Garage door spring replacement cost runs about $150 to $350 for a single torsion spring, or $250 to $540 for both, which most technicians recommend on a two-spring door. Extension springs cost less, typically $80 to $200 each. Spring failure is the single most common reason homeowners call a garage door repair service, and where you land on price depends on spring type, door size, and whether you need same-day service.
Call a licensed local pro now for a fast quote.
If your spring already broke, don't try to work around it. A broken spring shifts the door's full weight onto the opener and cables, neither of which is built to carry it alone.
Garage Door Spring Replacement Cost at a Glance
| Job | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Single torsion spring | $150-$350 |
| Both torsion springs | $250-$540 |
| Single extension spring | $80-$200 |
| Both extension springs | $150-$350 |
| Same-day or after-hours add-on | +$75-$150 on top of the standard quote |
| Spring plus cable/roller bundle (found during the same visit) | $300-$650 |
These figures cover parts and labor for a standard door. Oversized or custom doors cost more.
What Affects Garage Door Spring Replacement Cost
Spring Type and Quality
Torsion springs mount on a shaft above the door, cost more per spring, and are standard on newer doors. Extension springs run along the side tracks, cost less, and need a safety cable threaded through them; without one, a failed spring can whip loose with force. Oil-tempered wire also outlasts basic galvanized wire for a small price difference.
Door Size and Number of Springs
A single-car door up to 9 feet wide usually needs one or two standard springs. A 16-foot double door needs springs rated for more weight, adding $50 to $100 per spring, and homes with two separate garage doors double the parts cost.
Labor Rates and Service Call Fees
Some companies quote a flat price; others bill hourly, commonly $40 to $110, plus a trip fee often waived once you approve the repair. Ask upfront if the quote already includes it.
Emergency or Same-Day Service
A door that won't open on a Saturday night costs $75 to $150 more than the same job scheduled on a weekday. That premium pays for after-hours dispatch, not different parts.
Your Location
Labor costs more in major metros than in smaller towns, and older homes with nonstandard door sizes sometimes need custom-length springs that cost more than off-the-shelf ones.
Signs You Need a Garage Door Spring Replacement Now
Two or more of these usually mean a broken or failing spring:
- A loud bang or crack came from the garage, the most common sign a torsion spring let go
- The door won't lift at all, or the opener strains and reverses partway up
- The door rises crooked, with one side higher than the other
- The door feels much heavier than usual when lifted by hand with the opener disconnected
- You can see a visible gap in the spring's coil
- Cables near the bottom brackets look loose or frayed, since cables and springs wear at a similar rate
DIY vs. Professional Spring Replacement: The Real Cost and Risk
A torsion spring itself might cost $20 to $60 at a hardware store, which makes this look like a cheap weekend fix. The math changes once you weigh what you're trading:
| Approach | What's Included | Typical Total Cost | Main Trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY parts only | Spring(s), winding bars, safety glasses, clamps | $30-$100 | Serious injury risk from stored tension; wrong spring size can strain the door or opener |
| Professional replacement | Correctly sized spring(s), labor, balance test | $150-$540 | Technician carries the risk; door is tested and balanced before they leave |
A written quote should spell out the spring's size and weight rating, whether one or both are being replaced, and labor separate from any service call fee. Bundling a cable or roller fix into the same visit is usually cheaper than a second trip later.
How Long Do Garage Door Springs Last
Standard springs are rated for roughly 10,000 to 20,000 cycles (a full open and close each), about 7 to 10 years of typical use. High-cycle springs at 25,000-plus cycles cost more upfront but can last 20 years or longer. If your springs are original to a door over a decade old, replacing both now, even though only one failed, is standard practice, not an upsell.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover a Broken Garage Door Spring?
Generally, no. Normal wear counts as mechanical breakdown, which standard policies exclude. If a broken spring causes sudden damage, say the door drops and dents a parked car, that may fall under dwelling or liability coverage instead.
How to Avoid Overpaying
- Ask for a quote broken into parts, labor, and any service call fee, not one lump number
- A price far below the ranges above often means a lower-grade spring or an upsell once the tech arrives
- Push back if only a spring failed but the tech pushes a same-day opener or full-door replacement
If your inspection turns up other issues, see general garage door repair service for how those get priced, or garage door cable repair cost for what a bundled cable fix adds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to replace a garage door spring?
A single torsion spring typically runs $150 to $350 installed, or $250 to $540 for both, which most techs recommend on a two-spring door. Extension springs cost less, usually $80 to $200 per spring.
Should I replace both springs even if only one is broken?
Most pros recommend it. Both springs cycle together, so if one failed, the other is close behind, and replacing both in one visit costs less than two separate service calls.
Can I replace a garage door spring myself?
It's not recommended. A wound torsion spring stores enough force to cause serious injury if it releases uncontrolled, and the specialized winding bars this job needs aren't standard household tools. Hiring it out is worth the cost.
How long does garage door spring replacement take?
A standard residential job takes about 45 minutes to 2 hours from arrival to a finished balance test, depending on how many springs need replacing.
Will my garage door still open with a broken spring?
Technically the opener might inch it up, but you shouldn't let it. The spring counterbalances the door's weight, and running the motor without that support can burn it out or let the door drop unexpectedly. Use the manual release and leave the door closed until a tech arrives.
A broken spring isn't something to live with once you know the price range. For the repair walkthrough, see garage door spring repair, or check torsion and extension garage door springs if you're unsure which type is on your door. Need help tonight? See emergency garage door repair. Otherwise, call a licensed local pro now for a fast quote.
FAQ & Troubleshooting Guidelines
Q:How much does it cost to replace a garage door spring?
A single torsion spring typically runs $150 to $350 installed, or $250 to $540 for both, which most techs recommend on a two-spring door. Extension springs cost less, usually $80 to $200 per spring.
Q:Should I replace both springs even if only one is broken?
Most pros recommend it. Both springs cycle together, so if one failed, the other is close behind, and replacing both in one visit costs less than two separate service calls.
Q:Can I replace a garage door spring myself?
It's not recommended. A wound torsion spring stores enough force to cause serious injury if it releases uncontrolled, and the specialized winding bars this job needs aren't standard household tools. Hiring it out is worth the cost.
Q:How long does garage door spring replacement take?
A standard residential job takes about 45 minutes to 2 hours from arrival to a finished balance test, depending on how many springs need replacing.
Q:Will my garage door still open with a broken spring?
Technically the opener might inch it up, but you shouldn't let it. The spring counterbalances the door's weight, and running the motor without that support can burn it out or let the door drop unexpectedly. Use the manual release and leave the door closed until a tech arrives.