Signs Your Garage Door Spring Is Broken
A loud bang and a door that suddenly feels far too heavy are the classic signs of a broken garage door spring. Learn the other signs and what to do next.
At a glance: A loud bang and a door that suddenly feels far too heavy are the classic signs of a broken garage door spring. Learn the other signs and what to do next.
A garage door spring does most of the lifting for your door. A standard residential door can weigh 150 pounds or more, and the spring system counterbalances that weight so the opener and your hands only need modest effort. When a spring breaks, that balance disappears in an instant, and the door becomes a problem you cannot ignore. Knowing the signs helps you stop using the door before something else breaks.
The loud bang is the most common sign
A door that feels far too heavy
The second sign is weight. Try to lift the door by hand only if it is fully closed and you can do so safely, and be ready for it to be very heavy. A door with a broken spring may rise a few inches and then stop, or it may not move at all. If it does move, it may feel as though it wants to slam back down. That is the spring no longer doing its job. Leave the door down and call for garage door spring repair rather than forcing it. A door that drops unexpectedly can damage the tracks, the panels, and anything underneath it.
Look for a gap in the spring coil
If you can see the torsion spring mounted on the shaft above the door, look for a visible gap in the coil. A healthy torsion spring is a continuous coil. A broken one usually shows a clear separation of an inch or more where the steel snapped. Extension springs, which run along the sides of the door, may hang loose or look stretched out instead. Do not touch the spring or try to wind it. Springs are under high tension, and the stored energy in a torsion spring can cause serious injury. A visual check from the ground is enough, and a contractor can confirm the diagnosis on a visit.
Other signs that point to a spring problem
A door that hangs crooked, with one side lower than the other, often has a spring broken on one side, or a cable problem that came with it. An opener that strains, hums, or stops partway through lifting the door is another clue, because the opener is trying to lift the full weight of the door without help. You may also notice the door jerking or moving in uneven steps. These symptoms overlap with other problems, which is why a contractor inspects the springs, cables, rollers, and opener together instead of guessing at one part. If you need general help, see our garage door repair page for the full list of symptoms and causes.
What to do when a spring breaks
Leave the door closed, unplug the opener if it keeps trying to run, and call (615) 845-8263 to speak with a garage door specialist. Mention whether you heard a loud bang, whether you can see a gap in the coil, and whether the door is open or closed. A contractor will secure the door, release the remaining tension safely, and fit a new spring matched to the weight and size of your door. Many contractors recommend replacing both springs on a two-spring door at the same time, because the second spring has done the same number of cycles and is likely to fail soon after. After the new springs are fitted, the door should stay in place when lifted halfway and released, and the opener should lift it smoothly. Homeowners in Murfreesboro, TN and nearby Smyrna can call for service assistance and describe the problem in their own words.
Key takeaways
- A loud bang, a very heavy door, and a gap in the spring coil are the three clearest signs of a broken spring.
- Do not force the door or keep running the opener.
- Do not attempt spring work yourself; springs are under high tension.
- A contractor matches the new spring to your door's weight and tests the door's balance after fitting it.
Frequently asked questions
A loud bang from the garage, followed by a door that will not lift or feels very heavy, is the most common sign. A visible gap in the spring coil above the door confirms it.
No. A door with a broken spring can weigh 150 pounds or more and may fall or come off its track. Leave the door down and call for service assistance.
Call (615) 845-8263 to speak with a garage door specialist and get connected with an independent local contractor who can replace the spring safely.
Does your door have this problem?
If the problem in this guide sounds like your door, call (615) 845-8263 and describe it to a garage door specialist.
Related services
- Garage Door Spring Repair — Help with broken torsion and extension springs — the most common reason a door suddenly becomes too heavy to lift.
- Garage Door Repair — Help with doors that will not open, will not close, make noise, or have stopped working the way they should.
Related guides
- Torsion vs Extension Garage Door Springs: What Is the Difference?
- Garage Door Opener Hums but the Door Will Not Move: Causes and Fixes
See all guides on our blog, or browse our garage door services.
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