How Much Does Garage Door Spring Replacement Cost?
Most garage door spring replacements run $180 to $340 for a single spring and $250 to $500 for a pair, with parts costing only $40 to $120 and the rest covering skilled, high-tension labor and a safety check. Torsion springs (the ones mounted on a bar above the door) typically cost more than extension springs because they're harder and riskier to install. If your door has two springs and one already broke, plan on replacing both at the same time so you're not back to square one in a few months.
Step by step
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1
Figure out which spring you have
Look above the door. A horizontal metal bar with a coiled spring (or two) mounted on it means torsion springs — the more common, longer-lasting type. Stretched springs running along the upper tracks on each side are extension springs. Torsion replacements usually land in the $180–$340 range per spring; extension springs are often a bit cheaper, but the labor and safety check still make up most of the bill either way.
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2
Count your springs and decide on one vs. both
Many doors have two springs that wear at the same rate. If one broke, the other is usually close behind, so replacing the pair (roughly $250–$500 installed) is the smart move — you'll pay one service-call fee and one labor charge instead of two. Doing both now almost always beats paying a second visit in three to six months.
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3
Add up parts vs. labor
The spring itself is only $40 to $120. The reason a quote comes in higher is the skilled, high-risk labor of safely winding a torsion spring under hundreds of pounds of tension, plus a tune-up of the whole system. When you compare quotes, you're really comparing labor, warranty, and spring quality — not the steel.
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4
Ask about higher-cycle springs
Springs are rated in cycles (one up-and-down equals one cycle). A standard spring is often rated around 10,000 cycles; a 20,000-cycle spring can cost a little more up front but can last roughly twice as long. If you go in and out of the garage several times a day, the upgrade frequently pays for itself.
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5
Watch for the add-ons that move the price
A few things push a quote toward the high end: worn cables or rollers replaced at the same time, an oversized or insulated (heavier) door, after-hours or same-day emergency service, and premium or galvanized springs. Ask for an itemized quote so you can see exactly what's driving the number before you approve the work.
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6
Get the warranty in writing
A fair spring job should come with a labor warranty and a parts warranty on the spring itself. Confirm both before work starts, and keep the invoice — if a spring fails early, that paperwork is what gets it covered.
When to call a pro
Call a pro the moment a spring snaps, or if you ever feel tempted to "just wind it back yourself" — torsion springs hold hundreds of pounds of tension and are the single most dangerous part of a garage door, so this is one repair that's genuinely not worth doing yourself.
Call (888) 290-7421Frequently asked
Why does spring replacement cost more than the spring itself?
The spring is only $40 to $120, but the price reflects the skilled, high-risk labor of safely winding a torsion spring under hundreds of pounds of tension. Most quotes also include a safety check of the whole system, so you're paying for expertise and a working, balanced door — not just the part.
Should I replace one spring or both?
If your door has two springs and they're the same age, replace both. They wear at nearly the same rate, so when one breaks the other is usually close behind. Doing the pair in a single visit (about $250 to $500) saves you a second service-call and labor charge down the road.
Can I replace a garage door spring myself to save money?
We really don't recommend it. Torsion springs are under enough tension to cause serious injury, and they're the most dangerous part of the whole door. The few dollars you'd save on labor aren't worth the risk — this is the one repair that's genuinely best left to a trained tech with the right winding bars.
How long does a spring replacement take?
Most spring jobs are done in about one to two hours in a single visit, including testing and balancing the door. If your cables or rollers are also worn and get replaced at the same time, plan for a little longer.
Rather leave it to a pro?
Licensed local techs, same-day service, upfront pricing, and a 1-year warranty.