Leave it open? Park outside? Hire Hercules? Have a professional adjust the tension? (don't adjust it yourself unless you are brave and very handy)

The springs may need adjustment.

Hi Mark/Mat,

OK. I'm neither handy or brave. I'll get my wife to do it.

... john

Did you make those last life insurance policy payments, for both you and your wife?

Assuming that nothing is blocking/gumming up the tracks and rollers, it sounds like your torsion bar slipped and the spring has lost some tension. there a lot of stored energy in that so adjusting the spring is not for the feint of heart. Maybe call whomever is going to install your new door and ask them if they can assist with the current one until the new one is delivered. They might cut you a break on a field visit if they know that you're buying a new door from them.

Well said.

Does the door stay up once it's open?

Hi Mark,

No, I haven't; but I'll get right onto it.

.... john

Hi sdello,

Thanks for the suggestion; but I've already suggested that to them; and they're not going to do anything until the new one arrives for installation.

...... john

Hi David,

Yes, it does.

... john

"they're not going to do anything until the new one arrives for installation."

If adjusting the tension on the existing garage spring solves the problem, there may be no need for a new garage door. You may want to get a local second opinion from someone that is not trying to sell you anything other than a garage door spring adjustment. There may be other issues with the existing garage door that would justify replacement, so you may want a new garage door regardless.

Hi Mark,

Yes. That is the case. I've repaired the thing a couple of times now. Two of the brackets that hold the rollers on have broken off over the past couple of years. I've mended and reattached them, but it's an iffy repair at best. I'm beginning to feel like I'm chasing my tail. Thanks for the suggestion though.

Hi kudzu9,

Thanks for the warning. I'm going to leave it alone.

..... john

John-

Good to hear. I try not to be discouraging about DIY, but if you Google "garage spring dangers" you'll see that I'm not the only one who has this opinion: Injuries

No. It's good. I appreciate the warning. Fact is, I've already turned the spring (with vice-grips); before launching this inquiry, in order to make sure the cable wasn't wrapped around the axle; and noticed that a couple of teeth on one of the gears is missing. So, your warning it very timely. I will leave well enough alone. At my age, I want to keep all the parts I have left, and .... functioning.

..... john

Looks like the only other answer might be to get some help and fully open the garage door. then get some c-clamps/vice-grips/etc. to clamp on the ends of the tracks in front of the rollers to prevent the door from accidentally closing (or come crashing down) and then use the garage as an open carport for a couple of weeks until the new door arrives. If you have things stored in there, I hope you at least have another access door so you're not locked out.

Sorry, the new door installers aren't more amenable to helping you out in the interim.

Oh, I can open it, albeit with considerable effort. But I don't want to leave it open.

I'll just have to leave the car outside for 2 or 3 weeks.

Thanks,

....... john