Springs Carry the Door, Not the Opener
The springs do the real lifting. A torsion spring winds on a shaft above the opening, while an extension spring stretches along each side of the track. Standard builder-installed sets are generally rated for about 10,000 cycles, so a busy family can reach the end of that life sooner than expected.
When a spring gives out, we size the replacement to the door's actual weight. Higher-cycle versions with heavier wire are available for households that use the garage as their main entrance.
What a Tiring Spring Looks Like
A loud bang from the garage
A torsion spring that snaps makes a sharp report. The door then feels very heavy and the opener may strain or only lift it a little.
A visible gap in the coil
Look above the door for a clean separation in the wound wire. With extension springs, one may sag, stretch or hang loose.
A door that will not stay put
Lift it by hand, partway. If it drops or shoots upward instead of holding, balance has been lost and the spring tension needs attention.
How the Replacement Goes
- i
Measure and match
Wire size, length, inside diameter and the door's weight are recorded, so the new springs suit the load rather than copying a worn set.
- ii
Release the old tension
The door is secured and stored energy is let out safely with proper winding bars before the old springs come off.
- iii
Fit new springs together
Springs are replaced as a pair, with center bearings, drums or pulleys checked and renewed when they show wear.
- iv
Wind, balance and test
Tension is set, cables are inspected, and the door is lifted by hand and run through its travel to confirm an even, steady rise.
Spring Questions
Should both springs be replaced together?
Usually yes. Both springs in a pair have shared the load since day one, so the second is often near its limit too, and pairing an old spring with a new one can leave the door lopsided and tricky to balance.
Would higher-cycle springs make sense for us?
If the garage is your family's everyday entrance, higher-cycle springs can stretch the time between replacements noticeably. They use heavier wire or longer coils to reach a higher rated cycle count. Describe how often the door runs each day and you will receive an honest recommendation about whether the upgrade makes sense.
Is it safe to fix a spring myself?
Springs hold a great deal of stored energy and can cause serious injury if they are released or wound improperly. Specialized winding bars and training are needed, and ordinary tools are not safe substitutes. We recommend leaving this work to a trained technician and keeping everyone clear of the door meanwhile.
Did a Spring Just Let Go?
Please unplug the opener and keep the door closed, or wherever it came to rest. Share what you heard and saw, and we will explain how replacement springs are selected and installed.
Talk through replacement springs — (239) 456-3391