Author: Darrell Ogden

Category: Pet Doors

Brand: Plexidor

PlexiDor Spring Kit Replacement Guide

This guide walks you through replacing broken springs (most commonly the bottom spring tail) and related assembly parts on your PlexiDor Pet Door (applies to all sizes). Completing these steps correctly will restore smooth opening, closing, and centering of your pet door.

Watch a video guide here:

Find more answers to your questions at our Pet Fence Canada Help Desk.

 

OVERVIEW

Over time, spring tension can weaken or a spring tail can snap, preventing the door panel from closing properly. This repair uses the official PlexiDor replacement spring kit, which includes printed instructions, springs, assembly parts, and grease.

 

TOOLS & PARTS REQUIRED

Before beginning, ensure you have the replacement kit and the following tools:

  • Phillips head screwdriver
  • 1/4 inch nut driver (or flathead screwdriver)
  • Small vice grips or locking pliers
  • 1/8 inch Allen wrench (very important)
  • Needle-nose pliers
  • Cleaning supplies (warm water and dish liquid — optional)

 

STEP 1: REMOVAL & PREPARATION

  1. Remove the door
    Unscrew the four Phillips head screws holding the frame in the wall or door.

    • If the door does not pull out easily, check for a bead of caulk around the edge and slice it carefully with a dull knife.
  2. Position the door
    Prop the door upright on a workbench, stand, or sturdy chair.
  3. Expose the springs
    Remove the two spring hood covers using a 1/4 inch nut driver or flathead screwdriver.
  4. Diagnose the issue
    Check which spring is broken. Most commonly, the bottom spring tail snaps off, preventing the door from closing properly.

 

STEP 2: DISASSEMBLY

  1. Lock the panel
    Use vice grips to clamp the anchor strip and the bent arm together.
  2. Remove the screw
    Using the 1/8 inch Allen wrench, turn the spring screw counter-clockwise to remove it.
  3. Remove old parts (in order)
    Loosen the vice grips and remove:

    • Bent arm
    • Spring
    • White tube spacer
    • Flat washer
    • Shoulder washer
  4. Clean the area (if needed)
    If dirty, clean out old grease and debris using warm water and dish liquid.

 

STEP 3: REASSEMBLY

Important: Use only the new parts provided in your replacement kit.

  1. Install Washers
  • Place the new shoulder washer firmly into the hole in the frame
  • Insert the white nylon tube spacer
  • Place the white flat washer over the nylon tube
  1. Position the Spring
  • Identify the spring tail with the slight upward curve — this tail goes on the bottom
  • Place the spring so the bottom tail sits in front of the anchor post
  1. Charge the Spring
  • Using needle-nose pliers, wrap the top tail of the spring so it hooks behind the anchor post
  • Be careful not to let the spring snap back at you
  1. Install the Bent Arm
  • Place the bent arm over the spring so it fits between the two small ends sticking up
  • Align it with the anchor post
  • Ensure the door panel is lined up straight
    • You may need to gently tap the arm down with a nut driver to seat it properly

 

STEP 4: SECURING THE MECHANISM

  1. Insert hardware
    • Place the internal tooth washer on top
    • Insert the new spring screw
  2. Clamp and tighten — crucial step
    • Re-attach the vice grips to hold the panel in the correct closed position
    • The panel position during tightening determines where the door will “center” later
    • Tighten the screw securely using the Allen wrench
      (Do not over-crank, but ensure it is tight)

 

STEP 5: TESTING & LUBRICATION

  1. Test the door
    • Remove the vice grips
    • Hold the opposing panel open and push the repaired panel
    • It should swing back to the center position automatically
  2. Apply grease
    • Apply the provided water-resistant axle grease generously to the new spring
    • Tip: Wipe down the old spring on the other side and apply fresh grease there as well
  3. Finish installation
    • Snap the spring hood covers back on
    • Reinstall the pet door into the wall or door

 

FINAL CHECK

Your PlexiDor should now:

  • Open smoothly
  • Close fully
  • Center itself properly after use

If it doesn’t, recheck spring orientation and panel positioning before tightening.

 

Source Article:
PlexiDor Spring Kit Installation / Replacement Guide — from the official Pet Fence Canada Support Portal.

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