Diagnosing Your Uneven Door
First, identify how your door is uneven to narrow down the cause:
How Is Your Door Uneven?
Level (Normal)
Left Side Low
Right Side Low
Common Causes & Repairs
Cable Off Drum or Broken
The most common cause of an uneven door. When a cable comes off its drum or breaks, that side of the door loses its lifting support and drops lower than the other side.
Signs:
Visible cable hanging loose, door severely tilted, cable tangled around drum, loud snap sound when it happened
Repair Cost:
$150 - $220Includes cable and labor
Uneven Spring Tension
In a two-spring system, one spring may have weakened or broken. This creates uneven lifting force, causing the door to tilt during operation. Even a small tension difference causes visible tilting.
Signs:
Door crooked when partially open, one spring looks stretched or has a gap, door feels heavier on one side manually
Repair Cost:
$280 - $400Replace both springs
Worn Rollers
When rollers on one side are more worn than the other, that side moves with more friction, causing drag and tilting. Rollers with worn bearings or flat spots cause uneven movement.
Signs:
Squeaking or grinding on one side, visible wear on roller wheels, door wobbles during travel
Repair Cost:
$120 - $200Replace all rollers
Track Misalignment
Tracks that are bent, have loose brackets, or are not plumb can cause the door to tilt. Impact from vehicles or settling of the garage structure can knock tracks out of alignment.
Signs:
Visible gap between roller and track, rubbing or scraping sounds, door binding at certain points
Repair Cost:
$100 - $200Realignment service
Loose Hardware
Hinges, brackets, and track hardware loosen over time from vibration. Loose hardware on one side can allow that side to sag or move differently than the other.
Signs:
Visible loose bolts, rattling during operation, hardware has shifted position
Repair Cost:
$80 - $150DIY possible for some
Repair Costs Summary
| Problem | Cost (Toronto) | Time | DIY? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cable repair/replacement | $150 - $220 | 30-60 min | No - Dangerous |
| Spring adjustment | $100 - $150 | 30 min | No - Dangerous |
| Spring replacement (pair) | $280 - $400 | 45-90 min | No - Dangerous |
| Roller replacement (all) | $120 - $200 | 30-45 min | Maybe - Caution |
| Track realignment | $100 - $200 | 30-60 min | Maybe - Caution |
| Hardware tightening | $80 - $120 | 15-30 min | Yes - Safe |
DIY vs Professional Repair
Some uneven door fixes are safe for homeowners, while others require professional service:
✓ Safe for DIY
- Tightening loose hinges and brackets
- Lubricating rollers and tracks
- Replacing worn rollers (with door secured)
- Minor track adjustments
- Visual inspection of cables and springs
⚠️ Professional Only
- Any cable repair or replacement
- Spring tension adjustment
- Spring replacement
- Cable drum adjustment
- Bottom bracket repairs
⚠️ Critical Safety Warning
Garage door springs and cables are under extreme tension - enough to cause serious injury or death. Torsion springs contain the energy equivalent of a car at highway speed. Never attempt to adjust, remove, or work near these components without professional training and proper tools. If your door is severely uneven, do not operate it - call a professional.
Temporary Safety Measures
If your door is uneven and you're waiting for repair:
- Don't operate the door - An uneven door puts extreme stress on remaining components
- Secure the door - If partially open, prop it with 2x4s or clamps to prevent sudden movement
- Disconnect the opener - Pull the emergency release to prevent accidental operation
- Lock the door - Use manual locks if available, as an uneven door may not seal properly
- Keep people and pets away - An uneven door can fall suddenly if another cable breaks
Preventing Uneven Door Problems
Regular maintenance helps prevent doors from becoming uneven:
- Annual tune-up - Professional inspection catches wear before it causes problems
- Monthly visual checks - Look at cables, springs, and hardware for wear
- Lubricate quarterly - Keeps rollers moving smoothly on both sides
- Balance test - Disconnect opener and check if door stays in place at mid-height
- Replace springs in pairs - When one fails, the other is usually close behind
- Watch for warning signs - Squeaking, slow operation, or slight tilting indicates developing problems
Frequently Asked Questions
An uneven garage door is usually caused by: a broken or stretched cable on one side, uneven spring tension (one spring weaker than the other), worn rollers causing drag, bent or misaligned tracks, or loose hardware. The most common cause is a cable that has come off the drum or is frayed on one side.
In Toronto, fixing an uneven garage door costs $150-$400 depending on the cause. Cable repair: $150-$220. Spring adjustment/replacement: $160-$400. Track realignment: $100-$200. Roller replacement: $120-$200. If the door itself is warped, panel replacement or new door may be needed ($400-$2,500+).
Some causes are DIY-fixable: tightening loose hardware, replacing worn rollers, and lubricating moving parts. However, cable and spring repairs are dangerous and should only be done by professionals. Torsion springs are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury if handled incorrectly.
Yes, an uneven door can be dangerous. It puts extra stress on cables, springs, and hardware, leading to premature failure. A severely uneven door may fall suddenly if a cable snaps. It also creates gaps that compromise security and weather sealing. Get uneven doors inspected promptly.
A door that hangs crooked when open usually indicates uneven spring tension. In a two-spring setup, one spring may be weaker or broken. In a single-spring setup, the cable drums may be out of sync. This requires professional adjustment to rebalance the spring system.
Uneven Garage Door?
Don't risk further damage. Our Toronto technicians diagnose and fix uneven doors same-day. Book online.
📞 437-265-9995