[whiplash]

When I opened my garage door this morning, the big torsion spring on top made a REALLY loud sound like the spring was hung up on something and then suddenly let go. The door opens and closes perfectly fine, no jerkiness, no hesitation...just the really loud sound every time it opens!

I sprayed the spring with a silicone spray lubricant but it didn't seem to help. Anybody know what might cause it? Is it time to get the springs replaced (they are 11 years old)?

I figured I would post here first before I call a garage door guy in, just in case somebody mught have a clue.

TIA!!

[04Enthusiast]

Look to see if you have more than one spring, if so look to see if one of the springs broke. They usually make a loud sound when they suddenly break, but they look normal until you take a closer look.

[whiplash]

There are definitely two springs. I'll take a close look at it tonight when I get home. I figured if one of them broke, it wouldn't operate correctly but I have a big 3/4 HP Craftsman opener so it probably has enough power to overcome one broken spring.

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll let you know!

[Sherifftruman]

It probably did break on one side only. Eventually the motor will wear out and it will not open.

[ModlessG]

Yep the operator will open it for a while. Then the motor will burn up. Definitely have a professional repair it asap. Those springs are under a lot of tension. Nothing to mess around with.

[whiplash]

Appreciate the input!! I'll give the pro's a call.

Thanks again!

[I-One-Da?]

Also did you check the rails to see if anything is getting caught on the way up? Sometimes the slide lock on the rail will come out some and catch the wheel as the door goes up.

More then likely it is one of the springs. I have had this happen to my garage door once. I tried to fix ti myself but I DO NOT recommend fixing it yourself. It is very dangerous as someone mentioned above. Lots of tension:eyebulge:

[jbenington86]

oh come on its fun watching the spring break with the door down.....the spring can make some pretty big wood chips fly (iv seen it)....springs can be replaced easily, as long as the door is in the up position and locked in place

trust me you dont want your car anywhere near a spring when they break

[cracka]

I'd advise getting a rec from a friend or neighbor for a reputable local company, or get a few estimates yourself before settling on one. The range of costs for similar spring repairs can be huge. There are definitely some shady types around looking to capitalize on the ignorance most of us have with regard to garage door/spring repairs.

[I-One-Da?]

Originally Posted by cracka

I'd advise getting a rec from a friend or neighbor for a reputable local company, or get a few estimates yourself before settling on one. The range of costs for similar spring repairs can be huge. There are definitely some shady types around looking to capitalize on the ignorance most of us have with regard to garage door/spring repairs.

We are all here saying that the job can be dangerous but that is only if you don't know what your doing. The job of fixing a spring is very easy with the proper know how and tools so it should not cost that much. It has been a long time since I had one fixed so I do not recall what it costs:iono:but shop around.