Can I replace a garage door spring myself?

This is not a do-it-yourself repair. Torsion and extension springs store a large amount of energy and require specific winding bars, measurements and technique. Spring work should be handled by a trained professional.

Should both springs be replaced at once?

On a two-spring system, both springs have accumulated similar cycles. Replacing them together is commonly recommended so the door stays balanced and the second spring does not fail shortly after the first.

Can I still use the door with a broken spring?

No. The door is extremely heavy without spring counterbalance, and forcing the opener to lift it can damage the opener and the door.

Broken Garage Door Spring Repair

Torsion and extension springs carry the weight of the door. When one breaks, the door becomes extremely heavy and unsafe to operate by hand.

Close-up of a garage door torsion spring and shaft mounted above the door opening

Call 440-478-5350 Request Service

Garage door springs do the lifting. The opener only guides the door; the springs counterbalance its weight so the system moves smoothly. A typical residential door weighs well over a hundred pounds, and heavier insulated or double doors weigh considerably more. When a spring breaks, that entire weight transfers to the opener, the cables and anyone trying to lift the door.

Torsion springs mount on a shaft above the door opening and wind under tension. Extension springs run along the horizontal tracks and stretch as the door closes. Both are wear items rated in cycles, and both store enough energy to cause serious injury if handled without the correct tools and technique.

Spring service includes measuring the door and confirming the correct spring specification, replacing worn components in pairs where appropriate, re-winding to the correct tension, and re-testing door balance so the opener is not left carrying load it was never designed to lift.

Common signs

A loud bang from the garage, followed by a door that will not open
A visible gap or separation in the coiled spring above the door
The door lifts a few inches and stops or feels extremely heavy
The opener strains, hums or reverses immediately
The door slams down instead of lowering under control
Cables have gone slack or come off the drums

Common causes

Cycle fatigue — every open and close uses part of the spring's rated life
Corrosion and moisture pitting the spring wire
Undersized springs for the door's actual weight
Added door weight, such as insulation or a heavier panel
Lack of lubrication increasing internal friction
Temperature swings adding stress to already-fatigued metal

Our inspection

Confirm spring type, wire size, inside diameter and length
Weigh or calculate the door to verify correct spring rating
Inspect the shaft, bearings, drums and end brackets
Check cable condition and drum seating
Verify opener force settings after the repair
Balance test the door at multiple heights

The process

Secure the door and release stored tension safely
Remove the failed spring and inspect related hardware
Install correctly specified replacement springs
Wind to the manufacturer-appropriate tension
Re-seat and tension the lift cables
Balance test, then re-check opener force and reversal

Risks of delaying service

A door with a broken spring can drop without warning
Running the opener with a broken spring can damage the gear assembly
Uneven tension pulls the door out of square and wears the tracks
Cables can jump the drums, leading to an off-track door

Related components

Torsion springs
Extension springs
Torsion shaft and bearings
Cable drums
Lift cables
Center and end bearing plates

Where this service applies

Single and double residential doors, and insulated and non-insulated sectional doors using torsion assemblies.

Frequently asked questions

Can I replace a garage door spring myself?: This is not a do-it-yourself repair. Torsion and extension springs store a large amount of energy and require specific winding bars, measurements and technique. Spring work should be handled by a trained professional.
Should both springs be replaced at once?: On a two-spring system, both springs have accumulated similar cycles. Replacing them together is commonly recommended so the door stays balanced and the second spring does not fail shortly after the first.
Can I still use the door with a broken spring?: No. The door is extremely heavy without spring counterbalance, and forcing the opener to lift it can damage the opener and the door.