Torsion Spring Repair

The most common sign is a loud bang from the garage followed by the door refusing to open. You may also see a visible gap in the spring above the door, or the door may feel extremely heavy when you try to lift it manually. If your opener strains or the door only opens a few inches before stopping, a broken torsion spring is the most likely cause.

Torsion springs mount horizontally on a shaft above the door opening and use rotational force to lift the door. Extension springs mount along the horizontal tracks on each side and stretch to store energy. Torsion springs provide smoother operation, last longer, and are considered safer because they remain on the shaft even when they break.

A standard torsion spring is rated for approximately 10,000 cycles, where one cycle equals one open-and-close. For a household that uses the garage door four times per day, that translates to roughly seven years. High-cycle springs rated for 25,000 to 50,000 cycles are available and can last significantly longer.

Yes, we strongly recommend replacing both springs simultaneously if your door uses a two-spring system. Springs installed at the same time wear at roughly the same rate, so when one breaks the other is near the end of its life as well. Replacing both avoids a second service call and ensures balanced door operation.

We advise against it. Torsion springs are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury if handled improperly. Professional technicians use specialized winding bars and follow safety protocols developed through years of training. The cost savings of a DIY attempt are not worth the risk of injury or damage to the door system.

The cost depends on the spring size, cycle rating, and whether one or both springs need replacement. We provide upfront pricing before starting any work, and there are no hidden fees. Most standard residential torsion spring replacements fall within a moderate price range that includes parts, labor, and a warranty.