Most homeowners pay $180–$450 to replace the springs on a standard garage door, parts and labor included. Extension springs sit at the low end; spring replacement averages about $420 (torsion sets run about $350–$540), and heavy or two-door jobs can reach $700 (HomeAdvisor and This Old House data, as of October 2026).
Updated October 8, 2026. Source: This Old House + 3 more. National US estimates.
A broken spring is the most common reason a garage door suddenly won't open, or slams down. Springs are rated for a limited number of open-close cycles, so after several years of daily use they snap, and the door becomes too heavy for the opener to lift.
This guide covers what you'll pay for torsion and extension springs, why technicians usually replace both at once, and what extra repairs often get added to the bill. Springs are under extreme tension: this page covers prices only, and professionals strongly advise against DIY torsion spring work. If the door itself is beyond saving, see our garage door replacement cost guide.
Average cost
Typical installed prices for spring replacement, parts and labor included, as of October 2026:
| Scenario | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Extension springs, pair, standard single door | $150–$400 | Springs run along the horizontal tracks; simpler job |
| Torsion spring set, standard door | $200–$540 | Most common setup; spring replacement averages about $420 |
| Two doors, or extra-large/heavy door | $300–$700 | Two sets of springs, or commercial-grade springs at $100–$500 each |
| Converting extension to torsion springs | $400–$800 | New shaft, drums and torsion hardware |
Torsion vs. extension spring prices
| Spring type | Spring only (part) | Installed, per spring | Installed, full set |
|---|---|---|---|
| Torsion | $30–$120 | $75–$150 | $350–$540 |
| Extension | $15–$60 | $50–$100 | $300–$400 |
Repairs often done with a spring replacement
| Service | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Cable replacement | $100–$400 |
| Tune-up (lubrication, balancing, safety check) | $120–$240 |
| Balance and lubrication only | $50–$100 |
| Rush or emergency service fee | $100–$250 extra |
Cost breakdown: materials, labor, permits and extras
Line-item estimate for replacing both torsion springs on a standard residential garage door during regular business hours. Ranges are national, as of October 8, 2026.
| Cost item | Typical range | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Springs & hardware (materials) | $60–$200 | Matched pair of springs, plus brackets and hardware as needed |
| Labor | $75–$150 | About 1–2 hours of technician time |
| Service call / trip fee | $0–$75 | Some companies roll it into the price; others charge $50–$75 |
| Contingency (about 10%) | $15–$40 | Worn bearings or a frayed cable found during the job |
| Estimated total | $150–$460 | Before any discounts or rebates |
Labor and the service call make up most of the price; the springs themselves are relatively cheap.
What affects the price
- Torsion versus extension springs. Torsion springs mount on a shaft above the door and cost more to replace, about $75–$150 per spring installed, versus $50–$100 for extension springs that run along the tracks. A complete torsion set typically lands around $350–$540.
- Door weight and size. Heavier and wider doors need stronger springs. Double doors cost about $15–$30 more per spring, and oversized or very heavy doors may need commercial-grade springs at $100–$500 each, plus $150–$300 in labor.
- Replacing one or both springs. Most doors have two springs, and technicians usually replace both at once because the second one is near the end of its life too. Doing both in one visit costs far less than paying for a second service call later.
- Hardware replaced at the same time. Worn cables, rollers or bearings are often replaced during the same visit. Cable replacement adds about $100–$400, and a full tune-up runs $120–$240.
- Emergency or after-hours service. Nights, weekends and holidays cost more. Expect a rush or emergency fee of roughly $100–$250 on top of the normal price, so it pays to wait for regular hours if the car isn't trapped.
Ways to save
- Replace both springs at the same time. It costs a little more today but avoids a second trip charge when the other spring fails a few months later.
- Call during regular business hours when you can; after-hours and holiday visits add about $100–$250.
- Ask for a written, all-in price over the phone (springs, labor and trip fee) and compare at least three companies before you book.
- Ask for high-cycle springs if you use the garage door many times a day. They cost more up front but last longer than standard springs.
- Be wary of very low advertised prices: some companies quote a cheap spring price, then add mandatory "upgrades" once on site. Ask what's included before the technician starts.
- Bundle a tune-up only if cables or rollers are actually worn; a balance and lubrication alone costs about $50–$100.
Related questions people ask
How much does garage door spring replacement cost near me?
Local prices usually fall within the national range of $180–$450, but labor rates run higher in big metro areas. Call at least three local garage door companies, describe your spring type and door size, and ask for an all-in price including the trip fee.
What do garage door springs replacement costs include?
A typical quote covers the new springs (usually a matched pair), basic hardware, about 1–2 hours of labor and a safety check. Expect $150–$350 for one door with two springs; extra parts such as cables are billed separately.
How much does torsion spring replacement cost?
Replacing torsion springs costs about $75–$150 per spring installed, or roughly $350–$540 for a complete set including parts and labor. The springs themselves cost only $30–$120 each; most of the price is skilled labor.
What is the garage door spring installation cost for a conversion?
Switching from extension springs to a torsion system costs about $400–$800, because the installer adds a torsion shaft, drums and mounting hardware. Torsion springs give a smoother, better-balanced door and are standard on most new doors.
How to get an accurate quote
Ask at least three licensed, insured garage door companies for a written price before work starts. Have this information ready:
- Whether the springs are torsion (above the door) or extension (along the tracks), and how many there are.
- The door's size, material and approximate age, and whether it's a single or double door.
- Any other symptoms, such as frayed cables, a crooked door or noisy rollers.
- Ask whether the price includes both springs, the trip fee, a safety inspection, and a warranty on parts and labor.
FAQ
How long do garage door springs last?
Springs are rated by open-close cycles, and standard springs typically last several years of daily use. High-cycle springs last longer and are worth asking about if you open the door many times a day.
Can I open my garage door with a broken spring?
It's not recommended. The door becomes very heavy and can fall, and running the opener can damage it. Leave the door closed if possible and call a technician.
Should I replace both garage door springs at once?
Yes, in most cases. Both springs have worked the same number of cycles, so the second usually fails soon after the first. Replacing both in one visit avoids paying a second service call.
More Garage costs
Sources
- This Old House — How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Garage Door Spring? (2026) (updated Mar 10, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
- HomeAdvisor — How Much Does Garage Door Repair Cost? (updated Jun 20, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
- HomeAdvisor — How Much Does It Cost To Repair Or Replace A Garage Door Spring? (updated Apr 16, 2024). Checked October 8, 2026.
- This Old House — Garage Door Panel Replacement Cost (2026 Price Guide) (updated Apr 16, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
Prices are estimates and vary by location and provider. See our methodology and editorial policy. Browse all exterior cost guides.