Garage Door Spring Repair

The opener gets the credit, but it's the springs doing the actual work of lifting a garage door — which is why a failed spring is both one of the most common calls we take and one of the least safe to tackle without the right training and tools.

What Spring Replacement Costs

Replacing a full pair of springs typically runs $300 to $540 installed, while a single spring on its own usually costs $150 to $350. The spring type is the biggest factor:

Spring type	Typical cost per spring
Extension spring	$120 – $200
Torsion spring	$150 – $350

Torsion springs run higher mostly because of the labor involved, not the part itself — they need to be wound to precise tension by someone who knows what they're doing. Since both springs in a pair take on roughly the same wear over time, most technicians recommend replacing them together even when only one has actually failed — the other is usually not far behind it.

How Long Springs Actually Hold Up

Garage door springs typically last 7 to 10 years, or around 10,000 open-close cycles — though how often the door gets used matters more than the calendar date. Torsion springs are rated for 10,000 to 15,000 cycles, roughly 7 to 10 years at normal use, stretching to 14 years if the door only cycles once a day. Extension springs wear out sooner on average, typically around 7 years regardless of usage.

A few signs point to a spring nearing failure, not just needing routine attention:

• Loud popping, grinding, or squeaking as the door moves
• A visible gap between coils on a torsion spring, or a stretched-looking extension spring
• The door feels noticeably heavy when you lift it by hand
• The door drops fast or slams instead of lowering smoothly
• Rust or visible corrosion on the spring itself

Lubrication and periodic inspection can stretch a spring's usable life somewhat, but they don't stop eventual failure — springs are a wear part, not something maintenance keeps running forever. Replacing one proactively, before it snaps, is both safer and typically cheaper than an emergency call after it already has.