Should both garage door springs be replaced?

Author: Trever O'Keefe  |  Last update: Friday, June 19, 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 you replace both garage door springs 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.

Should both coil springs be replaced in pairs?

*It's recommended to replace coil springs in pairs. Over time coil springs weaken, so if you replace only one spring, the left and right springs will respond differently to the road and the left and ride sides may have a different ride height.

Does my garage door need 1 or 2 springs?

A garage door typically has one to four springs, depending on the size and weight. For example, residential single-car garages are often single-spring garage doors and residential two-car garages are often dual-spring garage doors. But a commercial garage door with many panels might need up to four.

How much does it typically cost to replace a garage door spring?

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

What is the life expectancy of a garage door spring?

Standard manufacturer garage door springs have an average lifecycle of about 10,000 cycles, equivalent to approximately 48 months when used daily. Oil-tempered garage door springs show improved endurance, lasting for about 15,000 cycles, which translates roughly to a 10-year lifespan with regular use.

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.

How long does it take to replace 2 garage door springs?

The time it takes to replace a garage door spring depends on factors such as the type of spring, accessibility, and the skill level of the person performing the replacement. On average, a professional technician can complete the replacement in about one to two hours.

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.

Why does my double garage door only have 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.

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.

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.

Is replacing a coil spring a big job?

Front coil spring replacements can take between one to three hours. Rear coil spring replacements are shorter and usually take between one to two hours.

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 to tell if garage door springs need to be replaced?

How Do You Know Your Spring Is Broken
  1. The garage door is uneven when opening and closing.
  2. The garage door makes strange sounds when opening and closing.
  3. The garage door takes longer to open and close.
  4. The garage door won't open.

Should both garage door torsion springs be the same size?

In 75% of cases, you'll want both springs to be the same dimensions; that way, they both wear out evenly and can then be replaced at the same time.

How much does it cost to replace a broken garage door spring?

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.

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.

What breaks garage door springs?

A Broken Garage Door Spring
  • Excessive tension on the spring. ...
  • Worn-out springs. ...
  • Corrosion. ...
  • Sudden impact or force. ...
  • Improper installation may also be a factor when it comes to spring breakage. ...
  • Door Jams – From time to time dirt, grime and debris can accumulate within the track of the door. ...
  • Extreme temperature changes.

Is it hard to replace garage door springs yourself?

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.

Is it better to have one or two springs on garage door?

Improperly balanced springs can cause damage to your garage door or even cause serious injury. Be sure to replace both springs, not just one, if they are broken. This will keep your springs balanced and your garage door running smoothly, increasing the lifespan of your door.

What is the life of a garage door spring?

Many modern garage doors use a torsion spring, lasting about 10,000 open and closing cycles. So, if you use your garage door three times a day, your springs will last about 10 years. Usage is not the only element affecting your springs' life span.

Why does my garage door only have one torsion spring?

A lightweight single door can usually be supported by one torsion spring. A heavyweight single door may need two torsion springs and double-wide doors need two torsion springs.

Are garage door springs universal?

How To Choose The Right Torsion Spring. Garage door torsion springs aren't one-size-fits-all products.

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