2026-03-19 7 min read
It usually happens without warning. You hit the button in the morning, hear a loud bang. almost like a gunshot. and the garage door goes nowhere. Or it creeps up a few inches and stops. In Perris and nearby Moreno Valley, broken garage door springs are one of the most common service calls we see, and they're also one of the most misunderstood repairs among homeowners.
This guide covers everything you need to know: what springs actually do, how to tell when one has broken, what replacement realistically costs, and why this is one job you should never attempt yourself.
Your garage door. whether it's on one of Perris's newer two-car homes in the May Ranch area or an older single-car attached garage near downtown. weighs anywhere from 150 to over 300 pounds. Springs are what make it possible for a small electric motor (or one person) to lift that door. They store mechanical energy when the door closes and release it when the door opens, counterbalancing all that weight.
There are two types you'll encounter:
Torsion springs mount horizontally above the garage door opening and coil around a metal rod. They're the more common type in newer Perris homes and are generally considered safer and longer-lasting. typically rated for 10,000 to 20,000 cycles, or roughly 8 to 15 years of normal use. Torsion springs cost more to replace but are worth it for the lifespan and the fact that they stay more contained if they snap.
Extension springs hang on either side of the door, above the horizontal tracks. They stretch as the door closes and snap back as it opens. These are cheaper upfront but wear out faster. typically rated for 5,000 to 15,000 cycles. and when they break, they can fly loose with significant force if not fitted with a safety cable running through them. If your door uses extension springs without safety cables, that's worth mentioning to your technician.
Springs don't always snap all at once. Watch for these warning signs:
- The door feels unusually heavy when you try to lift it manually, The door opens only partway and then the opener strains or stalls, You notice a visible gap in the coil of a torsion spring, The door moves unevenly, with one side lower than the other, You hear loud squeaking or grinding during operation
Any of these patterns deserves a professional look before the spring fails completely. Catching a worn spring early is always cheaper than an emergency call after it snaps. Our guide to early warning signs your garage door needs repair covers these symptoms in more detail.
Here's the straightforward pricing picture for the Inland Empire region. Torsion spring replacement generally runs $150 to $350 for a single door, including parts and labor. Extension spring replacement is a bit cheaper, typically $120 to $200 per door. In California, costs can run toward the higher end of national ranges due to labor rates and parts availability.
A few things that affect your final price:
- Single vs. double door: Double doors require larger, heavier springs, which cost more. - Replacing one vs. both springs: If your door uses two springs, replacing both at the same time is strongly recommended. Springs installed together wear at similar rates. replacing only one often means a second service call weeks later when the other goes. Replacing both at once saves you a separate labor charge. - Condition of related hardware: When a technician removes the springs, they can see the full system. Worn cables, damaged drums, or bent tracks may need attention at the same visit. - Emergency vs. scheduled service: Same-day or weekend calls typically carry a higher service fee.
For context, a full garage door replacement runs $750 to $4,000 or more. Spring replacement at $200 to $400 is usually a much smarter investment, especially on a door that's otherwise in good condition.
It's worth being direct about this. Garage door springs operate under extreme tension. sometimes holding hundreds of pounds of stored energy. A torsion spring that slips during adjustment can snap a wrist or cause serious lacerations. Extension springs that let go unexpectedly can fly across a garage at dangerous velocity.
Professional technicians have the specialized winding bars, locking pliers, and training to handle this safely. The cost of the repair is modest compared to an emergency room visit, and it's not the kind of risk worth taking to save a labor charge. This is one case where the "I'll watch a YouTube video" approach is genuinely ill-advised.
Not all garage door companies operate the same way. Before you confirm a service call, ask:
1. Are you licensed, bonded, and insured for garage door work in California? 2. Will you provide a written estimate before starting work? 3. Do you recommend replacing one spring or both. and why? 4. What warranty do you offer on the springs and labor? 5. Does the quote include removal of old hardware and cleanup?
A reputable company will answer all of these without hesitation. If a technician gives you a verbal estimate and starts working before you see anything in writing, that's a red flag. Check out our FAQ page for more answers to common questions about our service process.
At Garage Door Perris, we walk every customer through exactly what needs replacing and why before any work begins. no surprises on the bill.
With proper installation and basic maintenance, torsion springs in Perris typically last 8 to 15 years. The hot, dry climate here is actually gentler on springs than coastal environments where salt air drives corrosion. That said, a few habits extend spring life regardless of climate:
- Lubricate springs annually with a lithium-based lubricant. not WD-40, which attracts dust, Test the door's balance twice a year by disconnecting the opener and lifting the door manually to waist height; it should stay in place without falling or rising, Address any unusual sounds or movement immediately rather than letting them worsen
For a complete seasonal maintenance checklist, see our garage door maintenance tips post. And if you're ready to get your springs looked at, contact our team to schedule a same-day or next-day visit across Perris and surrounding communities.
Q: My garage door opened fine last night but won't move this morning. Could it be a spring?
A: Yes. this is the classic spring failure scenario. Torsion springs often snap overnight when the door is stationary and the temperature drops slightly, changing the tension in the coil. If you hear a loud bang the evening before and the door won't open the next morning, a broken torsion spring is the most likely cause. Don't try to force the door open manually. an unbalanced door with a broken spring is heavy and unstable.
Q: I only have one broken spring. Do I really need to replace both?
A: In most cases, yes. If your door uses two springs, they've been cycling together for years and are at the same stage of wear. Replacing only the broken one typically results in the second spring failing within weeks or months. requiring another service call and another labor charge. Replacing both at once is more cost-effective and leaves you with a balanced, evenly tensioned door.
Q: How do I know if I have torsion or extension springs?
A: Look above the closed garage door. If you see a single (or double) horizontal metal coil mounted on a rod running parallel to the top of the door, those are torsion springs. If you see springs running along the overhead horizontal tracks on each side of the door, those are extension springs. When in doubt, a technician can identify your system type during a free inspection.