Garage Door Spring
A broken garage door spring brings your entire door to a halt. Our licensed technicians safely replace torsion and extension springs — restoring smooth, reliable operation. Same-day service available.
Expert Service. Guaranteed.
Every garage door repair and installation by Sears comes with the Sears Satisfaction Guarantee. Our licensed, background-checked technicians use quality parts and stand behind every job. If you're not satisfied, we'll make it right.
Signs Your Garage Door Spring Is Broken
Garage door springs fail without warning and should never be handled without professional training. Here are the most common signs.
Loud Bang from the Garage
A sudden, loud pop — often described as sounding like a gunshot — is the hallmark sign of a broken torsion spring. The spring snaps under tension and unwinds rapidly.
Door Won't Open or Feels Heavy
Without functioning springs, the full weight of the door (150–300+ lbs) falls on the opener or your arms. The door may only open a few inches before stopping.
Visible Gap in the Spring
A broken torsion spring will have an obvious gap — usually 2–3 inches — where the two halves have separated on the shaft above the door.
Door Opens Unevenly or Crooked
If one spring breaks on a two-spring system, the door may open lopsided. This puts severe stress on the remaining spring and can cause additional damage.
Torsion vs. Extension
Understanding which type of spring your garage door uses helps you understand the repair process and what to expect.
Torsion Springs
Mounted on a shaft above the door opening
Uses torque (twisting force) to lift the door via cables wound around drums at each end.
- Smoother, more balanced operation
- Longer lifespan (typically 15,000–20,000 cycles)
- Safer — contained on the shaft if they break
- Better suited for heavy or double-wide doors
Most modern residential installations, especially two-car garages
Extension Springs
Run along the horizontal tracks on each side of the door
Stretches and contracts to provide lifting force as the door opens and closes.
- Lower upfront cost
- Easier to inspect visually
- Common replacement parts available
- Suitable for lighter, single-car doors
Older homes and single-car garages. Safety cables should always be installed.
⚠️ Never Attempt DIY Spring Repair
Garage door springs are under extreme tension — a standard torsion spring holds roughly 200 pounds of force. Improper handling has caused serious injuries and fatalities. Always call a licensed professional.
Our Spring Repair Process
Our technicians follow a proven, safety-first process for every spring replacement.
Safety Assessment
Our technician secures the door and releases tension safely before beginning any work. Safety is always the first step.
Spring Inspection & Diagnosis
We identify the spring type, measure the wire gauge and length, and determine whether one or both springs need replacement.
Professional Replacement
Old springs are carefully removed and new, properly rated springs are installed, wound to the correct tension, and secured.
Balance Test & Safety Check
We test the door balance, verify smooth operation at every point, and test all safety features before finishing the job.
Common QuestionsSpring Repair FAQ
Everything you need to know about garage door spring repair and replacement.
Need a Spring Replaced?
Don't risk a DIY spring repair. Our licensed technicians handle it safely — often the same day you call.