Worn Spring Bal

Roller shutter doors on lorries and vans play an important role in loading and unloading. They are relied upon daily for easy access to the cargo space and protect goods in transit, whether the vehicle is used by delivery drivers or tradespeople. One of the most crucial, yet often overlooked, components to ensure the smooth operation of roller shutters is the spring balancer. 

Spring balancers play a key role in counterbalancing the weight of the roller shutter door, making it easier to open and close manually. Over time, this component can suffer wear and tear, and result in noticeable issues that affect both day-to-day useability and vehicle safety. In this post, we have explained what spring balancers do, the signs that they might be worn out and why you shouldn’t put off replacing them. 

The Role of Spring Balancers in Shutter Doors

In vehicle roller doors, the spring balancer is the component that makes the door feel lighter and easier to operate. It uses spring tension to provide resistance when the door is lifted or lowered, offsetting its weight, which is especially important for drivers who are manually operating the door several times a day. A properly functioning spring balancer helps ensure:

• Minimal effort when opening and closing
• Smooth and controlled door movement
• Balanced support across the full width of the door 
• Reduced strain on the hinges and guide tracks

Without the support of a spring balancer, the roller shutter door can become heavy, unbalanced and difficult to use, increasing the risk of damage or accidents.

Signs that a Spring Balancer is Worn or Failing

Like any mechanical part, spring balancers will experience wear and tear over time, particularly when the roller doors are used frequently throughout the working day. Here are some common signs that you may need to replace your spring balancer:

• The door feels heavier than usual – If you notice that it takes more effort than normal to lift the roller shutter, the spring balancer may be losing tension. A weakened spring means less counterbalance, making it harder to open the door. 

• Uneven or jerky movement – A worn spring balancer won’t distribute the weight evenly, causing the shutter door to move unevenly or feel unstable as it opens or closes.

• Noisy operation – While some noise is normal when operating roller shutter doors, persistent creaking or rattling could be a sign of internal wear in the spring mechanism.

• The door won’t stay open – A functioning spring balancer will help the shutter stay open once it’s been lifted. If the door starts to drop or can’t hold itself up, it’s an indication that the spring balance isn’t providing suitable support. 

• Complete door failure – In some cases, a snapped or stuck spring balancer can cause the roller shutter to jam, drop suddenly or become completely unusable. Not only is this a safety hazard, but it can cause major disruption to operations. 

The Impact of Ignoring a Faulty Spring Balancer

Ignoring the issues caused by a worn spring balancer and putting off installing a replacement won’t just make day-to-day repetitive tasks more difficult, it can also result in: 

• Safety risks for the driver or anyone nearby
• Increased wear on other door components like hinges and runners
• Cargo damage if the door malfunctions in transit
• Delays or downtime while waiting for emergency repairs

For many lorry and van drivers, time is money. So, ensuring your roller shutter doors are always working reliably is essential to smooth operations. Completing regular check and preventative maintenance to all components will help avoid unexpected breakdowns. 

Choose High-Quality Spring Balancers from Part-Serv

All in all, you shouldn’t overlook the small components of your roller shutter doors as they often make the biggest difference. If you have noticed an issue with your shutters and you think it could be caused by the spring balancer, don’t hesitate to contact our team at Part-Serv today. Our experienced parts advisors can recommend the perfect replacements for you. 

At Part-Serv, we supply a wide range of roller shutter door parts, including spring balancers, and we stock a number of trusted brands. Whether you have a single vehicle or an entire fleet, we understand the challenges you will face with maintenance and repairs, and aim to provide a speedy and reliable service to get you back on the road. Our replacement spring balancers are suitable for most shutter door makes and models commonly found in commercial vehicles.