Garage door springs do the heavy lifting, balancing a door that can weigh a lot. When one breaks, the door may not open, may open crooked or may slam down. Springs are under dangerous tension, so replacing them is a job for a trained technician.
Sifixit is a free referral service. Call the number on this page and you will be connected with an independent garage door repair provider where one serves your area. Calling costs nothing and you are never obliged to hire anyone.
Signs of a broken spring
These are the most common signs.
- A loud bang from the garage, often when nobody is using the door
- A visible gap in the coiled spring above the door
- The door will not open, or opens only a few inches
- The door is very heavy to lift by hand
- The door opens crooked or jerks
- Loose or hanging cables
What to do right now
Never try to adjust or remove garage door springs yourself. They are under high tension and can cause serious injury. Do not stand under a door with a broken spring.
- Stop using the opener, which can strain or damage it
- Keep people, pets and cars clear of the door
- Do not try to lift a heavy door by hand
- If your car is inside, ask the technician about getting it out safely
- Take a photo of the broken spring
- Call a garage door technician
Kinds of springs
Torsion springs
Mounted on a bar above the door. The most common type on modern doors.
Extension springs
Run along the tracks on each side. Common on older and lighter doors.
Spring life
Many standard springs are rated for about 10,000 open and close cycles, so busy households wear them out faster.
Replacing in pairs
If a door has two springs, both are often replaced together so they wear evenly.
How springs are replaced
- The technician secures the door so it cannot move.
- Tension is safely released from the old spring.
- New springs sized for your door’s weight are installed.
- Cables, rollers and hinges are checked and adjusted.
- The door is balanced and the opener’s safety reverse is tested.
Keeping springs and doors working
- Lubricate springs, rollers and hinges once or twice a year
- Test the auto reverse monthly by placing a board flat under the door
- Keep the photo eye sensors clean and aligned
- Listen for new squeaks or grinding
- Have the door serviced every year or two
Questions to ask before you hire
- Are you replacing both springs or just one, and why?
- What spring cycle rating are you installing?
- Will you check the cables, rollers and opener?
- What warranty covers the springs and labor?
- Are you insured?
Frequently asked questions
Can I open the garage door with a broken spring?
It is not safe. The door can be extremely heavy and may fall. Wait for a technician.
How long do garage door springs last?
Many standard springs are rated for about 10,000 cycles. Higher cycle springs last longer.
How long does spring replacement take?
Usually about an hour or two.
Why did my spring break?
Springs wear out with use, and rust or cold weather can make them fail sooner.
Learn more
Our main garage door repair guide covers the wider picture, including what affects the cost and when to call a professional.
Sifixit is a free referral service and does not provide home services. Calls may be answered by a partner call center or connected directly to independent local providers, who are solely responsible for their work, pricing, licensing and insurance.