A snapped torsion spring is the most common single cause of a Spokane garage door that suddenly stops opening. You usually hear it — a loud bang from the garage, often described as a gunshot — and after that, the door either won't budge or feels enormously heavy on the opener.
Symptoms of a broken garage door spring
- Loud bang from the garage, often when no one was using the door
- Opener strains, hums, or trips, then the door barely lifts a few inches
- Visible gap in the torsion spring above the door
- Door feels extremely heavy when you try to lift it manually
- Cables look loose or hanging on one side
Why you shouldn't fix a torsion spring yourself
Torsion springs are wound under significant force. They are consistently one of the top causes of serious DIY garage door injuries — broken fingers, lacerations, and head injuries. A garage door tech has the winding bars, calibrated replacement springs, and lift assist gear to do it safely in 30–60 minutes.
Spring replacement pricing in Spokane
Typical torsion spring replacement in the Spokane area runs $150–$350, with the national average around $250 according to Angi's garage door repair cost guide. Two-spring systems, oversized doors, and high-cycle springs sit toward the upper end of that range. A reputable tech will quote both springs if one has failed — when one breaks, the other is usually near end-of-life.
What we route for spring jobs
- Single or paired torsion spring replacement on standard 7' and 8' Spokane residential doors
- Extension spring conversions on older homes (especially South Hill craftsman garages)
- High-cycle spring upgrades for households that use the door 6+ times a day
- Cable replacement (frequently needed at the same time)
Frequently asked — broken garage door spring repair
How long does spring replacement take?
Most single-spring replacements take 30–60 minutes once the tech is on site. Paired torsion systems can take up to 90 minutes.
Can I open the door without the spring fixed?
Some homeowners can manually lift the door with help, but it is extremely heavy without the spring counterbalance — and a partially-cabled door can drop. Park behind it and call.
Do you replace one spring or both?
Most Spokane techs recommend replacing both springs on dual-spring systems. They wear at the same rate and replacing only one usually leads to a repeat call within months.
Is a noisy door a warning sign?
Yes. Grinding, popping, or snapping noises during operation often indicate a spring at end of life. Get it inspected before it fails entirely.