Springs and Replacements

Springs - Most doors have two springs which provide counter balance to the weight gravity and of the door its self. Springs typically last 10,000 cycles (open and close) and like most items, will gradually weaken over time. Weakened or broken springs will put the door out of balance, which puts additional stress on your opener. As old springs become stretched out, your door will become heavier and need an adjustment. An unbalanced door will cause extra wear and tear on the opener.

Broken springs - Weakener or older springs can break. You may not always be aware when a spring is broken, but a tell tale sign of damage is when the garage door won't open, which many people automatically blame the opener. Pop the emergency release cord only when the door is completely closed, and if you can't open the door, neither can the opener.

Replacing springs - If you have a two-spring system and one of the springs breaks, replace them both, because it will usually be just a short amount of time before the other breaks as well. Both springs are on the same torsion tube, so it makes sense that when one spring reaches the end of its useful life that the other spring is on borrowed time. Service costs are cheaper to replace both springs rather than each spring individually as well.