A broken garage door spring often gives warning signs before — and sometimes even after — failure. Knowing what to look for can prevent damage to your door, your car, and yourself. Below are the 7 most common signs, plus what to do if you see them.
-
1
Sign 1: A Loud Bang from Your Garage
The most obvious sign. A torsion spring snapping sounds like a gunshot — loud enough to be heard throughout the house. If you hear it, don't try to open the door.
-
2
Sign 2: Your Door Won't Open at All
The opener might hum, click, or strain — but the door doesn't budge. The opener can't lift the door's full weight without the spring's counterweight assistance.
-
3
Sign 3: The Door Opens Partway and Stops
Sometimes a partially failed spring still has enough tension to lift the door a foot or two, then loses force. Your opener may strain audibly during this.
-
4
Sign 4: A Visible Gap or Break in the Spring
Look at the spring above your door (with the door closed). A clean break with a visible gap is the most obvious sign. Don't touch it — even broken springs can carry dangerous tension.
-
5
Sign 5: The Door Feels Twice as Heavy
Try to lift the door manually (with the opener disengaged via the red emergency cord). If it weighs 100+ lbs and you struggle, the spring counterweight has failed.
-
6
Sign 6: One Side of the Door Drops Faster
If only one of two springs is broken, you might see uneven travel — one side drops faster than the other. Both springs should be replaced together.
-
7
Sign 7: The Cable Is Hanging Loose
When a spring snaps, the cables often come off the drum. You'll see them dangling beside the door.
What NOT to Do
- Don't force the door open. You can damage panels, opener, or hurt yourself.
- Don't try to fix it yourself. Torsion springs hold thousands of pounds of stored energy and are responsible for serious injuries every year.
- Don't keep using the opener. The motor will burn out trying to lift a door it can't lift.
What to Do
- 1
Stop trying to use the door.
- 2
Call 812-454-5711 —
- 3
Free on-site diagnosis with
- 4
Same-day repair, typically completed in 60–90 minutes.
Cost Expectation
Most spring replacements in Evansville run see written quote depending on spring type and size. See full pricing breakdown at Garage Door Spring Repair Cost.