Signs to watch for
Different faults can look alike. These clues can help you explain the problem, but a technician needs to inspect the door to identify the cause.
- The door rises a few inches, then stops.
- A loud bang came from the garage and the door now feels unusually heavy.
- There is a clear gap in the coil above the door or a loose spring beside the track.
What happens next
A technician should identify the spring system and match the replacement to the door’s weight and hardware. They should inspect cables, bearings and the opener, then balance-test the door before reconnecting the opener.
Questions people ask
Can I fix a garage door spring myself?
Spring replacement is not a safe DIY job. A trained technician has the tools and measurements to replace the correct spring and test the door balance.
Can I run the opener with a broken spring?
No. Stop using it. The opener is not designed to lift the full weight of a door with a broken spring, and continued use may damage other parts.
Should both springs be replaced?
If the door has two springs of the same age, ask the technician to inspect both and explain the options. The right choice depends on their condition and the door’s balance.