I've done it several times. You can buy the springs online, but by the
time you pay for shipping, you're probably better off buying them from
a garage door company.

First, invest a a REAL set of cranking bars. Don't just cut steel rod
like some of the web sites tell you. You can buy a professional set
online for less than $20. Then put the bars in place and release the
set screws on the good spring. Count how many revolutions it takes to
remove it--you'll need to wind the new springs by the same amount.
Take both springs with you when you buy new ones. Get springs with the
cones already on them. It's not fun to try to get the old ones off.

Also buy new lift cables and bottom brackets. A new set of cables
should cost you about $15 retail. I replace the bottom brackets if
there's ANY sign of rust. Brackets cost about $3 each.

Take digital photos of the set up before you disassemble and keep
track of where all the bolts came from.

Finally, wear leather gloves and eye protection in the spring breaks.

The advise on oiling is good advice. Just don't over-do it. Excess oil
attracts dust and dirt and then it grinds away at the springs.
However, oil and dirt is still better than plain old rust chewing up
the springs.




so these springs apparently break about every 5 to 7 years and one of
my 2 springs
went sproing over the weekend.

from scouring sears, home depot and lowes, they sell everything I need, except the
torsion springs (they sell the vertical type, not the horizontal type that runs on the
bar across the garage)

from reading a few online sites, it appears many people have written excellent
descriptions and have successfully replaced their own springs without dying or getting
maimed or blinded - a few even have excellent step-by-step videos, though some of
these clearly sell parts online.

what say you ? at issue is why should I pay someone close to 300 for a job where the
parts cost 30 to 65 ?

easing the tension on the spring is no laughing matter but it's no more dangerous than
lifting your car on a jack and replacing a tire.