Signs Your Garage Door Spring Is Wearing Out
Springs counterbalance the door's weight, and they wear out with use. A few warning signs can help you plan a replacement before one breaks.
Request a technicianA gap in the coil
A broken torsion spring shows a clear gap.
Heavy door
If the door feels heavy when lifted by hand, the springs are weakening.
Door won't stay put
A balanced door stays halfway up. One that drops is out of balance.
Jerky movement
Uneven or jerky movement can mean a spring is failing.
Loud bang
A loud bang in the garage is often a spring breaking.
Rust
Rust adds friction and shortens spring life.
Age
Springs often last several years depending on use.
Leave it alone
Never try to adjust or remove springs yourself.
Next
See broken spring replacement.
Plan a replacement
If springs are original to a door that's been in use for many years, ask about replacing them during a tune-up rather than waiting for one to snap on a cold morning with the car inside. Replacing both springs at once keeps the door balanced.
Safety cables
Doors with extension springs along the tracks should have a safety cable running through each spring, so a broken spring doesn't fly across the garage.
More garage door repair guides
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