One Garage Door Spring Broke. Should You Replace Both?

If your garage door has two torsion springs and one breaks, replacing both is usually the better choice. The springs typically go through the same number of opening and closing cycles, so the unbroken spring may also be approaching the end of its useful life.

That does not mean you must buy two springs every time. Here’s how to think through the decision before ordering.

Why replace both springs?

When two springs were installed together, they have usually done the same amount of work. Replacing only the broken one can leave you with a new spring beside an older one that may fail later. Replacing both at once can spare you a second repair and gives you a chance to have the entire spring setup checked for proper door balance.

A broken spring also puts the door out of balance. Do not keep running the opener to lift the door while you decide what to order.

When might replacing just one make sense?

Suppose one spring was replaced recently and the other is much older. If the newer spring is in good condition and its specifications work with the replacement, a qualified garage door professional may recommend replacing only the failed spring.

The same applies if the springs have different sizes. Different does not automatically mean wrong: some doors use two springs with different dimensions. What matters is whether the pair provides the correct combined lifting force for that particular door. Do not order two identical springs simply because the door has two.

What should you check before ordering?

Write down the specifications of each existing spring separately:

• Wire size
• Inside diameter
• Coil length, excluding the end cones
• Left or right wind

Do not assume both springs have the same measurements. Our spring measuring guide explains what each measurement means. If your exact size is unavailable, our spring conversion chart can help you explore an equivalent size, but the complete spring setup still needs to be verified for your door.

The practical answer

If both springs were installed together and are about the same age, plan on replacing both. If one is relatively new, replacing only the broken spring may be reasonable after a professional checks the remaining spring and the door’s balance.

Torsion springs store substantial energy. Measuring an accessible spring is different from removing or adjusting one. Have a qualified garage door professional handle the repair if need be, and confirm the correct parts before placing your order.

Garage Door Parts OKC offers garage door torsion springs with free shipping to the contiguous 48 states, plus same-day local delivery in the OKC metro for eligible orders placed by 6 p.m.