2026-03-20 7 min read
It usually happens without warning. You press the button in the morning, the opener hums, and the door barely moves. or it lurches partway up and stops. When you investigate, you find a broken torsion spring above the door or a snapped extension spring on the side track. It's a frustrating situation, but it's also one of the most common service calls in Monrovia and the surrounding San Gabriel Valley. Springs don't last forever, and understanding what's involved before you call for help makes the whole process faster and less stressful.
Garage door springs are under constant tension. Every single time your door opens or closes, the spring either winds up or unwinds to manage the weight of the door. Most standard residential springs are rated for 10,000 cycles. roughly 7 to 10 years of use if you open and close your garage twice a day. Higher-cycle springs rated for 20,000 cycles or more are available and worth asking about when you replace.
In Monrovia's climate, springs tend to reach the end of their service life a bit faster than the manufacturer ratings suggest. The combination of dry heat and UV exposure dries out the metal's protective coating and the lubricant on the coils. If springs haven't been lubricated regularly, friction accelerates metal fatigue. Springs that have gone years without attention are at real risk of snapping. and they often do so at the most inconvenient moment, like when you're heading to work or returning home late.
Homes in the older, established parts of Monrovia. the Historic District near Old Town, Midtown, and Mayflower Village. often have garage doors and hardware that are well into middle age. If your home was built in the 1960s through 1990s and the springs have never been replaced, they're almost certainly overdue.
Before you call for service, it helps to understand which type of spring system your door uses.
Torsion springs are mounted horizontally above the garage door opening on a steel bar. They work by twisting (torquing) to store and release energy. Most modern garage doors use torsion springs. They're safer when they break because they stay close to the shaft rather than flying loose, and they generally last longer than extension springs.
Extension springs run along the horizontal tracks on either side of the door. They stretch to create tension. These are more common on older doors and lighter doors. When an extension spring breaks, it can snap with considerable force and travel across the garage. which is why safety cables threaded through extension springs are important.
If you're not sure which type you have, look above your door (torsion = horizontal bar and spring at the top) or along the side tracks (extension = springs running along the horizontal overhead tracks). This information will help any technician give you an accurate quote over the phone.
Here's an honest look at pricing, which is something homeowners often feel they're left to guess at. Nationally, garage door spring replacement averages around $150 to $350 for a single door, including parts and labor. In the Los Angeles metro area. which includes Monrovia. costs trend toward the higher end of that range, with many homeowners paying between $200 and $400 for a standard two-spring torsion replacement.
A few cost factors to keep in mind:
- Spring type: Torsion spring replacement typically runs $150,$350, while extension springs come in at $120,$200 for the pair. - Upgrading to high-cycle springs: Higher-cycle springs cost more upfront but significantly extend the time between replacements. Worth asking about, especially if your door gets heavy daily use. - Replacing both springs at once: If one spring breaks, the other is typically the same age and under equal wear. Replacing both during the same service call is strongly recommended. it's more economical than paying a second service call fee in six months, and it keeps the door balanced. - Emergency or after-hours service: Expect a premium for weekend or evening calls. If you can safely leave the car in the driveway overnight, scheduling a next-day appointment during business hours will save money.
For a full overview of what our services cover, it's worth reviewing before calling so you know what to ask.
It needs to be said plainly: garage door spring replacement is not a DIY project. Springs are under enormous tension. enough to cause serious injury or death if released suddenly without the proper tools and technique. Torsion springs in particular require specialized winding bars and specific knowledge to safely wind and unwind the coils. A spring that slips or breaks during a DIY attempt can strike with the force of a whip.
This isn't about skill level. it's about physics. Even experienced contractors in other trades don't attempt garage door spring work without the right tools. Please leave this one to a professional.
If you're dealing with a broken spring today, here's what to do:
1. Don't force the door. Attempting to manually yank a door open without a functioning spring can damage the opener, the cables, or the door panels themselves. 2. Disconnect the opener by pulling the red emergency release cord if your car is trapped inside. You may be able to manually lift the door, but it will be very heavy. get help. 3. Don't try to drive the door with the opener if a spring is visibly broken. The opener is not designed to lift the full weight of an unbalanced door. 4. Call for service. If you're in a bind and need same-day help, contact us directly. broken springs are one of our most common same-day repair calls.
For more guidance on handling urgent garage door situations safely, our post on what to do in a garage door emergency is worth reading before you're in the middle of one.
Garage Door Monrovia handles spring replacements for all types of homes throughout Monrovia, from the hillside properties in North Monrovia to the classic mid-century ranchers in Mayflower Village. If you want to know what areas we serve or have questions before booking, we're happy to help.
How long will new garage door springs last? Standard springs are rated for around 10,000 cycles, which translates to roughly 7,10 years with average daily use. High-cycle springs (rated 20,000+ cycles) can last significantly longer and are worth the upgrade for doors that see heavy use. Heat and lack of lubrication can shorten lifespan regardless of cycle rating, so regular maintenance matters.
Can I still use my garage door if one spring is broken? Technically the opener may still move the door, but you should not operate it. Running an opener against the full weight of an unbalanced door strains the motor and can damage the opener, cables, and hardware. Keep the door closed and call for service as soon as possible.
Should I replace both springs even if only one broke? Yes, almost always. Both springs are the same age and have experienced the same number of cycles. If one has failed, the other is likely close behind. Replacing both at the same service visit saves you money on a second service call and keeps your door properly balanced.