2026-07-17 7 min read A2Z Garage Doors
If you've ever heard that loud *BANG* from your garage, felt the door go heavy in your hands, or watched it drop halfway down, you know something's wrong with your springs. The question isn't whether you have a problem. It's whether you can fix what you've got or if you need to start fresh. After 15 years on the trucks in West Hollywood and surrounding areas, I can tell you the answer depends on which type of spring failed, how old your system is, and what your wallet can handle.
Most residential garage doors use one of two spring types: torsion springs or extension springs. Torsion springs sit above the door on a rod and twist to lift the weight. Extension springs run along the sides and stretch to help pull the door open. When one fails, the whole door becomes nearly impossible to operate safely.
Here's the thing: springs don't just wear out. They snap. One day you're opening your garage normally, the next day it feels like you're lifting a car with your bare hands. That's a snapped spring, and it happens without warning. A typical torsion spring lasts 7 to 9 years with normal use. Extension springs might make it to 10 years. But West Hollywood's heat and humidity can speed that timeline up by a year or two.
If one spring has snapped, you have two paths forward.
Repair (Single Spring Replacement) If only one spring failed and your door is relatively new, replacing just that spring makes sense. The cost is lower upfront, usually running $150 to $300 for parts and labor in West Hollywood. But here's the catch: if you have two springs (which many doors do), the other one is likely worn too. Replacing one means you might face another failure in months.
Replace (Both Springs) If your door is over 6 years old or you have a snapped spring plus a worn extension or torsion spring, I always recommend replacing both at the same time. Yes, it costs more, typically $300 to $600 for a complete spring replacement. But it saves you the frustration of another emergency call and the risk of your door getting stuck when you're already running late.
Think of springs like tires. Replace one bald tire and ignore the others, you're asking for trouble. Both springs wear together. When you replace just one, you create an imbalance. The new spring is stronger, the old one is weaker, and your door opener has to work harder to compensate. That accelerates wear on your opener motor and tracks.
**Need garage door springs in West Hollywood today?** Call 323-375-3591. we cover same-day service across the area.
Spring replacement isn't a surprise expense if you know what's coming. I've written about how to get an accurate estimate without surprises, and the same rules apply here. When you call for a quote, be clear about whether you need one spring or both, and ask if your door needs new safety cables too. Cables often fail alongside springs and should be replaced at the same time.
Labor runs $100 to $200 per hour in West Hollywood, depending on the complexity. A straightforward torsion spring replacement takes about an hour. An extension spring job can take longer if the springs are difficult to access. Get a same-day estimate and avoid the guesswork.
If your door is older or you're seeing multiple issues, you might want to explore garage door maintenance and tune-ups to catch problems before they turn into emergencies.
I need to be direct: replacing garage door springs yourself is dangerous. Springs hold hundreds of pounds of tension. If they slip or release unexpectedly, they can cause serious injury. I've seen fingers broken, hands lacerated, and worse. Professional tools, safety cables, and experience matter here. Call us instead of risking it. That's not a sales pitch. It's a safety fact.
The right move is to call Garage Door West Hollywood for a free quote on our spring services and let trained technicians handle the work. Same-day appointments are available most days, and we'll walk you through repair versus replacement based on what your door actually needs.
Don't wait until your door gets stuck when you're trying to get to work. Springs fail fast, and a failed spring means no garage door until it's fixed. Reach out today at 323-375-3591 or schedule a free estimate online.
How long does a garage door spring replacement take? A typical torsion or extension spring replacement takes 1 to 2 hours from start to finish. If both springs need replacing or your system has complications, add another 30 to 60 minutes. Same-day service is usually available in West Hollywood.
Can I drive my car if one garage door spring is broken? Technically yes, but you shouldn't. A broken spring means your door opener works harder and could fail. More importantly, the door is less stable and could drop unexpectedly. Get it fixed before you risk an accident.
Why do springs cost so much to replace? You're paying for safety, expertise, and equipment. A spring itself costs $50 to $150. Labor, safety cables, and the tools required to do it properly add up. Professional replacement prevents injury and future problems.
Should I replace springs before they break? If your door is over 7 years old, springs are nearing the end of their lifespan. A maintenance inspection can tell you if replacement is coming soon. Replacing them proactively beats an emergency call.
What's the difference between a snapped spring and a worn spring? A snapped spring breaks suddenly and stops working immediately. A worn spring still works but is losing strength and will fail soon. Both need replacement, but snapped springs are emergencies.