How Long Does It Take to Replace a Garage Door Spring?

Quick Answer

Replacing a garage door spring takes 1–2 hours for a professional technician and 2–4 hours for a skilled DIYer. The total time depends on the spring type (torsion vs. extension), whether one or both springs need replacement, and how easily accessible the hardware is.

Time Estimate by Spring Type

Spring Type	Professional	DIY (Experienced)	Notes
Single torsion spring	30–60 minutes	1.5–2.5 hours	Most common residential type
Double torsion springs (pair)	45–90 minutes	2–3 hours	Recommended to replace both simultaneously
Extension springs (pair)	60–120 minutes	2.5–4 hours	Requires safety cables, more hardware
Conversion (extension to torsion)	2–3 hours	4–6 hours	Involves new hardware and mounting

Torsion Springs vs. Extension Springs

Torsion Springs

Torsion springs are mounted horizontally above the garage door opening. They are the more common type in modern installations and are generally considered safer and more durable. A torsion spring replacement involves securing the door, releasing tension from the old spring using winding bars, removing the old spring from the torsion bar, sliding the new spring onto the bar, and winding the new spring to the correct tension.

Extension Springs

Extension springs run along the horizontal tracks on either side of the door. They stretch and contract as the door moves. Replacing extension springs involves securing the door in the open position, disconnecting the safety cable and spring from the track bracket, removing the pulley assembly, installing the new spring and safety cable, and reattaching the pulley and adjusting tension.

Important Safety Warning

Garage door springs are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury or death if handled improperly. Torsion springs in particular store enough energy to be lethal. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports thousands of garage door-related injuries annually. Most professionals strongly recommend against DIY torsion spring replacement unless you have specific training and the proper tools, including winding bars (never use screwdrivers or other improvised tools).

When to Call a Professional

Call a professional if you have no experience working with garage door springs, your door uses a torsion spring system and you lack winding bars, you are unsure of the correct spring size or winding specifications, the torsion bar or bearing plates also need replacement, or your door is behaving erratically after a spring break.

Signs Your Spring Needs Replacement

• The door is extremely heavy to lift manually
• A loud bang came from the garage (the sound of a spring breaking)
• The door opens only partway or unevenly
• Visible gap in the spring coil
• The door opener strains or fails to open the door

Cost and Scheduling

Professional replacement costs $150–$350 for a single torsion spring or $200–$500 for a pair, including parts and labor. Most garage door companies can respond within 24 hours, and the job itself takes 1–2 hours once the technician arrives. Springs have a lifespan of approximately 10,000 cycles (roughly 7–10 years of typical use), so replacing both springs simultaneously is recommended even if only one has broken.

The Bottom Line

A professional can replace a garage door spring in 1–2 hours. Given the significant safety risks involved, professional installation is strongly recommended over DIY for most homeowners. The cost difference between professional and DIY is modest relative to the injury risk of working with high-tension springs.