Garage Door Spring Repair
A broken spring is the most common reason a garage door will not lift. We replace it correctly and set the balance so the door lasts.
- Torsion spring replacement
- Extension spring replacement
- Balance and safety test
- Springs replaced as a set
Garage door spring repair is replacing the springs that counterbalance the door so you or the opener can lift it with little effort. When a spring breaks, the door becomes heavy and unsafe to move. We replace torsion and extension springs, match them to the door's weight and test the balance before we leave. Call (213) 340-4232.
Torsion springs and extension springs
A torsion spring is a tightly wound coil mounted on a shaft above the door opening. It turns the shaft, which winds the lift cables. Most modern residential doors use one or two torsion springs.
An extension spring runs along each horizontal track and stretches as the door closes. Older and lighter doors often use them, and each should have a safety cable through the middle so a broken spring cannot whip across the garage.
- Torsion springs: quieter, longer life, smoother lift
- Extension springs: lower cost, common on older doors
- Both types are sized to the weight of your door, not just its size
Signs a spring has failed or is about to
Springs are rated for a number of open-close cycles. A door used several times a day reaches the end of its spring life sooner.
| Sign | What it means |
|---|---|
| A loud bang from the garage | A spring snapped under tension |
| Visible gap in the coil of a torsion spring | The spring has broken in two |
| Door feels heavy or rises only a few inches | The spring no longer carries the door's weight |
| Door slams down or will not stay half open | The balance is lost, a spring is weak or worn |
| Opener strains, shakes or stops | It is lifting weight the springs should carry |
| Cables slack or hanging loose | The spring let go and the cable unwound |
If a spring has already broken, stop using the opener. It can strip the drive or bend the door.
How we replace a spring
Confirm the door's weight
The right spring depends on the door weight, height and track layout. We measure it, we do not guess it.
Secure the door and release tension
The door is clamped in place and the spring is unwound with winding bars. We never work on a loaded spring.
Install the new spring set
Springs go in as a matched set so both sides carry the same load. We replace worn cones and check the cables and drums while we are there.
Balance, lubricate and test
We wind the springs to the right turns, lubricate the hardware and run the door through cycles. A balanced door stays at waist height when you let go.
Why we replace springs as a set
If one spring on a two-spring door breaks, the other has done the same number of cycles and is close behind. Replacing only one often means a second call within months. We recommend and explain the full set, and we tell you plainly when a single spring is enough.
A new spring on a door that also has frayed cables or a worn drum will not fix the real problem. That is why we check the cables, rollers and bottom brackets while the door is open and unloaded.
- Ask about a longer-life spring if your door is used many times a day
- Have springs checked if the door starts to feel heavy
- Do not wind or release a spring yourself
Prices
| Service | Price | What affects it |
|---|---|---|
| Torsion spring pair, standard two-car door (10,000 cycle) | $250 to $450 | Door weight and size |
| Heavy-duty torsion springs (25,000+ cycle, heavy, wood or oversized doors) | $350 to $900 | Door weight, spring wire size and cycle rating |
| One torsion spring | $180 to $300 | We usually replace both, because the second spring is the same age |
| Extension springs, pair | $150 to $300 | Spring length and safety cables |
Prices reviewed November 2026. Final price is confirmed after we see the problem.
What customers say
Real reviews from our Google listing, copied as the customers wrote them.
The replacement of my broken spring was done quickly and professionaly. I was also provided an explanation on why the tension was set as it was. I was called in advance to be informed of the arrival time. Great job as it has been in the pastFrancine · Google review
My garage door spring broke the other evening and I was unable to open my door. I contacted them first thing the next day. They were able to give me an appointment for later in that day. The service technician called prior to arrival as promised & arrived shortly afterwards. He recommended some additional service to the door in addition to the springs which I accepted. The door was repaired in less than 2 hours & now works better than ever. Thank youBrandi · Google review
Great to work with, gave us good advise and very knowledgeable with garage door springs . We could not find anyone to do our repair ASAP as it was a small project, but that did not matter to them. They traveled 2 hours to get the work done. Tech who did our repair was very personable, fast and did an excellent job.Theresa · Google review
Doesn't get any better than this guy! I have recently purchased a condo with a broken garage door opener. It was missing some brackets. I called them, and Emil came out promptly the next morning. On time! He was able to run back to his shop and get the bracket I needed. It took him less than an hour to complete the entire project! My garage door works great now. I said a little thank you to Emil as I opened my garage door late last night and drove in my garage. I would definitely call him again if I needed anything done with my garage door. Highly recommend, plus he's just a super nice guy, which the process so much easier. Thanks Emil!Winston · Google review
Emil Garage Doors are my GO TO business for all things related to garage door repair, replacement and door openers! Talk about the gold standard for superb professional courteous responsive customer service - these guys are always on time, their rates are very reasonable and IMO lowest in town, and their work is always quality - from spring replacements to extra FOB programming & delivery! The owner is the real deal and makes good on all promises - We love doing business with him and don't hesitate to refer this business to all. He's that good!Ryan · Google review
Called the office to let them know my issues and asked if we could get someone out to look at my door. Was told between 11-12...drove home from work at 11:05 and Emil was waiting and ready to get to work. Not knowing anything about how to fix a garage door, Emil did a great job explaining why I was having issues. Quoted a reasonable price (well at least what I thought was reasonable) and less than 40 minute later he had fixed the problem. Great customer service from intake of the call to fixing my door! If you need a garage door repair...support local business and give them your business, you won't be disappointed.Guadalupe · Google review
5-Star Rated on Google · All customer reviews
Cities we serve
Garage door service in our service areas. Pick your state, then your city, for neighborhoods, ZIP codes and local notes. Gate repair is for Southern California only.
Garage Door Spring Repair: questions we hear
How long do garage door springs last?
Standard springs are commonly rated for about 10,000 open-close cycles. A family that uses the garage a few times a day may see that in roughly seven to ten years. Higher-cycle springs last longer.
How do I know if my spring is broken?
A loud bang, a visible gap in the coil above the door, a heavy door and a door that will not lift are the usual signs. The opener motor may run but the door will not rise more than a few inches.
Can the door be opened with a broken spring?
Usually only with great effort and not safely. The door may weigh well over a hundred pounds, and moving it can damage the opener or the panels. Call us instead.
Do you replace both springs at once?
On a two-spring door, yes, we recommend it. The unbroken spring has the same wear, and replacing both keeps the door balanced and saves a second visit.
Torsion or extension: which is better?
Torsion springs usually give a smoother, quieter lift and last longer. Extension springs cost less and are common on older doors. We match the type your door was built for or recommend an upgrade.
Is a broken spring an emergency?
The door is unsafe to lift and may leave your garage open or closed, so it is worth a prompt call. Keep people and vehicles clear of the door until it is fixed.
Which states and cities do you serve?
We offer garage door service in California, Texas, Illinois, Massachusetts, Washington, Utah, Oregon and Arizona. Each state page lists its cities with their own pages, and the service areas page lists them all. Not sure we reach your address? See garage door repair near me or call and give us your ZIP code. Gate repair is currently offered in Southern California only.
Need it fixed or replaced?
Call now or send your details. We will get back to you with the soonest appointment.