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The garage door won’t open after a loud bang: broken spring

Signs of a broken garage door spring, why not to fix it yourself, getting the car out safely, hiring a pro and avoiding bait-and-switch prices.

Quick answer

A loud bang followed by a door that won’t open often means a broken spring. Don’t touch springs or cables, which are under high tension, and stop pressing the opener. Only pull the red emergency release with the door fully closed; without the spring the door is very heavy, so lift with help or wait for a pro. Call a garage door company, ask the full price up front, and get it in writing.

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Your checklist

  • Look for the signs from a distance
  • Don’t touch springs or cables
  • Stop pressing the opener
  • Pull the release only with the door closed
  • Call a pro and ask the full price
  • Get the price in writing

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Signs of a broken spring

A loud bang from the garage, a visible gap in the spring above the door, a door that feels very heavy, or an opener that hums but can’t lift it.

Safety

Garage door springs and cables are under high tension and can cause serious injuries. Don’t try to adjust or replace them yourself. Stop pressing the opener, which can strain or burn out the motor.

Getting the car out

Only pull the red emergency release when the door is fully closed; an open door with a broken spring can slam down. Without the spring, the door is very heavy. Lift it with two or more people and prop it securely, or wait for a professional.

Getting it fixed

Call a garage door company. Ask for the total price up front, including parts and the trip fee. Many techs recommend replacing both springs if you have two.

Avoid surprises

Very low advertised prices can turn into much bigger bills on site. Get the price in writing before work starts, and check reviews and any required license.

Official sources, and where to look

To find your local office, search for:

  • garage door spring repair [your city]
  • [your state] contractor license lookup

Pick sites that end in .gov. Official forms are almost always free.

Common questions

How much does it cost to replace a garage door spring?

It varies by area and door, often a few hundred dollars for a professional replacement. Get a written quote. More ›

How long do garage door springs last?

Many are rated for around 10,000 open-close cycles, often several years of normal use. More ›

Why did my garage door make a loud bang?

Often a torsion spring snapped. You may see a gap in the spring above the door. Don’t use the opener until it’s checked. More ›

Can I open my garage door with a broken spring?

It’s possible but risky and very heavy. Only release the opener with the door closed, and lift with help, or wait for a pro. More ›

Is it dangerous to replace a garage door spring myself?

Yes. Springs and cables are under high tension and can cause serious injuries. Hire a trained technician. More ›

Should I replace both springs?

Many technicians recommend it if your door has two, since the other is often near the end of its life too. More ›

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Part of:Something broke at home

Not yet reviewed by an expert. Last checked 2026-10-29. This is general help, not legal, medical or professional advice. Rules are different in every state.