives]

Hi folks:
Liftmaster 8500 jackshaft opener, follow the slope door opening. The spring is binding but it is hard to tell what is going on as it is 14' in the air. Before I pull out the ladder, and perhaps even my buried scaffolding, I'd like to get some insight on what to look for from ground level. The door does move smoothly in the tracks when disconnected from the opener.

 

[kelpaso1]

Have you tried oiling the spring? Did mine and it took all the binding, clanging, jerkiness, and noise out of mine.

 

[ddawg16]

It sounds like you tried the first obvious thing...pulled the disconnect cord and ran the door up and down manually.

Does the door stay put at any position?

I have the Chamberlin version (Chamberlin owns Liftmaster). Love the thing....so much quieter...and takes up a lot less space.

In what way is it binding?

 

[jives]

I have not oiled it, nor can I really tell how it is binding, at least not from the ground floor. The door seems balanced in the tracks, but the spring seems seems to wind and distort, then "pop" into smooth running. Seems almost like an alignment issue. Looking for more things to look for before climbing up.

 

[ddawg16]

I have not oiled it, nor can I really tell how it is binding, at least not from the ground floor. The door seems balanced in the tracks, but the spring seems seems to wind and distort, then "pop" into smooth running. Seems almost like an alignment issue. Looking for more things to look for before climbing up.

Did you put it up?

The springs are color coded....black on the left, red on the right. Ask me how I know.
When the door is down, do the springs like like a worm all bent? If so, you have them reversed. They should be straight.
Also make sure they are pulled out enough. As the spring tightens, the space between the coils gets closer. If not stretched out enough, it will bind.

 

[gmcgeo]

I have not oiled it, nor can I really tell how it is binding, at least not from the ground floor. The door seems balanced in the tracks, but the spring seems seems to wind and distort, then "pop" into smooth running. Seems almost like an alignment issue. Looking for more things to look for before climbing up.

you have a picture?

Sounds like its broken,. but not all the way yet

 

[Innovate1]

It moving smoothly without the opener should be a huge clue. If it was the spring binding it should do it with or without the opener. You say smooth when disconnected from the opener - did you pull the disconnect rope or do something else to disconnect it? Sounds like the binding may be in the opener not the springs.

 

[Innovate1]

Is this a new install? How old? Professionally or self installed?

 

[gmcgeo]

or disconnect from rail and lift with 1 finger, its it is very heavy to lift the door then its a spring issue

 

[kbs2244]

if the springs are on the correct side then the oil can is the answer
(or even if you swap have to them)
use lots
you cannot over oil them

 

[jives]

I did not install, it formerly worked well, and my testing of the tracks was to pull the disconnect rope and move up and down. I will check some of the things y'all mentioned.

 

[Innovate1]

You might try hitting the opener button with the door disconnected. The motor will run briefly until it figures out the door isn't connected. If it makes bad noises without the door connected then it's probably the opener. But with it unloaded it may be bad and not make noise.

 

[nadogail]

Happy Wednesday; I have decided on what I want to build next, a mobile 12 volt power source. Nothing original, just a small engine, an alternator and a battery. I have a serviceable battery that was removed from my van, I was given an Amazon Gift Card that will buy me a Delco 1 wire alternator. I have yet to come up with an engine. I have some old bed frames to turn into a frame.

I have been watching for a free or bargain priced lawn mower for a donor engine. I don't feel like trying to deal with a none working engine, so may buy a used mower to repurpose the engine. I am curious about Chineseium engines, have they shown them selves to be reliable?

 

[Innovate1]

Happy Wednesday; I have decided on what I want to build next, a mobile 12 volt power source. Nothing original, just a small engine, an alternator and a battery. I have a serviceable battery that was removed from my van, I was given an Amazon Gift Card that will buy me a Delco 1 wire alternator. I have yet to come up with an engine. I have some old bed frames to turn into a frame.

I have been watching for a free or bargain priced lawn mower for a donor engine. I don't feel like trying to deal with a none working engine, so may buy a used mower to repurpose the engine. I am curious about Chineseium engines, have they shown them selves to be reliable?

Maybe start a topic on this instead of putting it in a thread on door openers and springs? Might get more response with a proper title.