Broken spring repair & replacement
You're in the kitchen and hear a loud bang from the garage. You check the door and it barely budges, or it's hanging at an odd angle. That bang was almost certainly a garage door spring snapping, and it's one of the most common calls we get. The good news: spring replacement is a straightforward repair for a trained technician, and we usually have the parts on our truck to get it done the same day.
Warning signs of a failing or broken spring
- A loud bang or snapping sound coming from the garage.
- The door feels extremely heavy when you try to lift it manually.
- The door opens only a few inches and then stops.
- You can see a visible gap in one of the springs above the door.
- The door opens unevenly, with one side higher than the other.
How we fix it
Our technician will inspect your springs, cables, and hardware to assess the full picture. We replace springs in matched pairs whenever possible, because if one has failed, the other is likely close behind. We use high-cycle springs rated for Arizona's temperature swings, properly tension them, and test the door's balance before we leave. The whole process typically takes about an hour.
Why this repair matters
Garage door springs are under extreme tension. A broken spring means your opener is trying to lift a door that can weigh 200 to 400 pounds without the mechanical assistance it was designed to have. This puts dangerous stress on the opener, cables, and brackets, and can cause additional damage if the door is forced. More importantly, attempting a DIY spring replacement is one of the most dangerous home repairs you can make. Leave this one to a professional.
Typical timeline
Most spring replacements are completed in under 2 hours from the time our technician arrives. We carry the most common spring sizes on our trucks, so there's rarely a need to order parts or schedule a return trip.
Spring replacement options
We offer three tiers of spring replacement service so you can choose the right level of coverage for your door and budget. All options include professional installation and a door balance test before we leave.
Standard
Single spring replacement using reliable standard-cycle springs. Ideal for doors with moderate daily use.
- Single torsion spring replacement
- Standard 10,000-cycle rating
- Safety inspection included
- Door tested and balanced
Premium Pair
Matched pair replacement using high-cycle springs built to handle Arizona's heat and daily use. Our most common recommendation.
- Both springs replaced as matched pair
- High-cycle 25,000+ rating
- Full cable inspection
- Spring lubrication included
- Door balance and tension test
Comprehensive
Complete spring system overhaul with a thorough hardware review. The right choice for older doors or those with multiple aging components.
- Premium high-cycle matched pair
- Full hardware inspection
- Cable and drum check
- Roller lubrication
- Balance and tension fine-tune
- Written condition report
Frequently asked questions
Can I open my garage door with a broken spring?
Technically, you may be able to, but we strongly recommend against it. Without the spring's counterbalance, the full weight of the door falls on the opener and cables, which can cause additional damage or create a safety hazard. If your car is trapped inside, call us and we'll prioritize getting your door open safely.
Why do you replace springs in pairs?
Springs wear at roughly the same rate. If one has broken, the other is likely near the end of its life too. Replacing both at the same time saves you the cost of a second service call and ensures your door stays balanced.
How long do garage door springs last?
Standard springs are rated for about 10,000 cycles (one cycle is one open and one close). For a household that uses the garage door 4 times a day, that's roughly 7 years. High-cycle springs last longer, and we can discuss upgrade options when we're on-site.
Why did my spring break?
Springs fail from normal wear and fatigue over time. Arizona's extreme heat accelerates this, as metal expands and contracts with the daily temperature swings. Rust, corrosion, and lack of lubrication can also shorten spring life.