2026-03-18 7 min read
If you've walked into your garage one morning and your door won't budge. or heard a sharp bang from the garage overnight. there's a good chance a spring just failed. It's one of the most common calls we get at Garage Door Gilroy, and it's one of the most misunderstood repairs in the home service world. Here's a straight-up guide to what's actually happening, what it costs, and how to handle it.
Your garage door can weigh anywhere from 130 to over 400 pounds depending on material and size. The springs. not the opener motor. do the heavy lifting. The motor simply triggers the movement; the springs provide the counterbalance that makes it possible to raise that much weight with minimal force.
There are two main types:
- Torsion springs sit horizontally above the door opening and twist to store energy. They're the standard on most modern sectional doors in Gilroy homes, including the Mediterranean-style and Spanish Revival properties common in neighborhoods like Eagle Ridge and Glen Loma Ranch. - Extension springs run along the upper tracks on either side of the door. They're more common on older tilt-up doors and some budget installs.
Look above your garage door when it's closed. If you see a thick metal coil mounted on a horizontal rod centered above the opening, that's a torsion spring. If you see springs stretching along the side tracks, those are extension springs. Knowing which type you have helps you have a smarter conversation with any technician who comes out.
Gilroy sits in a classic Mediterranean climate zone. dry, arid summers with temperatures regularly reaching the mid-80s, and wet winters concentrated from November through March. That temperature swing matters for metal components.
Most torsion springs are rated for 10,000 cycles (one cycle = one open + one close). If you use your garage door four times a day, that's roughly 7 years before the spring reaches the end of its rated life. But heat accelerates wear. During Gilroy's long dry summers, lubricants dry out faster, and metal fatigue sets in quicker on springs that haven't been maintained. Lack of lubrication causes increased friction, which shortens spring life significantly.
The wet winter months aren't innocent either. Moisture from Gilroy's rainy season. most of the city's annual precipitation falls between November and March. can cause surface rust on unprotected springs, weakening the metal over time.
Don't wait for a complete snap. Here are the signs to watch for:
- The door feels unusually heavy when operated manually (disconnect the opener and try lifting by hand. it should go up with moderate effort) - Visible gaps or separation in the spring coil - The door opens crookedly, with one side higher than the other - Loud popping or squealing during operation - The opener strains or reverses when trying to open
If one spring breaks and you have two (most doors do), professionals strongly recommend replacing both at the same time. The second spring has the same wear history and is likely to follow within weeks.
Here's honest pricing you can use to benchmark any quote you receive:
- Extension spring replacement: $120,$200 per job including labor - Torsion spring replacement: $150,$350 per door including labor - Both springs on one door: $200,$400 for the complete job
In the broader Santa Clara Valley. from Gilroy up through Morgan Hill. labor rates are in the mid-range for California. You're not paying San Jose city rates, but you shouldn't expect rural pricing either. If a quote comes in below $100 for a torsion spring replacement including parts and labor, ask questions. Quality springs matter. a higher-cycle spring rated for 20,000+ cycles costs more upfront but can last twice as long.
Check our frequently asked questions for more detail on what's included in a standard service call.
Torsion springs are the better long-term choice for most Gilroy homeowners. They last longer, operate more smoothly, and are significantly safer when they do fail. they stay contained on the rod rather than snapping across the garage. Extension springs, while cheaper, can fly with serious force if they break without a safety cable in place.
If your home has extension springs and you're already paying for a service call, it's worth asking about the cost to convert. The upgrade typically runs $400,$800 but is often worth it for the improved safety and longer lifespan. You can learn more about safety features worth investing in by reading our post on essential garage door safety features.
Technically, yes. Practically, no. Torsion springs operate under hundreds of pounds of torque. A slip with a winding bar can send the spring. or the bar itself. across the garage at high velocity. This is one of the few home repairs where the risk to life genuinely outweighs the savings. Every professional in the industry agrees: spring replacement requires specialized tools, training, and experience. Leave this one to the pros.
A typical service visit includes:
1. Inspection of both springs, cables, drums, and hardware 2. Removal of the old spring(s) 3. Installation of correctly sized replacement springs (matched to door weight and height) 4. Lubrication of all moving components 5. Balance test and travel adjustment 6. Safety sensor check
The whole job usually takes 45 minutes to 90 minutes. If you're in Gilroy or anywhere in the surrounding South County area, book a service appointment and a technician can typically be out same-day or next morning.
Q: My garage door makes a loud bang at night but still works. did a spring break? A: Possibly. A torsion spring can snap while the door is closed and stationary. The door may still operate briefly on the remaining spring, but this puts enormous strain on the opener and the second spring. Don't delay. have it inspected immediately.
Q: How long will new springs last? A: Standard springs are rated for 10,000 cycles, which is roughly 7,10 years for average use. Upgraded high-cycle springs rated for 20,000,30,000 cycles are available and worth considering if you use your garage frequently. Regular lubrication. at least twice a year in Gilroy's dry climate. extends life significantly.
Q: Should I replace just one spring or both? A: Always replace both at the same time. Springs wear at the same rate, and the surviving spring is already near the end of its life. Replacing both during one service call also saves you a second labor charge when the other one fails weeks later.