A torsion spring is the coiled spring mounted on a shaft directly above a closed garage door. It winds tight as the door closes and unwinds to help lift it, counterbalancing most of the door's weight. Torsion springs are more common than extension springs on modern doors because they stay on the shaft if they break, rather than snapping loose.
How Torsion Springs Work
When the door closes, the spring winds tighter around a central shaft and stores energy. Opening the door releases that energy to lift it, so the opener or a person only has to move the door, not carry its full weight. Most two-car doors use a pair of springs on that shaft; single-car doors often use one.
Signs of a Failing Torsion Spring
- Difficulty lifting the door, by hand or with the opener.
- The door lifts a few inches, then stops.
- It drops quickly instead of lowering evenly.
- A visible gap in the coil.
- A loud bang, usually the spring breaking under tension.
Safety
Torsion springs store enough energy to be dangerous if they're handled without the right training and tools. Never remove or adjust the bottom brackets, and never touch the spring itself unless you're a qualified technician. If a spring looks broken, leave the door closed and call for service rather than testing it.
Cycle Ratings and Sizing
Torsion springs are rated in cycles, one cycle being a full open-and-close. Standard residential springs are commonly rated around 10,000 cycles, about 7 years at four cycles per day; actual life varies with use and condition. The right replacement spring depends on the door's height, width and weight, which is why we measure rather than guess when we quote a job. Doors that cycle more often than average may be worth upgrading to a high-cycle spring.
FAQ
Can I replace a torsion spring myself?
We don't recommend it. Replacing a torsion spring uses the same winding bars and technique whether you're adjusting or fully replacing it, and a mistake can cause serious injury.
Should I replace both springs if only one breaks?
Usually yes. Both springs are installed at the same time and wear at close to the same rate, so the second is often close behind.
How is a torsion spring different from an extension spring?
A torsion spring twists on a shaft above the door; an extension spring stretches along the tracks on either side. See our extension spring guide for more.
What does torsion spring replacement cost?
It depends on the door's weight and the spring's size and cycle rating. See garage door spring replacement cost for what changes the price.
If your torsion spring looks broken or the door feels heavy or crooked, call (916) 838-8182. We replace torsion springs across the Sacramento area, most often the same day, with a $45 diagnostic trip fee and the price agreed before we start. Spring replacement.
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