Belton · Temple · Salado, TX
Garage Door Extension Spring Replacement
Extension springs are the long springs that run alongside the overhead tracks on many older and single-car doors. We replace worn or broken extension springs and check the cables and pulleys while we're there.
- Free phone quotes
- Often same-day or next-day
Safety first: Extension springs are under the most tension when the door is closed. Don't unhook or adjust them yourself, and never use a door whose springs have no safety cables.
How extension springs work
Extension springs are mounted above the horizontal tracks on each side of the door. Instead of twisting like a torsion spring, they stretch. As the door closes, cables running over pulleys pull the springs longer, storing energy. As the door opens, the springs contract and help pull the door up and back along the tracks.
They're common on older homes and some single-car garages. Each side has its own spring, cable and pulleys, so the two sides need to stay matched for the door to lift evenly.
Signs of a worn or broken extension spring
- A loud snap, and a spring hanging loose or lying in pieces
- The door lifts crooked or binds in the tracks
- Visible gaps between the coils while the door is closed
- The door feels heavy or won't stay open partway
- Frayed lift cables or worn, wobbly pulleys
Safety cables matter
Every extension spring should have a safety cable running through its center, anchored at both ends. If a spring, its hook, or a pulley breaks, that cable keeps the pieces from whipping across the garage. Many older installations are missing them. If yours don't have safety cables, we'll add them when we replace the springs.
Why both sides are replaced together
The two springs work as a set, one on each side. They've been through the same number of cycles, so when one wears out the other usually isn't far behind. Pairing a new spring with an old one can make the door pull unevenly, which strains the cables, rollers and opener. Replacing both keeps the door balanced.
Why this isn't a DIY job
Extension springs are fully stretched when the door is down, and the springs, cables and pulleys all work together. Unhooking a spring under tension, or reusing a frayed cable, can fail suddenly. We release tension safely, replace what's worn, then test the door's balance and the opener's safety reverse before we leave.
We replace extension springs in Belton, Temple, Salado and nearby, or you can send us a message.
FAQ
Extension spring questions
What is the cable running through the middle of my extension spring?
That's a safety cable. It doesn't lift the door; it contains the spring if it breaks. If your springs don't have one, it's worth adding before the door is used much more.
Only one extension spring broke. Can I replace just that side?
We usually recommend replacing both. The other spring has the same wear and is likely to fail soon, and a new spring paired with an old one can make the door lift unevenly.
Should the cables and pulleys be replaced too?
Not always. We check them on every visit. If a cable is frayed or a pulley is cracked or wobbly, we'll point it out and explain why before replacing anything.
How can I tell whether I have extension or torsion springs?
Look up from inside the garage. Long springs running above each horizontal track, parallel to the ceiling, are extension springs. A coil on a bar directly above the door opening is a torsion spring.
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Get your free quote
Extension spring worn out or broken?
Call or text and tell us what you see. We'll give you a free quote over the phone and make sure your door has safety cables when we're done.
Prefer email? centraltexasspringrepair@gmail.com