A sharp snap in the garage, followed by a door that feels heavy or stuck: in the vast majority of cases, it’s a broken spring. Here is how to confirm it, what to do (and not to do), and how to order the right part.
Signs of a broken spring
- a loud, sharp noise, often heard from inside the house;
- a very heavy door that will no longer lift or falls back down;
- a motor that is straining or stopping;
- a torsion spring that is visibly snapped, with a gap between two coils;
- cables that are slack or have come off their drum.
Essential safety precautions
Springs and cables are under high tension. Above all else:
- close the door if possible and do not force it;
- cut the power to the motor;
- do not loosen any spring, drum, or cable screws;
- if you do not have experience with sectional doors, call a qualified professional.
Torsion spring or tension spring?
A torsion spring is mounted on the shaft above the door. A tension spring stretches along the tracks. The type depends on your door model: look at the broken spring to identify it.
Taking spring measurements
For a custom spring, you need the wire diameter, the spring diameter, its length, and the winding direction (left or right). Our guide details each measurement: taking measurements of your torsion springs.
Ordering the right spring
- Custom garage door spring: manufactured to your measurements;
- Sectional door spring compatible with Gypass, BKF, Safir, Lépinard;
- Tension spring for sectional door;
- all references: counterbalance springs.
Also check the cables
A broken spring can damage the cables. Take this opportunity to check their condition: cables and accessories, or our cable replacement guide.
Unsure about the part number? Send us the brand, model, or a photo via the contact page: we will help you identify the right part.