# How to Tell if Your Garage Door Spring is Broken

**By Jennifer Oden** · 2025-09-04

Is your garage door heavy, crooked, or refusing to open? It might not be your opener - it could be a **broken garage door spring**. Your springs carry the weight of the door, and when one fails, the whole system is out of balance.

In this guide (and video below), we’ll show you the **clear signs of a broken spring** - whether you have torsion springs, extension springs, or a Wayne Dalton TorqueMaster system.

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## Common Symptoms of a Broken Garage Door Spring

-   **Door won’t open** – Opener makes noise but door doesn’t lift.
-   **Heavy or crooked door** – Feels unbalanced and won’t stay open.
-   **Loose or dangling cables** – Side cables lose tension when springs break.
-   **Loud bang in the garage** – Springs can snap with a gunshot-like sound.
-   **Door slams shut** – A broken spring removes counterbalance weight.

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## How to Check Different Types of Springs

### Torsion Springs

-   Located above the garage door on a shaft.
-   If the spring is **separated in the middle**, it’s broken.
-   Loose cables at the sides are another clear indicator.

### Extension Springs

-   Mounted along the sides of the garage door.
-   If the spring is **broken at the middle or ends**, it must be replaced.
-   Without safety cables, broken springs may hang dangerously.

### Wayne Dalton TorqueMaster Springs

-   Enclosed inside a metal tube above the door.
-   A broken spring makes the **door extremely heavy** and hard to lift.
-   Loose side cables often confirm the failure.

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## Why You Shouldn’t Operate a Door With a Broken Spring

-   Can **damage your opener motor, gears, or belt/chain**.
-   Causes **excess strain on hardware** and door parts.
-   Risk of the **door crashing down suddenly**, which is dangerous.

**⚠️ Important:** The opener is designed to guide the door, not lift the full weight. Springs do the heavy lifting. Operating without them is unsafe.

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## Watch the Full Video Tutorial

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## When to Call a Professional vs. DIY

-   **Call a pro:** If you’re unsure, uncomfortable with tools, or working with torsion/torquemaster springs under high tension.
-   **DIY possible:** If you have the right tools, follow detailed instructions, and are comfortable with basic garage door repairs.

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## Shop Replacement Springs

If you’ve confirmed a broken spring, you’ll need a replacement before safely operating your door again.

👉 [Shop Garage Door Springs Here](https://www.expressgaragedoors.com/collections/garage-door-springs "Shop replacement garage door springs from Express Garage Doors")

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## FAQs About Broken Garage Door Springs

**Q: How long do garage door springs last?**  
A: Most springs last 7–10 years or 10,000 cycles. High-cycle springs can last longer.

**Q: Can I open my garage door with a broken spring?**  
A: It’s not recommended. The opener may lift the door temporarily, but it puts extreme strain on the motor and hardware and can cause more damage.

**Q: What’s more likely to fail, cables or springs?**  
A: Springs. Broken cables happen, but if your cables are loose, it’s usually because the spring has failed.

**Q: Can I replace just one spring?**  
A: If your system uses a pair, it’s best to replace both at the same time for even wear and balance.

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## Final Thoughts

Recognizing the signs of a broken garage door spring can save you time, money, and prevent accidents. Don’t force your opener to lift a heavy, unbalanced door - check your springs first.

👉 [Order Garage Door Springs from Express Garage Doors](https://www.expressgaragedoors.com/collections/garage-door-springs "Order garage door springs online at Express Garage Doors")

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> Source: [Express Garage Doors](https://www.expressgaragedoors.com/blogs/news/how-to-tell-if-your-garage-door-spring-is-broken)