Cable came off the drum? This typically happens when a torsion spring breaks, causing the cable to go slack and jump off the drum. DO NOT operate the door—it's dangerous and can cause further damage. Professional repair in Toronto costs $150-$220 for cable rewinding only, or $280-$450 if the spring also needs replacement. Call for same-day emergency service.

⚠️ SAFETY WARNING

  • Do not operate the door - it can fall unexpectedly
  • Do not attempt DIY repair - cables are under extreme tension
  • Keep children and pets away from the door
  • If door is stuck open - secure your home and call for emergency service

Why Does the Cable Come Off the Drum?

The cable drum is a grooved wheel at each top corner of the door that guides the lifting cable. When something goes wrong, the cable can jump out of its groove and unwind.

1. Broken Torsion Spring

The #1 cause. When a spring breaks, the cable instantly goes slack and jumps off the drum. You'll usually hear a loud bang when this happens.

2. Frayed or Worn Cable

Old cables develop frayed strands that catch on the drum grooves, eventually causing the cable to jump track. Cables should be replaced every 7-10 years.

3. Obstruction While Closing

If the door hits an object while closing, it can cause the cable to go slack momentarily and jump off the drum. The door then becomes unbalanced.

4. Misaligned Drum

If the drum has shifted on its shaft, the cable won't track properly. This often happens after DIY repairs or if mounting bolts loosen.

5. Manual Operation Error

Pulling the emergency release and lifting/lowering the door too quickly can cause the cable to jump. Always move the door slowly when disconnected from opener.

6. Bottom Bracket Failure

If the bottom bracket where the cable attaches breaks, the cable can whip up and come off the drum. This is often caused by corrosion.

How to Identify the Problem

Before calling for repair, here's how to identify what happened (observe from a safe distance):

Signs of a Broken Spring

  • You heard a loud bang (like a gunshot) from the garage
  • There's a visible gap in the torsion spring above the door
  • The door feels extremely heavy if you try to lift it manually
  • Both cables are slack or one side is lower than the other

Signs of Cable-Only Issue

  • No loud noise occurred—cable just came off
  • Spring appears intact (no gap)
  • Only one cable is off the drum
  • Door was hit by something or manually operated before the issue

Signs of Drum Problem

  • Cable keeps coming off even after repair
  • Drum appears tilted or loose
  • Cable grooves on drum are worn smooth

Repair Costs in Toronto (2025)

Repair Type Parts Total Cost
Cable rewinding only (cable intact) $0 $150-$180
Cable replacement (one side) $30-$50 $180-$220
Both cables replacement $50-$80 $200-$300
Spring + cable (single spring) $80-$120 $240-$320
Spring + cable (double spring) $120-$180 $350-$450
Drum replacement (if damaged) $40-$60 $180-$250

All prices include labor. Emergency same-day service available at no extra charge in Toronto & GTA.

What Happens During Repair

Here's what a professional technician will do to fix a cable off the drum:

  1. Safety assessment - Inspect door position, spring condition, and secure the door from falling
  2. Release spring tension - Using specialized winding bars, unwind the torsion spring to make cables safe to handle
  3. Inspect all components - Check cable condition, drum grooves, bottom brackets, and springs for damage
  4. Replace damaged parts - If cables are frayed or spring is broken, install new components
  5. Rewind cable on drum - Carefully wind the cable back into the drum grooves
  6. Wind spring tension - Apply proper tension to balance the door weight
  7. Balance test - Test door at multiple positions to ensure proper balance
  8. Safety test - Verify auto-reverse and sensor functions if opener is connected

Time required: 45-90 minutes depending on complexity and whether springs need replacement.

Preventing Future Cable Issues

  • Annual maintenance: Have springs and cables inspected yearly ($100-$120)
  • Replace cables with springs: When replacing springs, replace cables too—they wear together
  • Watch for fraying: If you see loose strands on cables, schedule replacement soon
  • Proper manual operation: If using emergency release, move door slowly and steadily
  • Clear obstructions: Keep the door path clear to prevent impact damage
  • Lubricate drums: Apply light oil to drum shafts during annual maintenance

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my garage door cable come off the drum?
The most common cause is a broken spring. When a spring breaks, the cable goes slack and jumps off the drum. Other causes include worn or frayed cables, misaligned drums, hitting an obstruction while closing, or manually lifting/lowering the door too quickly.
Can I fix a cable off the drum myself?
We strongly advise against DIY cable repair. The cables are under extreme tension (hundreds of pounds of force) and can cause serious injury if they snap. The springs also need to be unwound to properly repair cables, which is dangerous without proper tools and training.
How much does it cost to fix a garage door cable off the drum in Toronto?
In Toronto, cable repair typically costs $150-$220 if only the cable needs rewinding. If the cable is damaged and needs replacement, expect $180-$300. If a broken spring caused the issue, total repair (spring + cable) runs $280-$450.
Is it safe to use my garage door with the cable off?
No, absolutely not. A door with a cable off can fall unexpectedly, causing property damage or serious injury. The door is unbalanced and may not stop if it starts falling. Do not attempt to open or close the door until it's repaired.
MT

Michael Thompson

IDEA Certified Garage Door Technician. 15+ years repairing cable and spring issues across Toronto & GTA.