If your garage door feels heavier than usual or isn’t opening all the way, there’s a good chance the side springs, also called extension springs, are worn or broken. A lot of Portland homeowners ask us: Can I replace garage door side springs myself? The answer? Technically yes. But let’s walk through the process so you can decide if it’s worth doing solo or if you should call a pro.

What Are Garage Door Side Springs?

Side springs are the long, stretched-out springs that run along the horizontal tracks on either side of your garage door. They help counterbalance the weight of the door so your opener (or your arms) don’t have to do all the work. When one breaks, your door becomes unbalanced. It might jerk when opening, sag on one side, or not open at all.

Should You Replace Them Yourself?

Here’s the real talk. Replacing side springs isn’t the hardest DIY job, but it’s not risk-free either. You’re dealing with high-tension parts that can snap or whip back if not handled properly. Reddit and StackExchange are filled with DIY wins and fails. If you’re comfortable with tools, ladders, and safety gear, you might be able to do it. If not, there’s no shame in calling PDX Garage Door and letting our Portland-based techs handle it.

Tools You’ll Need

If you’re going the DIY route, gather everything before you begin. You’ll need safety glasses and gloves, an adjustable wrench, C-clamps or locking pliers, a socket set, replacement extension springs (make sure the size matches your current springs exactly), a ladder, and a helper. Trust us you’ll want one.

Step-by-Step: Replacing Garage Door Side Springs

Step 1: Disconnect the Power

Unplug the garage door opener. You don’t want it turning on while your hands are in the springs.

Step 2: Open the Door

Lift the door all the way open and secure it in place using C-clamps or locking pliers just above the rollers on both sides. This takes tension off the springs.

Step 3: Remove the Old Springs

Carefully unhook the broken or worn springs from both the rear track hanger and the pulley system. If a safety cable runs through the spring, keep it intact. It’s there to protect you in case of a snap.

Step 4: Match and Install New Springs

Always replace both springs—even if only one is broken. If you don’t, the tension will be uneven. Hook the new springs onto the same points where the old ones were connected.

Step 5: Reattach Safety Cables (if present)

If your system uses safety cables (and it should), thread them through the new springs and secure both ends. These keep broken springs from flying across the garage.

Step 6: Test the Door

Remove the clamps. Open and close the door manually a few times. It should feel balanced and smooth. Then, plug the opener back in and test it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Replacing side springs seems simple, but here’s where most DIYers slip up. Using the wrong spring size messes up your door balance. Forgetting to replace both springs causes uneven tension. Skipping safety cables puts you at serious risk. And not securing the door during the process can lead to major damage or injury.

When to Call a Pro

If your door is oversized, your spring setup is unclear, or something just doesn’t look right, call in the pros. We’ve handled hundreds of spring replacements across Portland, from older homes in Sellwood to new builds in Beaverton. At PDX Garage Door, we’ll get the job done fast, clean, and without risking your safety. Plus, we inspect the full system to catch issues before they become expensive problems.

Final Word: You Can Replace Side Springs, But You Don’t Have To

DIY isn’t always the smartest move when it comes to high-tension parts. If you’re even a little unsure, skip the guesswork and let a local expert handle it. PDX Garage Door – Professional garage door spring repair in Portland, OR. Book a service call today, and we’ll replace your springs the right way.

Cities We Serve

PDX Garage Door proudly serves cities across the Portland metro area, including Beaverton, Salem, Tigard, and Hillsboro. We deliver expert garage door installation and repair services tailored to the unique needs of each community.