What a Torsion Spring Does
A garage door torsion spring sits on a shaft above the opening and counterbalances the weight of the door. The opener guides a properly balanced door through its travel, but it is not designed to lift the full weight of a door after a spring breaks.
When a torsion spring fails, the door may become extremely heavy, rise only a few inches, move unevenly, or stay closed. Continuing to use the opener can damage the drive system and create uncontrolled door movement.
Signs of a Broken or Failing Spring
- A loud snap from the garage followed by a door that will not open normally
- A visible gap in the torsion spring above the door
- The opener strains, stops, or lifts the door only a few inches
- The door feels unusually heavy or will not stay in position
- Cables appear loose because the spring is no longer maintaining proper tension
- The door moves unevenly or closes faster than normal
What to Do When a Spring Breaks
Stop operating the door and keep people, pets, and vehicles clear. Leave the door closed when possible. Do not pull the emergency release while the door is open, crooked, or unsupported.
Do not loosen set screws, cable drums, bottom fixtures, or spring hardware. Torsion springs and lift cables hold substantial stored energy. Incorrect tools, winding direction, spring selection, or cable tension can cause serious injury and property damage.
What a Professional Inspection Covers
Spring replacement starts with the complete lift system, not only the visible break. A technician should confirm the door size and weight, spring dimensions, shaft condition, cable drums, bearings, lift cables, tracks, rollers, and opener connection.
After the correct spring system is installed, the door should be balanced through its travel. The technician then checks cable seating, door movement, opener limits, controls, and safety reversal before returning the door to service.
Why Both Springs May Be Replaced
Many doors use a matched pair of springs that share the load and have completed roughly the same number of cycles. When one fails from normal fatigue, the other may be near the end of its service life. Replacing the matched pair helps restore even balance and avoids combining springs with significantly different wear.
The correct recommendation still depends on the actual system. Door weight, spring design, previous modifications, and hardware condition should be measured rather than assumed.
What Affects Torsion Spring Replacement Cost
- Door height, width, weight, material, and construction
- Spring dimensions, quantity, design, and required cycle rating
- Condition of the shaft, bearings, drums, cables, and bottom fixtures
- Whether prior springs were correctly matched to the door
- Access around the opening and damage caused after the spring failed
A reliable price requires an inspection of the actual door and hardware. WeDo GarageDoor provides the scope and price before replacement work begins.
Schedule Spring Repair
WeDo GarageDoor provides garage door spring repair across the South Bay and Santa Cruz County. South Bay calls route through Santa Clara at (408) 290-5673. Santa Cruz County calls route through Capitola at (831) 282-8312.