Garage Door Spring Repair vs Replacement: Which Do You Need?

When your garage door isn't working right, you're probably wondering if you can save money with a repair versus spending more on replacement. Here's the honest answer: it depends on the specific problem. Some issues can be fixed cheaply; others require new springs no matter what. This guide helps you understand which situation you're in.

When Repair/Adjustment Is Possible

Not every spring problem requires a complete replacement. Start with our door balance test to check your springs. Here are situations where repair or adjustment may be sufficient:

When Replacement Is Necessary

Some problems simply can't be fixed. In these cases, replacement is your only option:

Spring Types and Repair Differences

The type of spring you have affects both repair options and costs. Understanding your spring type helps you make better decisions.

Torsion Springs (Above the Door)

Torsion springs mount horizontally above the garage door on a metal shaft. They're the most common type in modern installations and generally last longer than extension springs.

• Repair potential: Tension can be adjusted, lubrication helps, but replacement is more straightforward
• Replacement cost: $160-$280 for single spring, $280-$400 for both
• DIY difficulty: Extremely dangerous - high tension requires professional tools and training
• Lifespan: 7-10 years for standard, 15-20+ years for high-cycle

Extension Springs (Along the Tracks)

Extension springs run parallel to the horizontal tracks on each side of the door. They stretch to lift the door and are found in older installations or budget systems.

• Repair potential: Limited - usually replacement is needed for any significant issue
• Replacement cost: $100-$180 for the pair (always replace both)
• DIY difficulty: Still dangerous, but marginally less than torsion springs
• Lifespan: 5-7 years typically, shorter than torsion

TorqueMaster Springs (Wayne Dalton)

TorqueMaster springs are enclosed in a tube above the door. They're proprietary to Wayne Dalton and have unique repair considerations.

• Repair potential: Very limited - the enclosed design prevents most adjustments
• Replacement cost: $300-$400, or $400-$500 to convert to standard torsion
• DIY difficulty: Most dangerous - hidden tension, specialized tools required
• Lifespan: 5-7 years (shorter than standard torsion due to design issues)

Cost Comparison

Service	Cost Range	When Appropriate
Tension Adjustment	$80 - $120	Spring intact, door imbalanced
Lubrication/Maintenance	$100 - $120	Squeaking, preventive care
Rust Treatment	$100 - $150	Light surface rust only
Single Spring Replacement	$160 - $220	One spring broken or worn
Both Springs Replacement	$280 - $400	Both springs worn (recommended)
High-Cycle Spring Upgrade	$350 - $500	Want 15-20+ year lifespan

Replace One Spring or Both?

If one spring broke but the other looks fine, should you replace both? Yes, almost always. Here's why:

• Both springs experience the same cycles - if one failed, the other is close behind
• Mismatched springs (new + old) cause uneven wear and poor balance
• You save on the service call fee by doing both at once
• New springs are properly matched and balanced together

The only exception: if one spring was replaced recently (within 1-2 years) and failed due to defect or damage, not normal wear.

DIY Repair Risks

You may find YouTube videos suggesting garage door spring repair is a DIY job. Here's why professional technicians strongly advise against it:

What "Repair" Requires

Even simple tension adjustment requires:

• Proper winding bars: Using screwdrivers or other substitutes causes most injuries
• Spring calculation knowledge: Wrong tension damages the door and opener
• Safety protocols: Securing the door, releasing tension correctly, verifying balance
• Physical strength: Winding springs requires significant controlled force

Getting Value from Your Service Call

Whether you're getting repair or replacement, here's how to maximize the value of your technician visit:

Before the Service Call

• Note the symptoms: When did the problem start? Does it happen every time?
• Know your door's age: Check any documentation for installation date
• Clear the garage: Give the technician easy access
• Secure pets: Keep dogs and cats away from the work area

During the Visit

• Ask about spring condition: If getting other repairs, have them inspect springs
• Request a full balance test: This reveals problems before they cause failure
• Get maintenance tips: Ask what you can safely do to extend spring life
• Ask about upgrades: High-cycle springs may cost little more

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a broken garage door spring be repaired?

No, a broken spring cannot be repaired - it must be replaced. Once a spring snaps, it's structurally compromised. However, springs showing early warning signs (minor rust, slight imbalance) can sometimes be adjusted or treated to extend life. True repair is only possible for issues like tension adjustment, lubrication needs, or minor hardware problems.

When can a spring be adjusted instead of replaced?

Springs can be adjusted (re-tensioned) when: the door is hard to lift but the spring is intact, the door rises too fast or won't stay down, or after a new door installation. Adjustment costs $80-$120 and is appropriate when the spring is less than 5 years old and shows no signs of wear, rust, or stretching.

How much does spring replacement cost vs repair?

Spring adjustment/repair: $80-$150. Single spring replacement: $160-$220. Both springs replaced: $280-$400. Repair is only possible for minor issues - any visible damage, rust, gaps, or stretching means replacement is necessary. The cost difference is small enough that replacement often makes more sense for springs over 5 years old.

Should I replace one spring or both?

If one spring broke after 5+ years, replace both. Both springs experience the same wear, so if one failed, the other is close behind. Mismatched springs cause uneven operation. The only exception is if one spring was replaced recently (within 1-2 years) and failed due to a defect.

Is DIY spring repair safe?

No, DIY spring repair is extremely dangerous. Garage door springs store enough energy to lift 200-400 pounds and can cause severe injuries if they slip. Emergency rooms treat hundreds of spring-related injuries annually. The $80-$150 saved on a service call is not worth the risk of broken bones, lacerations, or worse.

How do I know if my spring needs repair or replacement?

Repair is possible when: springs are intact but door is imbalanced, you hear squeaking (needs lubrication), or there's light surface rust. Replacement is needed when: spring is broken, there are visible gaps in coils, deep rust or pitting exists, or springs are over 7 years old.

What's the difference between torsion and extension spring repair?

Torsion springs (above the door) can sometimes be adjusted for tension issues and have better repair potential. Extension springs (along the tracks) have limited repair options and usually require replacement for any significant issue. Extension springs also have shorter lifespans (5-7 years vs 7-10 years for torsion).