Garage Door Spring Replacement: What to Know Before You Call A Pro
Table of Contents
Garage Door Spring Replacement
Understanding Garage Door Springs.
How Springs Support Your Garage Door.
Torsion vs. Extension Springs: What’s the Difference?.
Common Signs Your Garage Door Springs Need Replacement
Why Replacing Springs Can Be Dangerous.
What to Expect During a Professional Replacement
How to Extend the Life of Your New Springs.
When to Call a Professional (and Why It Matters)
Contact Us: Schedule Your Spring Replacement in Puyallup, WA.
Garage Door Spring Replacement
Most homeowners don’t think about their garage door springs until the day their garage door refuses to open or closes with an alarming slam. If that sounds familiar, your garage door springs might be to blame.
Garage door spring replacement is one of the most critical, yet misunderstood, repairs. It’s also one of the most dangerous if attempted without proper training. This blog walks you through everything you need to know before picking up the phone—from how springs work and signs of failure to what impacts replacement costs and why calling a pro is always the right move.
Understanding Garage Door Springs
Your garage door may look simple, but it operates on a complex counterbalance system. At the heart of that system are the springs, responsible for lifting and lowering the door smoothly.
These springs handle a lot of tension. They’re under so much pressure that even a minor miscalculation can cause injury or further damage.
How Springs Support Your Garage Door
Springs work by storing mechanical energy when they are stretched or twisted. When activated, they release this energy to move your door up or down. Without functioning springs, your opener can’t do its job, and trying to force the door open can damage the system further.
Even though your garage door opener initiates the movement, it’s the springs that do the heavy lifting—literally. That’s why broken springs often lead to a completely non-functional door.
Torsion vs. Extension Springs: What’s the Difference?
There are two primary types of garage door springs:
Torsion Springs
- Mounted above the door, centered on a metal shaft.
- Use torque to lift the door.
- Generally, more durable and safer than extension springs.
Extension Springs
- Located on either side of the door tracks.
- Stretch and contract to raise and lower the door.
- Often used in lighter, residential garage doors.
Understanding which type your system uses can help you better estimate replacement needs and costs.
Common Signs Your Garage Door Springs Need Replacement
Recognizing early warning signs can help you avoid complete failure or even injury. Here are key indicators:
- The door suddenly feels much heavier.
- The door slams shut or opens unevenly.
- A loud bang from the garage (a spring snapping sounds like a firecracker).
- The door only opens a few inches.
- Visible gap or separation in the spring.
- Cables appear loose or disconnected.
If you notice any of these symptoms, stop using your garage door and call a professional immediately.
Why Replacing Springs Can Be Dangerous
This isn’t just a cautionary tale—it’s a real safety risk. Garage door springs are wound tightly and under enormous tension. Attempting to replace them without the proper tools or training can result in:
- Severe hand injuries: A sudden release of spring tension can cause fingers or hands to get caught, crushed, or pinched in the mechanism.
- Lacerations or broken bones: Flying metal parts or snapped tools can lead to deep cuts or fractures, especially if safety gear isn’t used.
- Damage to the door or opener: Improper Spring replacement can throw off the door’s balance, leading to broken panels, misaligned tracks, or motor burnout.
- Voided warranties: DIY repairs often violate manufacturer warranties, leaving you unprotected against future issues and additional costs.
Even experienced DIYers are strongly advised to leave spring replacement to the pros.
What to Expect During a Professional Replacement
A typical spring replacement involves several steps:
- Inspection and Diagnosis
The technician will assess the condition of your springs and check for related issues like frayed cables, damaged bearings, or door imbalance. This ensures the right spring type and size are selected for a safe, long-lasting fix.
- Safety Setup
Before starting the repair, the door is disconnected from the opener and securely clamped in place. This creates a safe working environment and prevents accidental door movement during the process.
- Removal of Old Springs
Old or broken springs are carefully detached using specialized tools to relieve the tension. This step is critical to avoid injury and prevent damage to the door system.
- Installation of New, Correctly Sized Springs
New springs are selected based on the door’s weight and specifications, then installed with precision. Accurate tensioning ensures smooth and balanced operation.
- System Balancing and Testing
The technician manually lifts the door to check if it stays halfway open without drifting. This confirms proper spring tension and reduces stress on the opener.
- Lubrication and Minor Tune-Up
Moving parts like rollers, hinges, and the new springs are lubricated to minimize friction and noise. Any loose hardware is tightened, and small adjustments are made to optimize performance.
The entire process usually takes 1–2 hours, depending on the complexity of the setup.
How to Extend the Life of Your New Springs
You can’t avoid spring wear entirely, but you can extend its life with proper care:
- Schedule regular maintenance. A quick annual checkup can catch issues early.
- Lubricate moving parts. Use a garage door-specific lubricant every 3–6 months.
- Avoid excessive use. Don’t treat your garage door like your front door if you don’t have to.
- Check balance and alignment. A misaligned door puts more stress on the springs.
When to Call a Professional (and Why It Matters)
Still wondering if you can tackle spring replacement yourself? Here’s a simple rule: If you need to ask, it’s best to call.
Calling a pro ensures:
- Accurate spring sizing
- Correct tension calibration
- Safe, efficient installation
- Peace of mind that your door is reliable
In Puyallup and nearby areas, Absolute Garage Door is the go-to expert for spring repair and full-service garage door solutions.
Contact Us: Schedule Your Spring Replacement in Puyallup, WA
A broken spring doesn’t just put your garage door out of commission—it puts your safety at risk. Whether your door won’t budge or you’re hearing strange sounds from the spring shaft, don’t wait.
We are proudly serving Puyallup, WA, and surrounding areas.
Call Absolute Garage Door today at (253) 277-2510 orclick hereto book online
“Let us restore your garage door’s strength and reliability—quickly, safely, and affordably.”