Broken Garage Door Spring Cost from Monterey to Santa Cruz
The average cost to replace a garage door spring typically ranges from $150 to $350 for a standard two-car garage, depending on the type of spring, labor rates, and door size near the Central Coast in California.
Torsion springs are more durable but slightly more expensive than extension springs, often adding $50–$100 to the total.
Homeowners near Monterey and Santa Cruz should also consider related costs such as safety cable replacement, door balancing, and professional inspection, which can add another $50–$150.
While DIY replacement might seem cheaper, it’s generally not recommended because of safety concerns. Garage door springs are under high tension and can cause serious injury if handled incorrectly.
In most cases, hiring a professional garage door technician ensures the job is done safely and that the new springs are correctly rated for your specific door’s weight and balance.
Types of Springs and Why the Price Differs
There are two common spring systems. Knowing which you have helps you budget.
Torsion springs
Torsion springs sit above the door on a torsion tube and use torque to lift. They’re stronger, safer (they stay contained if they break), and last longer. Typically 10,000–15,000 cycles (about 7–10 years for average use). Because of their power and installation complexity, torsion spring replacements cost more.
Extension springs
Extension springs run along the sides of the door and stretch to open it. They’re found on lighter doors and generally cost less to replace, around $120–$250. They have a shorter life span (roughly 5,000–10,000 cycles) and, when they break, can be more hazardous because they can fly off if not restrained.
Cost Breakdown: What You’re Paying For
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Parts: The spring(s) themselves. Higher-capacity or heavy-duty springs cost more.
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Labor: Installation requires skill and specific tools, especially for torsion systems. Expect higher labor costs for heavy or non-standard doors.
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Additional parts: Cables, pulleys, drums, brackets, or bearings are often inspected and sometimes replaced , adding to the bill.
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Warranty or OEM parts: If your door is under warranty and requires original parts, costs may be higher.
Repair vs Replacement: How to Decide
Not sure if you need a repair or need to replace the sp
Repair may be enough if:
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The spring lost tension but is not cracked. A professional can re-tension some systems.
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There’s no visible breakage or severe corrosion.
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The spring is relatively new and other components (cables, rollers) are intact.
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The spring is sticking due to dirt. Cleaning and lubrication may restore function.
Replace if:
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A spring is visibly broken, cracked, or has a gap in the coils.
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Springs are old (close to or beyond their rated cycles) or you use the door more often daily.
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Your door operates unevenly or droops. I imbalance often means a new spring or pair is needed.
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You have repeated failures. Replacing both springs at once is usually wiser than replacing one.
Pro Tip: For dual-spring systems, replace both springs together for balanced performance and to avoid another repair soon after.
Signs It Might Be Time to Replace Your Springs
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A complete visible break in the spring.
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The door slams shut or drops suddenly.
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The door won’t stay open or closes unevenly.
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Heavy rust or corrosion on the coils.
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Loud bangs, popping, or grinding noises.
- Springs that look stretched or deformed.
If your garage door keeps giving you the same issues despite repeated repairs, it’s often time to replace the entire door. Replacing the springs at the same time ensures everything works in perfect harmony, preventing mismatches and saving you headaches down the road.
Why Hiring a Pro Matters
Garage door springs hold a lot of energy. Improper handling can cause serious injury and damage.
Hiring the experts at Aaron Overhead Door means you get:
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Proper safety equipment and the experience needed to handle high-tension springs safely.
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Precisely sized springs with perfectly calibrated tension for smooth, balanced door operation.
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Top-quality parts backed by installation warranties for peace of mind.
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Fast, dependable service that minimizes the risk of future repairs.
How to Save Money Without Risking Safety
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Replace both springs at once. Saves on labor compared with two separate calls.
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Act early: Fix small issues before they cause more damage.
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Compare quotes from licensed local companies. Check reviews and ask about warranties.
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Invest in quality springs. They cost more upfront but last longer.
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Ask about seasonal promotions. Some companies run discounts during quiet months.
Preventative Maintenance Tips
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Lubricate springs twice a year with white lithium grease or silicone spray. This reduces friction and rust.
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Visually inspect coils and hardware for wear or rust.
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Test door balance: with power disconnected, raise the door halfway; it should stay in place. If not, springs may need adjustment.
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Schedule annual inspections by a garage door pro to catch problems early.
Warranty and Parts Considerations
If your garage or springs are under a manufacturer’s warranty, use OEM parts as required to keep warranty coverage. Ask your service provider about parts and labor warranties for replacements. A solid warranty reduces long-term costs.
Quick Checklist for Hiring a Garage Door Company
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Confirm license and insurance.
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Get a written estimate with parts and labor broken down.
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Ask about warranties on parts and labor.
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Check recent customer reviews.
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Verify response time for emergency calls.
Replacing garage door springs is a relatively small expense compared with the safety and convenience it restores. Whether your springs are torsion or extension, getting the right parts and an experienced installer will save you money and headaches over time.
Looking for Help?
We get calls about broken or struggling springs nearly every day. If you’re hearing strange noises, feeling resistance, or the door just won’t open smoothly, it’s time to take a closer look before it turns into a bigger, more expensive problem.
Don’t wait for a snapped spring to disrupt your day. Schedule your garage door inspection by calling 831-219-8648 now or contact us online with any questions and enjoy smooth, safe operation tomorrow!
If your door shows any of the warning signs above or you’re just not sure what’s going on, set up an inspection. Prompt action prevents bigger repairs later.
