How to Tell if Your Garage Door Spring is Broken

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.

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.

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.

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.

Watch the Full Video Tutorial

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.

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

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.

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