If your garage door is facing a broken garage door spring issue, then you can only replace it if you are an experienced DIY person. Garage door torsion springs are the ones that lift and balance the full weight of your door. When your garage door spring breaks, the issue you are going to face is like your garage door becomes too heavy to lift or even stops working altogether. That’s why homeowners prefer to replace garage door torsion springs. As these springs are under high tension, if you try replacing a torsion spring by yourself without proper tools and knowledge, it can be very dangerous. In this guide, we are going to show you how to replace garage door torsion springs and what tools are required to do it.
Understanding Garage Door Torsion Springs
Garage door torsion springs are tightly wound metal coils that are mounted above the garage door opening. The main job of springs is to lift and balance the heavy weight of the door, making it possible to open and close smoothly without adding too much pressure on the opener.
When we close the garage door, the torsion springs wind up and store energy. When we open the door, that stored tension is released, helping to lift the door. As we know, garage doors weigh hundreds of pounds, so these springs help to handle high pressure and force.
Identifying Signs of a Failing Torsion Spring
If you’re facing a broken garage door spring issue, then you may notice the warning signs easily. Here’s what you should look for:
- Loud sound from the garage: Many homeowners report hearing a sudden loud snap or pop, indicating a broken torsion spring under high tension.
- Garage door won’t open or feels heavy: If your garage door suddenly feels very heavy to open, then the torsion spring may no longer be supporting the door's weight.
- Visible gap in the spring: A clear separation in the coil is the most obvious sign that you need a garage door torsion spring replacement.
- Uneven door movement: If one side of your door appears lower or misaligned, then one spring may have failed.
- Opener struggles or stops working: Continuing to use the opener with a broken garage door spring can strain the motor and cause additional damage.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s advised to stop using your door until you fix the issue first.
Should You Attempt to Replace Torsion Springs Yourself?
Yes, it is possible to replace a garage door torsion spring by yourself. However, it is not a typical DIY project. Torsion springs are tightly wound and placed under extreme tension. If released improperly, they can snap violently and cause serious injury.
Garage doors can weigh around 200 to 400 pounds or even more. If springs are not properly supporting the weight, the door can suddenly drop. This is why a broken garage door spring should always be handled with caution.
You should not attempt a DIY replacement unless you have prior experience, the correct tools, and a clear understanding of the risks. For most homeowners, professional garage door torsion spring replacement is the safer and more reliable option.
Types of Garage Door Springs
Garage door springs are of two types: torsion springs and extension springs.
Torsion Springs
are the most common type of springs located above the garage door opening. The number of springs required depends on the door’s size and weight, but typically one or two springs are needed. Torsion springs provide better balance to the door and are generally durable, but they can be a little more expensive than extension springs.
- Torsion springs are also of two types: Standard Torsion Springs: Usually used for less heavy garage doors, where only one torsion spring is enough. Heavier doors may require two springs.
- Torque Master Torsion Springs: This system uses two springs instead of one. The springs sit inside a strong metal tube, making them much safer.
How can you recognize a damaged torsion spring?
You can test if your torsion spring is damaged by following a simple method. First, unplug or release the automatic garage door opener, and then lift the door by hand. If the door moves up and down with little effort, the springs are working fine. Next, try lifting the door halfway and let go. If it drops down or feels very heavy, then the springs may be worn out and need to be replaced.
Extension Springs
Garage doors commonly use a pair of extension springs located on each side of the horizontal tracks. These springs help lift and lower the door using their capacity to stretch. They are under high tension and can be hazardous if they fail, which is why they are installed with safety cables threaded through the center to help contain the spring if it breaks. Extension spring systems are a more affordable option than torsion spring systems, making them a common choice for residential garage doors.
- Extension springs are of three types: Open Looped Extension Spring: One of the easiest extension springs to replace because it is not necessary to remove or disassemble the pulley system during installation.
- Double-Looped Extension Spring: More durable than an open-loop design, consisting of two coils at both ends to improve strength. It is secured to both the eyebolt and the pulley, making replacement more challenging if it breaks.
- Clip-End Extension Spring: One of the heaviest-duty options, with clips secured at the end to reduce stress on the coils and extend the overall lifespan. Suitable for garage doors weighing more than 200 pounds, but the most difficult type to replace.
How can you recognize a damaged extension spring?
If you find gaps between the coils of the spring, it is a clear sign that the spring needs replacement. Signs of rust or any misalignment in the garage door also indicate that the spring may need to be replaced as soon as possible.
Cost of Garage Door Torsion Spring Replacement
The cost to replace garage door torsion springs ranges between $200 and $400 for most standard residential doors, including parts and labor. High-cycle springs or heavier doors may increase the total cost of the spring replacement.
Most garage doors use either one or two torsion springs. Even if only one spring is broken, garage door professionals often recommend replacing both at the same time to maintain proper door balance and prevent another failure soon after.
The average lifespan of a torsion spring is about 10,000 cycles, which equals roughly 4-9 years of normal use, depending on how often your door opens and closes.
While DIY replacement may seem to be a cheaper option, consider factors such as:
- Specialized winding bars
- Safety equipment
- Time and risk involved
Same-day or emergency garage door spring replacement services may cost more, especially after hours or on weekends. Hiring a garage door repair expert ensures proper tensioning, safe installation, and long-lasting results.
Tips for Replacing a Broken Garage Door Spring
Before you move forward with replacing a broken garage door spring, consider a few important things:
- Replace both torsion springs: Most garage doors operate with two torsion springs that work together. If one spring breaks, the second one may fail soon after. For long-term performance and safe balance, professionals usually recommend replacing both springs at the same time.
- Stop using the automatic opener immediately: If a torsion spring breaks, avoid using the garage door opener. The opener is not designed to lift the full weight of the door without spring support. Continuing to operate can damage the motor, bend tracks, or damage internal components. Keep the door closed and stop operating it until the replacement is done.
Tools Required for Garage Door Spring Replacement
To complete the garage door spring replacement job, you will need specific tools designed for high-tension work. Common tools used for replacing torsion springs include:
- Step Ladder: Provides stable access to the torsion shaft above the door.
- Winding Bars: Required to safely wind and unwind torsion springs.
- Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes from metal fragments or sudden release.
- Wrench Set: Used for loosening and tightening set screws and brackets.
- Leather or Mechanic Gloves: Protect hands during handling.
- Locking Pliers (Vice Grips): Used to secure the torsion shaft during adjustments.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replace Garage Door Torsion Springs
Once you’ve decided on DIY replacement of garage door torsion springs, first ensure that the door is fully closed. Unplug the automatic opener to prevent accidental activation. Secure the door in place by attaching vice grips or a C-clamp to the track just above the bottom roller to prevent door movement.
Installing the New Springs
- Inspect Components Before Installation: Once you remove the broken garage door spring, inspect the torsion shaft, bearings, cable drums, and lift cables. If the bearings are stiff or rusted, apply a silicone-based garage door lubricant. Replace any worn component before installing new springs.
- Install the New Torsion Springs: Slide the replacement torsion spring onto the torsion shaft in the same orientation as the original. If your system uses two springs, install both to maintain proper balance. Reinstall the cable drum on each side of the shaft.
- Secure the Stationary Cones: Center the torsion shaft in the bearing plates and attach the stationary cones to the center bracket using the original bolts and hardware removed earlier.
- Reattach and Set the Cables: Hook the lift cable into the slot of the left-hand cable drum. Use vice grips to secure the torsion shaft in place to prevent rotation while tightening the set screws. Wrap the cable neatly into the drum grooves and tighten securely. Repeat the same process on the right side, ensuring equal tension on both cables.
- Wind the Springs and Test the Door: Using proper winding cables, carefully wind the torsion springs to the correct tension. Once complete, remove the vice grips and clamps. Manually lift the door halfway to test balance; it should stay in place without drifting up or down.
Congratulations! You have replaced your garage door springs. Now reconnect the electric opener, and it’s time to perform the final operation check.
Schedule Your Garage Door Torsion Spring Replacement Today
Replacing garage door torsion springs requires the right tools and a clear understanding of how the garage door system operates under tension. While experienced DIY homeowners may attempt the repair, there are risks involved in working with a broken garage door spring.
A professional spring replacement service is a safe and more reliable option for the proper installation of garage door springs. At WeDo GarageDoor, our trained technicians provide fast, secure, and professional spring replacement services. Contact us today for any garage door help.