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The most common warning signs you need garage door spring replacement are: the door feels heavier than normal, the door opens unevenly or crooked, you hear loud squeaking or popping sounds, visible rust or corrosion on the spring coils, a visible gap in the coils, the door slams shut instead of closing slowly, and the door will not stay open at mid-height. If you notice any of these signs, stop using the door and call a professional. Advanced Door provides same-day spring replacement across Utah with a 4.9-star rating across 30,000+ reviews. Family owned since 1994 with a free lifetime warranty. Call (844) 971-3667 for a free estimate.
Last updated: April 2026
Garage door springs are one of the most important and least visible parts of your garage door system. They do the heavy lifting every time your door opens and closes, balancing hundreds of pounds of weight so the door moves smoothly and safely. Because springs work quietly in the background, most homeowners do not think about them until something goes wrong.
Understanding the early warning signs that point to garage door spring replacement can help you avoid sudden breakdowns, safety hazards, and costly damage to other components. Recognizing these signs early allows you to address issues before a minor problem becomes a major disruption.
Below are the most common signs homeowners should not ignore when it comes to garage door spring replacement.
Why Garage Door Springs Wear Out Over Time
Garage door springs operate under constant tension. Every time your door opens and closes, the springs stretch or unwind, then return to their original position. This process is known as a cycle.
Most standard garage door springs are designed to last a limited number of cycles. Daily use, temperature changes, moisture exposure, and door weight all contribute to gradual wear. Over time, metal fatigue sets in, reducing the spring’s ability to safely support the door.
Because spring wear happens slowly, it often goes unnoticed until performance issues become obvious. Knowing how to spot these changes is key to preventing sudden failure.
Warning Sign One: A Loud Bang From the Garage
One of the most common indicators of a broken spring is a sudden loud bang coming from the garage. Many homeowners describe it as sounding like a firecracker or a heavy object dropping.
This noise occurs when a spring snaps under tension. When this happens, the door may stop working entirely or become extremely difficult to lift. Even if the door still moves, the spring has likely failed and needs immediate attention.
If you hear this type of sound, avoid using the door and schedule a professional inspection as soon as possible.
Warning Sign Two: The Garage Door Feels Extremely Heavy
Garage door springs are responsible for lifting most of the door’s weight. When a spring breaks or weakens, the door suddenly feels much heavier than normal.
If you try to lift the door manually and notice significant resistance, or if the opener struggles to raise the door, the springs may no longer be doing their job. Continuing to operate the door in this condition can strain the opener and lead to additional damage.
A heavy door is a strong sign that garage door spring replacement is needed.
Warning Sign Three: Uneven or Crooked Door Movement
A garage door should open and close evenly on both sides. When one spring fails or loses tension, the door may begin to rise unevenly or tilt to one side.
You may notice gaps between the door and the track, jerky movement, or the door appearing crooked as it travels. These issues indicate an imbalance in the system and should be addressed quickly to prevent further wear on cables, rollers, and tracks.
Uneven movement is often a sign that one or more springs are no longer functioning properly.
Warning Sign Four: Visible Gaps or Damage in the Springs
In some cases, spring damage is visible. Torsion springs may show a noticeable gap when they break. Extension springs may appear stretched, rusted, or misshapen.
If you can safely see the springs from a distance and notice separation, corrosion, or deformation, the spring has likely reached the end of its lifespan. Visual damage almost always means replacement is required rather than repair.
Never attempt to touch or adjust damaged springs, as they remain under tension and can be dangerous.
Warning Sign Five: The Door Slams Shut or Falls Too Quickly
A properly functioning garage door should move smoothly and remain controlled throughout its travel. If your door suddenly drops faster than normal or slams shut, the springs may no longer be providing adequate support.
This behavior increases the risk of injury and property damage. A door that falls too quickly can damage vehicles, crack panels, or cause harm to people or pets.
This is a serious warning sign that garage door spring replacement should not be delayed.
Warning Sign Six: Repeated Cable or Roller Problems
When springs weaken, other parts of the system are forced to compensate. This extra strain often leads to frayed cables, worn rollers, or misaligned tracks.
If you are experiencing frequent issues with cables slipping, rollers wearing out, or hardware loosening, the root cause may be failing springs. Replacing secondary components without addressing the springs often leads to recurring problems.
A complete system inspection can determine whether garage door spring replacement is needed to restore balance.
Can a Garage Door Still Work With a Bad Spring
In some cases, a garage door may continue to open and close for a short time after a spring has weakened or broken. This usually happens because the opener is compensating for the lost tension.
While this may seem convenient, it places excessive strain on the opener and other components. Continued use can lead to opener failure, bent tracks, or additional damage.
Even if the door appears to be working, a compromised spring should be replaced promptly to prevent further issues.
Why Garage Door Spring Replacement Is Not a DIY Project
Garage door springs are under extreme tension. Improper handling can result in serious injury. Attempting to replace springs without the proper tools, training, and experience is dangerous.
Correct spring replacement requires precise sizing, controlled tensioning, and system balancing. A mistake can lead to sudden release of energy, causing harm or damage.
For safety and long-term performance, garage door spring replacement should always be handled by trained professionals.
Repair vs Replacement: Why Springs Are Replaced, Not Fixed
Unlike some garage door components, springs are not designed to be repaired. Once a spring loses tension or breaks, replacement is the only safe and effective solution.
Professional garage door spring replacement ensures the correct spring type and strength is installed based on your door’s weight and usage. Replacing springs restores proper balance and reduces stress on the entire system.
High-quality replacement springs also provide a longer lifespan and more reliable performance.
What to Expect During Professional Garage Door Spring Replacement
A professional garage door spring replacement begins with a full system inspection. Technicians evaluate the door, hardware, and opener to determine the correct spring specifications.
The damaged springs are safely removed and replaced with properly sized components. After installation, the system is balanced, adjusted, and tested to ensure smooth and controlled operation.
This process helps restore safe performance and prevents premature wear on other parts.
How to Extend the Life of New Garage Door Springs
While springs naturally wear over time, proper care can help maximize their lifespan. Regular inspections and lubrication reduce friction and stress on the system.
Avoid forcing the door open or closed if it feels heavy or unbalanced. Addressing minor issues early can prevent unnecessary strain on the springs.
Routine maintenance plays an important role in protecting your investment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Garage Door Spring Replacement
How long do garage door springs last
Spring lifespan depends on usage and design. Many standard springs are rated for a limited number of cycles and eventually require replacement.
What happens if I keep using my door with a broken spring
Continued use can damage the opener, cables, and tracks, leading to more expensive repairs and safety risks.
Can only one spring be replaced
In most cases, replacing both springs at the same time ensures balanced operation and even wear.
How quickly should spring replacement be scheduled
Spring issues should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent further damage and restore safe operation.
Knowing When to Schedule Garage Door Spring Replacement
Garage door springs rarely fail without warning. Loud noises, heavy doors, uneven movement, and visible damage are all signs that should not be ignored.
Addressing spring problems early helps prevent unexpected breakdowns and keeps your garage door operating safely and reliably. If your door is showing any of these warning signs, a professional evaluation can help determine whether garage door spring replacement is the right next step.
Noticing these warning signs? Call Advanced Door at (844) 971-3667 before a small problem becomes an emergency. We install lifetime warranty springs with 2 to 3 times the cycle count of standard springs. See our spring replacement cost guide for what to expect.
Ready to Restore Safe and Reliable Operation
Garage door spring problems can escalate quickly if left unaddressed. A professional inspection can identify issues early and help protect your door, opener, and property.
If you suspect your springs are worn or failing, Advanced Garage Door is here to help. For more on how cold weather affects your door system, see our guide to winter garage door problems. If your door is also having trouble closing, our troubleshooting guide for doors that won’t close covers sensor and opener issues that can compound spring problems. Our experienced team provides expert garage door spring replacement with a focus on safety, reliability, and long-term performance. Scheduling service now helps ensure your garage door operates smoothly and safely for years to come.
Get a Free Estimate from Advanced Door
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