Don't get stuck in your garage. Learn the warning signs of a failing torsion spring and how to test your door's balance safely.
Your garage door spring is the hardest working part of your home’s exterior. It lifts 90% of the door’s weight (often 150-300 lbs) multiple times a day. Like any metal component under high tension, it has a finite lifespan—usually 10,000 cycles for standard springs.
Here are the 5 warning signs that your spring is reaching the end of its life:
1. The Door Feels Heavy
If you pull the emergency release cord and try to lift the door manually, it should feel relatively light (about 10-15 lbs). If it feels like you’re lifting a dead weight, your spring has lost its tension and is on the verge of failure.
Safety Warning: If the door is extremely heavy, DO NOT try to force it open. You could injure your back or cause the door to crash down.
2. You Hear a Loud “Bang”
Many homeowners report hearing a noise like a gunshot or a firecracker going off in the garage. This is the sound of the spring coil snapping. If you hear this, go check your spring (located above the door header). If you see a visible gap in the coils, do not operate the opener.
3. The Door Opens a Few Inches and Stops
Most modern openers have a force safety setting. If the spring is broken, the motor detects the excessive weight and shuts off to prevent burning out the gear system.
4. Cables appear Loose
When a spring breaks, the tension on the cables is released instantly. You might see cables hanging loosely or even completely off the drums.
5. Corroded or Rusty Coils
Rust increases friction and weakens the steel coil structure. In New Jersey, where humidity and road salts are common, rust is a major killer of springs.
What To Do?
If you suspect your spring is broken:
- Do not use the opener. You will strip the plastic gears.
- Do not disconnect the door unless it is in the fully closed position.
- Call a professional. Spring replacement is dangerous and requires specialized winding bars.
Need a Safety Check? Ez2Fix offers a 21-point safety inspection to catch these issues before they trap your car.
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