How to Replace a Garage Door Spring: What Really Goes Into the Job
Published Date: Sep 8, 2025
When your garage door suddenly stops working, even if everything looks fine, there’s a good chance the spring has failed. Knowing how to change a garage door spring isn’t about doing it yourself — it’s about understanding what the repair involves and why it’s a job best handled by professionals. Up & Down Garage Doors offers a clear look at the process so you know what to expect and when to take action.
Why Garage Door Springs Are So Important
Garage doors are heavy, but the springs do most of the lifting. They balance the door’s weight so it can open and close smoothly. When a spring breaks, the door might get stuck, drop suddenly, or feel too heavy to lift — all of which can be dangerous.
Many people ask, can a garage door work without springs? The short answer is no. The opener isn’t built to handle the door’s full weight on its own.
Most modern garage doors use torsion springs mounted above the door, while older systems often rely on extension springs that run along the sides. Either way, if the spring fails, the whole system can stop working, so you’re left wondering how to replace garage door torsion springs. In reality, this is a job best left to trained professionals due to the high tension and technical precision involved.
How to Replace a Torsion Spring on a Garage Door: What Technicians Do
When torsion springs fail, replacing them involves more than just swapping a part. It’s a precise process that requires training, the right tools, and careful attention to safety — far beyond what most DIY projects require.
If you’re researching how to change a torsion spring on a garage door, here’s a look at the process professionals typically follow during a service visit:
- Secure the garage door in place and disconnect the opener.
- Measure the door and select the correct type and size of torsion spring.
- Safely release the old spring’s tension using specialized winding bars.
- Remove the damaged spring and install the new one with the proper torque.
- Adjust spring tension and test the door for safe, balanced movement.
Even though these steps might sound straightforward, this is a high-risk job. Up & Down Garage Doors has trained technicians who know how to handle torsion systems safely and correctly.
How to Recognize a Broken Garage Door Spring
You don’t need to be a garage door expert to spot when something’s wrong. A broken garage door spring usually shows clear symptoms that are easy to catch early. Now that you know what goes into replacing a spring, here’s how to tell when it might be time to schedule a repair.
- The door only opens partway — or won’t move at all
- It suddenly feels way too heavy to lift manually
- You spot a visible gap or crack in the spring
- You hear a loud snap or banging noise from the garage
If you notice any of these warning signs, stop using the door right away. A damaged spring can be dangerous to handle without the right tools or training. Up & Down Garage Doors has experienced technicians who know exactly how to change a garage door spring safely and efficiently — so your system gets back to working properly without the risk.
How to Replace a Tension Spring on the Garage Door: What You Should Know
Not all garage doors use torsion springs. Some rely on tension-based systems — also called extension springs — typically found in older setups and lighter residential doors.
These springs run along the sides of the door and stretch as it moves to help balance the weight. While different from torsion springs, replacing them still takes precision and caution.
When it’s time for replacement, here’s what a professional technician typically does:
- Stabilizes the door to prevent movement
- Carefully releases any remaining tension
- Removes and inspects the old springs and safety cables
- Installs new springs and tests the system for smooth, balanced operation
It’s helpful to understand how to replace the garage door extension spring, but this isn’t a DIY-friendly job. Because of the safety risks involved, it’s best left to trained professionals.
Why It’s Safer to Hire a Professional
A broken spring can bring your entire garage system to a halt — and create serious safety risks if handled the wrong way. At Up & Down Garage Doors, our trained technicians handle every step with safety and reliability in mind. If your garage door springs are worn or damaged, it’s important to act with caution. Jobs that involve replacing garage door torsion springs require the right tools, experience, and a trained hand. Hiring a professional means the work gets done right, without putting your home or your safety at risk.
Conclusion: Trust the Experts for Safe, Reliable Repairs
Once you understand how to replace a garage door spring, it’s clear how risky the job can be. One wrong move could lead to damage or serious injury — which is why this task is best left to professionals.
At Up & Down Garage Doors, our technicians handle spring repairs quickly and safely. Don’t second-guess a spring repair. No matter the size of the job, we’ll make sure your garage door is back to working smoothly.
