Sectional door parts: torsion springs, wire ropes & bearing parts

Overview & Goals

To ensure that a sectional door runs smoothly, safely and balanced, several components interact with each other: torsion springs/tension springs support the weight, wire cables transmit the movement, bearing brackets guide the shaft and shaft couplings connect components in a form-fitting manner.

Below you'll find a clear selection guide, measuring instructions for springs, tips for determining wire rope sizes—plus all the direct links to the parts in our shop. The sections are deliberately kept simple and supplemented with tables.

Speed ​​dial: What do I need for what?

Application	component	Purpose	To the collection
Gate falls heavily / unbalanced	Torsion springs or tension springs	Weight compensation, smooth running	Torsion springs & tension springs
Rope frayed / length difference	Wire ropes (3–4 mm)	Power transmission, synchronicity	Wire ropes
Wave runs rough / hits	Bearing console / side bearing	Guide & bearing of the torsion shaft	Bearing brackets
Coupling shaft / adjusting lengths	Shaft coupling (1″ / adjustable)	Positive connection / alignment	Shaft couplings

Torsion springs & tension springs – selection & links

Torsion springs are usually located above the door head on a shaft (industrial and many sectional doors). Tension springs are often located laterally in the frame area (common in smaller garage doors). Selection criteria: wire diameter, spring diameter, length, winding direction (RHW = right / LHW = left).

Direct links (excerpt from the collection)

• Torsion spring 152×10×1216 mm LHW (1″ shaft, coated)
• Torsion spring 152×8.5×1088 mm RHW
• Torsion spring 152×8.5×1019 mm LHW
• Torsion spring 152×8×1134 mm RHW
• Torsion spring 152×8×1134 mm LHW
• Torsion spring 95×6.5×1084 mm RHW
• Torsion spring 67×7.5×1700 mm RHW
• Torsion spring 67×7.5×1700 mm LHW
• Torsion spring 67×7×1700 mm RHW
• Torsion spring 67×7×1349 mm RHW
• Torsion spring 67×7×1700 mm LHW
• Torsion spring 67×7×1227 mm LHW

👉 To the entire collection (extensive).

Wire ropes – selection & links

Wire ropes connect the door leaf and the drums. They run synchronously on both sides. Important factors include length, diameter (3 mm/4 mm), and whether the wire rope thimbles are pre-installed.

• Wire rope 3 mm – without thimbles (set L/R)
• Wire rope 4 mm – with thimbles (set L/R)
• Wire rope 4 mm – without thimbles (set L/R)
• Wire rope 3 mm – with thimbles (set)

👉 To the wire rope collection .

Bearing brackets – selection & links

Bearing brackets (side bearings, bearing plates) guide the torsion shaft and absorb radial forces. The design and drilling pattern must match the shaft, spring, and door.

• Ball bearings (replacement/bearing)
• Corner Bracket Bearing Plate 55×40×5 mm
• Corner Bracket Bearing Plate 55×40×3 mm
• Side Bearing Plate open 111 mm Z25 SP right
• Bearing Plate 190.5 mm (open, ZP)
• Side Bearing Plate open 86 mm Z15 SP right
• Bearing console open 190 mm

👉 To the storage console collection .

Shaft couplings – selection & links

Shaft couplings connect shaft sections, drums, or spring journals. There are fixed 1" couplings and adjustable versions for fine alignment.

• Fixed coupling 1″ (steel)
• Fixed coupling 1″, length 120 mm
• Fixed coupling 1″ (variant)
• Adjustable coupling 1″
• Hörmann shaft coupling (adjustable)
• IDD/Hörmann shaft coupling (adjustable)

👉 To the shaft couplings collection .

How to measure torsion springs correctly

To select the correct spring, you need four parameters: wire diameter , spring diameter , spring length , and winding direction (RHW/LHW). These parameters determine the spring force and the fit to the shaft/drum.

1) Wire diameter (mm)

• Measure with a caliper – ideally over 10 or 20 turns and then divide by 10/20 (for more accuracy).
• Example: Measure 20 turns = 130 mm ⇒ Wire diameter ≈ 130/20 = 6.5 mm .

2) Spring outer or inner diameter

• The outer diameter of the spring is usually used. Alternatively, measure the inner diameter and double the wire diameter.
• Pay attention to space: the spring must not rub against the console/support.

3) Feather length (body length)

• Measure the length of the spring body without the pin.
• Note the color/markings if necessary – they support, but do not replace, the measurements.

4) Winding direction

• RHW (right wound): spring end points to the top right, arrow of the winding runs clockwise.
• LHW (left wound): spring end points to the top left, winding counterclockwise.
• If there are two springs on the gate , one RHW and one LHW are usually installed.

Note: Always check/replace springs in pairs . Different wire diameters or lengths cause misalignment, cable skipping, and increased wear.

Spring replacement – ​​procedure (with safety instructions)

Working on torsion springs is subject to high preload and is safety-critical . The steps below are for guidance only and do not replace professional installation. If you are unsure, request service .

Tools & Preparation

• Winch rods (suitable, no screwdrivers!), Allen keys, calipers, torque wrench.
• Lockout/Tagout: De-energize the drive, secure the gate against movement, block the passage area.
• Relax the drums/ropes (support under the door leaf if necessary).

Disassembly (brief overview)

1. Loosen the grub screws on the spring cone and tension the spring in a controlled manner using the winding rods (windings step by step).
2. Disconnect ropes from drums, open shaft couplings/plug connections.
3. Remove the defective spring; check the bearing points/consoles for play and wear.

Assembly & pre-tensioning

1. Put on a new spring (correct winding!), tighten the cone (torque according to manufacturer's specifications).
2. Align the shaft, fix the shaft coupling , adjust the bearings for play.
3. Pre-tension the spring with the correct number of turns (guideline value depends on the door height/drum – observe the manufacturer’s values).
4. Attach/place wire ropes equally on both sides, secure drums with the correct tension.

Function & safety check

• Test the gate using the handrail: It must remain in the middle position (balance).
• Check end positions, safety edges, and light barriers. Mark screws and adjust cable tension.

Determine wire ropes: length, Ø, ends

For suitable wire ropes you need diameter , total length and the end design (with/without thimbles, eyelet shape).

1) Diameter (3 mm or 4 mm)

• Measure with a caliper on the unloaded rope (no crush measurement).
• 3 mm for lighter gates, 4 mm for larger/industrial gates (guideline).

2) Length

• Lay the old rope parallel and measure the entire length (including the eyelets). Alternatively: door height + drum winding + safety margin.
• Ropes must be exchanged in pairs , L/R identical.

3) Ends & Accessories

• With thimbles: easy to install, durable loop.
• Without thimbles: flexible if clamped/pressed on site.

Order directly:

• 3 mm with thimbles (set) · 3 mm without thimbles
• 4 mm with thimbles · 4 mm without thimbles

Safety-related information (required reading)

• Torsion springs are under high preload. Only use suitable winch rods and protective equipment. Do not use screwdrivers or imitation screwdrivers.
• Replace in pairs: Always replace springs and cables L/R together, otherwise there is a risk of misalignment and subsequent damage.
• Secure the cone and drum screws: Observe the torques, check the cone for wear, and adjust the drums symmetrically.
• After replacement: Balance check, emergency stop/safety function test, retighten/mark screws.
• If in doubt, consult a specialist company – especially with industrial and high-speed doors.

FAQ

How do I recognize the winding direction (RHW/LHW)?
Look at the end of the spring: if it points upwards to the right and the coil turns clockwise, it is RHW ; upwards to the left = LHW .

How much preload does my spring need?
This depends on the door height, drums, and spring specifications. Use the manufacturer's guidelines; please let us know if you are unsure.

My gate doesn't stay in the middle – what should I do?
Spring balance is incorrect. Preload spring(s) correctly or check spring specifications. Adjust cable tension on both sides.

3 mm or 4 mm wire rope?
Lighter garage doors: often 3 mm. Larger/industrial doors: usually 4 mm. Manufacturer specifications and existing drums are crucial.

Why an adjustable shaft coupling?
It makes it easier to align shafts and drums and compensates for small differences in length – particularly useful after repairs.

I can't find my exact nib in the shop.
Measure the wire diameter, spring diameter, length, and direction. Using these values, we'll suggest an equivalent alternative.