Broken Garage Door Spring Repair
Springs do the heavy lifting: they counterbalance a door that can weigh 150–400 pounds. When one breaks, the opener alone can't lift the door safely — and the spring system is the most dangerous part of the door to work on.
Common signs
- A loud bang from the garage, often when nobody was using the door
- A visible gap in the coil above the door
- The door rises a few inches and stops, or the opener strains and hums
- Cables hanging loose beside the door
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What affects the price
- Torsion (above the door) vs. extension (along the tracks) springs
- Replacing one spring vs. the matched pair
- Standard vs. high-cycle springs rated for more open/close cycles
- Whether cables or drums were damaged when the spring broke
| Torsion spring replacement | $200 – $450 |
|---|---|
| Extension spring replacement | $150 – $350 |
| Lift cable repair | $150 – $300 |
Typical parts-and-labor ranges for this market. Not a quote — your price depends on the door and an on-site inspection.
Safety
Never try to adjust, unwind, or replace a garage door spring yourself. Torsion springs store enough energy to cause severe injuries; this work requires proper winding bars and training.
FAQ
Should both springs be replaced at once?
Many technicians recommend it on two-spring doors. Springs usually have the same cycle life, so the second one is often close to failing as well, and replacing both keeps the door balanced.
Can I use the door with a broken spring?
No. Running the opener can strip its gear or pull the door off balance, and lifting by hand is dangerous because the door is carrying its full weight.