In the world of home improvement, your garage door is one of the most frequently used and often underappreciated features. When it stops working smoothly, one of the most common culprits is a damaged garage door spring—specifically, the torsion spring. These tightly wound components are essential to balancing the door’s weight, and when they fail, it’s not just an inconvenience—it can become a safety hazard.
This blog covers the key warning signs of failing garage door springs, why ignoring them could lead to costly repairs or injury, and why it’s essential to call in a trusted garage door service professional to safely and effectively replace them.
1. Your Garage Door Feels Heavy or Stops Midway
If you notice your door is suddenly harder to lift or your garage door opener struggles to do its job, the torsion system may be compromised. A properly working torsion spring reduces the effective weight of your door, allowing the opener—or your arm—to lift it with ease.
If a spring is damaged, your opener may continue trying to lift the door, burning out its circuit breaker or causing expensive motor damage.
2. Jerky, Uneven Movement or a Crooked Door
When a torsion system becomes unbalanced or when a set screw on the spring loosens, the door may start to open unevenly. A crooked garage door or jerky motion can cause extra wear on rollers and cables, increasing overall maintenance costs. In many cases, the door may come off track altogether, which can damage both the door and the surrounding frame.
Professionals use specialized tools like winding bars, a ladder, and a torque wrench to rebalance or replace garage door springs without damaging the steel hardware or causing personal injury.
3. Loud Noises or a Sudden Bang
Have you ever heard a loud bang from the garage without anyone opening the door? That’s likely the sound of a garage door torsion spring snapping. When under tension, these springs store massive energy—when they break, it’s sudden and loud. A broken spring can also cause the door to slam shut or make popping or squeaking noises during operation.
If you hear grinding sounds or repeated clicking, that could indicate a loose screw, warped wire, or misaligned cones in the torsion system.
4. Visual Signs of Spring Damage
Inspecting your garage door components might reveal a stretched or gapped torsion spring, rusty or frayed wire, or a cracked cone. In some cases, you might even see a spring completely detached from its mount. These are clear signs the spring is no longer functional and needs replacement.
If your spring is visibly worn or separated, attempting to repair it yourself with a drill or makeshift tool could result in significant injury. Always consult a professional.
5. The Door Closes Too Fast or Slams
Garage doors should move in a smooth, controlled manner. If your door drops quickly or slams closed, the spring is no longer counteracting the weight of the door. This is not only dangerous for people and pets—it could also damage the bottom seal, leading to further repair needs or even affecting your garage door insulation.
Why You Should Never DIY a Spring Replacement
In the garage door industry, replacing a torsion spring is considered one of the most dangerous repairs. Even with the right tools, there’s a significant risk of injury without proper training. A mistake with tensioning the spring or tightening the set screw can result in snapped parts, damaged components, or worse.
Many professional installers also offer a warranty and liability insurance—things you won’t get with a DIY job. Attempting a replacement without proper protection could void any existing warranty and drive up costs in the long run.
What to Expect from Professional Service
A licensed technician from Lion Heart Garage Doors will arrive with the correct tools, parts, and safety gear (including a work truck fully stocked with everything needed for on-site repairs). Our team follows manufacturer standards for winding the spring, securing screws, aligning cones, and testing the garage door opener system.
We also compare spring tension and performance against manufacturer specs to ensure long-term reliability. Every spring replacement includes professional balancing, alignment checks, and a full system safety inspection—because quality matters.
Exceptional Customer Service from Start to Finish
At Lion Heart Garage Doors, we don’t just fix springs—we deliver peace of mind. Our expert technicians provide honest evaluations, transparent pricing, and responsive customer service. Whether you need emergency repairs or routine maintenance, we’re here to help every step of the way.
Don’t Wait—Replace Your Garage Door Spring Today
If your garage door is making noise, opening unevenly, or suddenly feels too heavy, don’t ignore the warning signs. Compare the risks and costs of DIY with the safety and assurance of professional service.
Contact Lion Heart Garage Doors today to schedule your garage door spring replacement and restore your peace of mind. Our team is trained, equipped, and ready to get your door working safely and smoothly again—backed by warranty and a commitment to excellent customer care.
