Torsion and Extension Spring Replacement
A broken spring is the most common garage door failure and the one people most often try to fix themselves. It is also the one that causes the most injuries. Garage door springs hold hundreds of pounds of stored tension, and when that tension is released without the right tools and training, the result is serious.
If your spring has snapped you will usually hear a loud bang, often overnight or first thing on a cold morning. After that the door will feel extremely heavy, the opener will strain or fail to lift it, and you will often see a visible gap in the coiled spring above the door.
We replace both torsion and extension spring systems using correctly rated springs. Using the wrong size shortens the life of the spring and puts extra strain on the opener, which is why measurement matters more than most people expect.
Torsion vs Extension Springs
Part of the job is identifying which system you have and whether it is correctly rated for your door. We work on both.
Type 1
Torsion Springs
Mounted on a bar above the door opening. They twist to lift the door and are the more common system on modern doors. They last longer, run more smoothly, and are safer when they do fail because the parts stay contained on the bar.
Type 2
Extension Springs
Mounted along the horizontal tracks on each side. They stretch to counterbalance the door. Found on many older installations. When these break the parts can fly, which is why safety cables are essential on this system.
Why You Should Never Replace a Spring Yourself
- Springs hold enough tension to cause serious injury or worse
- The wrong spring size damages the opener and fails early
- Incorrect installation can send the door crashing down
- Winding bars and correctly rated replacement springs are specialist tools
- Springs are almost always replaced in pairs for balance
Signs of a Broken Spring
- A loud bang from the garage. Usually the moment the spring snapped.
- Door feels extremely heavy. You are lifting the full weight with no counterbalance.
- Door slams shut instead of lowering.Nothing is holding the weight. Keep people clear.
- Visible gap in the spring coil.The clearest sign. Do not operate the door.
- Door opens a few inches then stops. The opener is hitting its force limit.
- Cable hanging loose.. Often fails alongside the spring.
With a broken spring the door carries its full weight, often over 150 pounds. Forcing it can damage the opener or cause injury. Leave it closed and call us.
Spring Repair Offers
How It Works
Step 1
Call or Request a Quote
Tell us what the door is doing. Most problems can be narrowed down over the phone.
Step 2
On Site Diagnosis
A technician inspects the door, springs, cables, tracks and opener to find the real cause.
Step 3
Upfront Price
You get the full cost before any work begins. You decide from there.
Step 4
Repair & Safety Check
We complete the work and test the full system for safe, smooth operation before we leave.
Why St Louis Calls All Star
No upselling a full door replacement when a spring and a set of rollers will give you another decade. We diagnose the whole system, explain what has actually failed, and give you the price before we touch anything.
- Over ten years serving St Louis
- Licensed and insured technicians
- Upfront pricing with no hidden costs
- Same day service available
Related Services
Business premises? See Commercial Repairs. We also serve Creve Coeur and Chesterfield.
Spring Questions, Answered
How long does a garage door opener last?
Why do springs break in winter?
Cold makes steel more brittle and the metal contracts, so an already worn spring is most likely to fail on a freezing St Louis morning. This is the busiest call we get every winter.
Should both springs be replaced at once?
Can I open my door with a broken spring?
You should not. The door will weigh well over 150 pounds with no counterbalance, and forcing it can damage the opener or drop the door. Leave it closed and call us.