January 15, 2026 6 min read Mike Johnson
Garage door springs are the unsung heroes of your garage door system. These powerful components do the heavy lifting—literally—counterbalancing the weight of your door so you (or your opener) can move it with minimal effort. When they fail, it's usually dramatic and inconvenient. Here's what every homeowner should know about garage door springs.
Located above the garage door opening, torsion springs are mounted on a metal shaft. When the door closes, the springs wind up and store energy. When the door opens, they unwind and release that energy to lift the door.
Advantages: - Longer lifespan (15,000-20,000 cycles typically) - Smoother, more controlled door movement - More durable and less prone to wear on other components
These springs run along the horizontal tracks on either side of the door. They stretch when the door closes and contract when it opens.
Advantages: - Lower initial cost - Easier to install (though still dangerous for DIY) - More accessible for inspection
The most common cause of spring failure is simply wear and tear. Springs have a rated "cycle life"—one cycle equals one opening and closing of the door. A standard spring rated for 10,000 cycles will last about 7-10 years with average use (3-4 cycles per day).
Other factors that accelerate spring failure: - Rust: Reduces flexibility and increases friction - Cold weather: Metal becomes more brittle - Poor maintenance: Lack of lubrication increases wear - Incorrect spring size: Overworked springs fail faster
- Door feels heavier than usual when opening manually - Door doesn't stay open when lifted halfway - Visible gaps in the spring coils - Loud bang from the garage (a spring breaking) - Door opens unevenly or crooked - Opener strains or fails to lift the door
We cannot stress this enough: garage door spring replacement should only be performed by trained professionals. Here's why:
1. Extreme tension: A wound torsion spring contains enough energy to cause serious injury or death if released improperly.
2. Specialized tools required: Professional technicians use winding bars, vise grips, and other specific tools designed for safe spring work.
3. Weight risk: A garage door without working springs can weigh 150-400+ pounds. If it falls unexpectedly, it can cause severe injury.
4. Improper installation risks: Incorrectly sized or installed springs can damage your door, opener, and other components—and will likely fail again quickly.
When you call Garage Door West Covina for spring replacement, here's what happens:
1. Safety first: We secure the door in the down position and disconnect the opener.
2. Assessment: We evaluate the entire system, not just the broken spring. Often, if one spring broke, the other is close behind.
3. Proper sizing: We calculate the correct spring size based on door weight, height, and track radius.
4. Quality parts: We use high-cycle springs rated for 25,000+ cycles when possible.
5. Full testing: After installation, we test the door balance, opener function, and safety features.
6. Maintenance tips: We'll show you how to care for your springs to maximize their lifespan.
Spring replacement typically costs $150-$350 for standard residential doors, including parts and labor. High-cycle springs cost more upfront but save money over time. We always recommend replacing both springs simultaneously, even if only one has broken.
While springs will eventually wear out, you can maximize their lifespan:
- Lubricate springs every 6 months with a silicone-based lubricant - Schedule annual professional maintenance - Avoid unnecessary door cycles - Keep the garage temperature moderate when possible - Address balance issues promptly
If you notice any warning signs of spring problems—or if a spring has broken—contact us immediately. Operating a door with a broken spring puts stress on the opener and can be dangerous. We offer same-day service for spring emergencies.
At Garage Door West Covina, spring replacement is one of our most common services. We carry springs for all door types and can usually complete the repair within an hour. Call us today for fast, professional service.