Garage door springs counterbalance the door's weight so it lifts easily by hand or by opener instead of straining either one. Most residential doors use one or two torsion springs mounted on a shaft above the opening; some sectional doors use extension springs above the horizontal tracks instead. Both types eventually wear out and need a professional to replace them.
Torsion vs. Extension Springs
Torsion springs twist and store energy on a shaft directly above a closed door, and stay on that shaft even if they break, which makes them the safer and more common choice on modern doors. Extension springs stretch and contract along the tracks on either side of the door; without a safety cable through the center, a broken extension spring can whip loose. See our dedicated guides to torsion springs and extension springs for more on each.
Signs of a Worn or Broken Spring
- The door feels heavy or uneven to lift.
- It will not stay in place when opened partway.
- A loud bang, usually the spring snapping under tension.
- The door hangs crooked or drops quickly when closing.
- A visible gap in the coil of a torsion spring.
How Long Springs Last
Springs are rated in cycles, one cycle being a full open-and-close. Standard springs are commonly rated around 10,000 cycles, about 7 years at four cycles per day; this is a usage estimate, not a lifespan guarantee. Doors that open more often, such as a main entrance or a home business, wear through that faster and may be worth upgrading to a high-cycle spring.
Maintenance You Can Do
Lubricate the springs and other moving metal parts every few months with a garage-door-specific lubricant, and do a visual check for rust, gaps or fraying. Do not touch or adjust the spring itself, and do not use the door if you can see a broken coil.
When to Call for Replacement
Replace a spring as soon as it breaks rather than continuing to use the door, since the extra strain can damage the opener or cables next. This is not a do-it-yourself repair: the tension involved can cause serious injury if the spring or the tools slip. Spring replacement covers what a visit involves.
FAQ
Can I replace a garage door spring myself?
It's technically possible but not something we recommend. The springs are under enough tension to cause serious injury if handled without the right tools and training.
Can I use my garage door with a broken spring?
No. The opener isn't built to lift the door's full weight on its own, and the door can drop unexpectedly.
How much does it cost to replace garage door springs?
It depends on the spring type, size, and whether other hardware failed with it. See garage door spring replacement cost for what changes the price.
How often should springs be replaced?
As soon as one breaks, and usually in pairs if the door has two, since both see the same wear and the second is often close behind.
If a spring has broken or your door feels off balance, call (916) 838-8182. We replace torsion and extension springs across the Sacramento area, most often the same day, with a $45 diagnostic trip fee and the price agreed before we start.
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