Springs

How to Tell if Your Wayne Dalton TorqueMaster Spring is Broken

September 04, 2025 2 min read

How to Tell if Your Wayne Dalton TorqueMaster Spring is Broken

Is your Wayne Dalton garage door suddenly heavy, stuck, or not opening? You might have a broken TorqueMaster spring. This spring system hides inside a metal tube above your door, so spotting the signs isn’t always obvious.

In this guide (and video below), we’ll show you the top signs of a broken TorqueMaster spring-from a heavy door to loose cables-and a quick test you can do at home.


Common Signs of a Broken TorqueMaster Spring

  • Heavy door: A working spring should let you lift the door with one hand. If it feels extremely heavy, the spring may be broken.
  • Opener struggles: The motor runs but the door barely moves-or strains hard to lift it.
  • Loose cables: Side cables should feel like a snug guitar string. If they’re slack, a spring has likely failed.
  • Rotating tube: If the spring tube spins freely, it’s a sure sign of a break.
  • Loud bang: Like other garage door springs, TorqueMaster springs can snap loudly when they break.

Quick At-Home Tests

  1. Disconnect the opener. Pull the red release rope and try to lift the door by hand.
  2.  Check the weight. If it’s extremely heavy, the spring isn’t doing its job.
  3. Inspect cable tension. Loose or sagging cables point to a broken spring.
  4. Rotate the tube. If it spins freely, one or both springs are broken inside.

⚠️ Do not operate your opener if you suspect a broken spring. Running the door can damage the opener, top section, or operator bracket.


Watch the Full Video Tutorial


When to Replace TorqueMaster Springs

  • If one spring breaks, replace both. The other is usually close to failing.
  • Order springs by your door’s height and weight for the correct match.
  • We offer same-day shipping with overnight options available.

👉 Shop TorqueMaster Springs Here


FAQs About TorqueMaster Springs

Q: Why does my garage door feel so heavy?
A: If your TorqueMaster springs are broken, the door loses its counterbalance and becomes extremely heavy to lift.

Q: Can I still open my garage door with a broken TorqueMaster spring?
A: It’s not recommended. Using the opener can strip gears, burn out the motor, or damage the top section of the door.

Q: How do I confirm which TorqueMaster spring is broken?
A: Try winding each side with a ratchet as shown in installation guides. If no tension builds, that spring is broken inside the tube.

Q: Should I replace one spring or both?
A: Always replace both if your system uses a pair. This keeps the door balanced and avoids a second failure soon after.


Final Thoughts

Wayne Dalton TorqueMaster springs are designed to safely counterbalance your door, but they do wear out over time. If your door is suddenly heavy, crooked, or your cables are slack, chances are the spring is broken. Don’t risk damaging your opener-replace the springs promptly.

👉 Order Wayne Dalton TorqueMaster Springs from Express Garage Doors


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