Do you have to replace both springs on a garage door?

Author: Mr. Ryley Rodriguez  |  Last update: Tuesday, July 7, 2026

Make sure you always replace both springs when they snap, regardless of which side snapped first. A broken spring without a repaired or replaced second spring can be problematic – as the garage door will now be subject to extra pressure on only one side.

Should both garage door springs be replaced at the same time?

Replacing both springs at the same time offers a significant benefit. It reduces the risk of one spring failing shortly after the replacement, saving you from having to repeat the entire repair process. This eliminates the potential disruptions and time-consuming task of scheduling another repair appointment.

Can a garage door have only one spring?

Many manufacturers have cut costs by using a single spring on a double-wide 16' steel garage door. If the spring breaks near the stationary cone, a large portion of the spring spins loose with the winding cone secured to the shaft.

Do both springs need to be replaced?

No. In particular if you drive on rough roads and the one that failed is on the non driver side of the car you might be replacing a spring that has seen more than its fair share of abuse. But, given the fairly trivial cost of the spring itself in context this would seem to be a false economy.

How much should it cost to replace the spring on a garage door?

Expect to spend $120–$350 to replace your garage door spring, including material costs and professional installation. While these heavy-duty springs are built to last, they'll eventually need replacement due to wear and tear. Garage door spring replacement isn't your average DIY project, either.

How to Safely Replace Garage Door Springs & Save Hundreds

Can I replace a garage door spring myself?

Replacing a garage door spring yourself isn't impossible, but it does require special knowledge about the springs and how a garage door works.

What is the lifespan of a garage door spring?

When properly installed, your springs can last approximately 10,000 cycles. One cycle includes both the opening and closing of the door. Technically speaking, your springs should last between 7 to 10 years. However, this depends on how often you use your garage door.

What happens if you only replace one coil spring?

Failure to do so can result in: Uneven ride height. Increased tyre wear. Less responsive steering.

Does changing springs affect alignment?

It is advisable to get the wheel alignment checked after any suspension component replacement especially on the front of a vehicle when a Ball Joint / suspension arm / Track rod has been replaced . Spring replacement may alter the vehicles alignment or “ Tracking" .

Should I replace one or both leaf springs?

Age and use takes its toll. So we recommend that both sides be replaced at the same time.

Do I need 2 springs on my garage door?

Even when installed at the same time one spring can outlast another spring by months even years. A torsion spring system can work just fine with one new spring and one old spring. Your professional installer can make the necessary adjustments so your door is balanced and runs smoothly.

Can I use my garage door if one spring is broken?

PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION AND REPAIR IS RECOMMENDED. Garage doors with broken springs should not be opened. Doors in this condition can be difficult to lift because the garage door opener loses the support springs provide in lifting and lowering the door.

How long does it take to replace garage door springs?

Replacing garage door springs takes 30 minutes to 1 hour. New garage door springs last 7 to 14 years, or between 10,000 and 20,000 up-and-down cycles. It is important to hire a professional to help, because changing a garage door spring can be dangerous.

How to tell if garage door springs need to be replaced?

Visible Wear and Tear on Springs

Routine inspections of your garage door torsion springs can identify signs of wear and tear. If you notice any visible damage like cracks, gaps, or rust on the springs, this is a good indication that they should be replaced right away.

Can you manually open a garage door with a broken spring?

It is clear that opening a garage door with a broken spring, whether manually or using the opener, is dangerous and potentially damaging to the door and the opener and can incur additional costs. The safety risks involved cannot be overstated.

How often do you need to lubricate garage door springs?

In general, all moving parts (i.e. garage door springs, rollers, hinges etc.) will need lubrication often – every three months or possibly more with heavy use or in some climates. The rails of your garage doors may need lubrication once a year but generally do not require much maintenance.

How much does an alignment cost?

The number of wheels

A front-end alignment (or two wheel alignment), which involves only the front two wheels, typically costs anywhere from $50 to $75. While a four wheel alignment costs more, usually $100 to $168.

Do suspension springs sag over time?

All springs sag with age.

What affects alignment the most?

Misalignment can be caused by the driver, the road, or the worn components in the vehicle. Here are the top three reasons your vehicle may fall out of alignment: Sudden disturbance or impact from hitting something such as a pothole, bumping into a curb, going too fast over a speed bump, or an accident.

Do I need to replace both springs?

Make sure you always replace both springs when they snap, regardless of which side snapped first. A broken spring without a repaired or replaced second spring can be problematic – as the garage door will now be subject to extra pressure on only one side.

Should I replace all coils if one is bad?

Replacing all for the coils at a time will save a comeback. This is why some ignition coil manufacturers package coils in sets. Speaking of a balanced approach, If you are replacing the coils, consider the sparks plugs. Spark plugs typically wear at the same rate.

How can you tell if a coil spring is bad?

Here are 8 key warning signs that your coil springs may need to be replaced:
  1. Sagging or Uneven Ride Height. ...
  2. Leaning to One Side. ...
  3. Excessive Bouncing or Vehicle Bottoming Out. ...
  4. Increased Stopping Distance. ...
  5. Poor Handling. ...
  6. Suspension Noise. ...
  7. Visible Damage. ...
  8. Uneven Tire Wear.

What's the average cost to replace a spring on a garage door?

One of the most common garage door services is garage door spring repair. According to Angi, garage door spring replacement can cost between $150 and $350, including materials and labor. If additional repairs are required, you may spend up to $500. A double door generally costs an extra $15 to $30 per spring.

Is replacing a garage door spring easy?

If your garage door has a broken garage door spring, it is reasonably straightforward to replace if you are an experienced DIY enthusiast. The caveat is that you must be extremely careful when carrying out this procedure, as not following the correct safety measures can be dangerous.

How many times do you tighten a garage door spring?

Torsion springs should be wound four quarter turns per foot of door height, plus an extra two turns. Once you're done winding your springs, keep a winding rod resting on the garage door header and tighten the set screws on the spring with a socket wrench.

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