So, you press your garage door opener, and nothing happens. After a quick look, you notice slack in the cable and spring—something that wasn’t there yesterday. What now?
A broken garage door cable can stop your door from opening or closing properly, and while calling a repair service is always an option, it can be expensive ($150–$400) and might take days to schedule. The good news? If you’re comfortable with basic tools and safety precautions, replacing a garage door cable is a manageable DIY project that can save you time and money.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to get your garage door back in working order safely and efficiently.
What Do Garage Door Cables Do?
Garage door cables work alongside the spring system to lift and lower your door safely. They help counterbalance the door’s weight, making it easier to open, whether manually or with an automatic opener.
There are two main types of garage door spring systems:
Torsion Spring System: This setup features a single torsion spring mounted on a metal bar above the door. Each side of the door has a cable that connects the spring to the bottom of the door, helping it open smoothly.
Extension Spring System: Here, each side of the door has two cables—one runs through the spring to provide tension, while the other helps lift the door using a pulley system.
Both systems rely on cables to function properly, and a broken or loose cable can prevent your garage door from opening or closing correctly.
Are There Different Cables For Different Garage Spring Systems?
Yes, garage door cables vary based on the type of spring system and door size. Using the correct cable is crucial for safe and smooth operation.
When replacing a cable, always choose an exact match for your door’s specifications. If you can’t find one locally, check online retailers or contact the manufacturer. Never substitute with a generic or incorrect cable, as this can lead to dangerous malfunctions.
How Do You Know If Your Cable Is Broken?
A broken garage door cable is a common issue, and the main symptom is a door that won’t open even though the opener is running.
You’ll want to look for a slack cable. If one side of your garage door looks uneven or you notice slack in the lifting cable, it’s likely broken or off the drum. Also make sure that a broken cable hasn’t prevented the springs from doing their job, sticking the door in place. A cable wrapped around components such as the drum, track, or spring, it has likely snapped or come loose.
If you see any of these signs, stop using the opener immediately to avoid further damage.
How Much Of This Project Can I Do?
If you’ve handled DIY projects before, replacing a broken garage door cable is well within your skill set. It requires only a few tools—like wrenches, pliers, and safety gloves—and typically takes one to two hours.
However, if your door has a torsion spring system, proceed with caution. Torsion springs are under extreme tension and can be dangerous to adjust. If you’re unsure, consider calling a professional for safety reasons.
Even if only one cable is broken, it’s a good idea to replace both at the same time. Since they wear out at the same rate, the other cable is likely close to failing too. Replacing both ensures balanced operation, prevents unexpected failures, and saves you from doing the job twice.
How Do I Know If I Need A Professional?
If you’re comfortable using basic tools and following safety precautions, you can likely replace a garage door cable yourself. However, if you’re unsure about working with high-tension springs or feel uneasy about the process, it’s best to call a professional. While the job isn’t overly complex, it can be dangerous if done incorrectly—especially with torsion spring systems.
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How to Replace Garage Door Cables
Before replacing your garage door cables, identify your door’s spring system. A torsion spring system has one or two large springs mounted on a metal bar above the door. An extension spring system has springs that run parallel to the tracks on either side of the door.
Your replacement cable kit will include either one or two cables, depending on your door type. Confirm that you have the right parts before starting the repair.
How to Replace a Torsion Spring Lifting Cable
Step 1: Prioritize Safety
Garage doors are heavy, and torsion springs are under high tension, making safety a top priority. Follow these precautions before starting.
Wear safety gear like gloves and eye protection. Have a helper nearby as the job is easier and safer with an extra set of hands. Unplug or switch off the garage door opener to prevent accidental activation.
Step 2: Remove the cables
- Open the garage door fully and place a step ladder beneath it.
- Lock the door in place by clamping locking pliers or C-clamps onto the track just below the bottom roller. This prevents the door from closing unexpectedly.
- Identify the side with the broken cable. Look near the upper corners of the door for the winding drum, where the cable is likely wrapped or snapped.
- Locate the notch on the outer edge of the drum where the cable rests. Carefully unwind and remove the cable.
- At the bottom of the door, find the cable anchor pin and detach the other end of the cable.
Step 3: Install new cables
- Compare the replacement cable to the old one—it must match exactly in length and thickness. If it doesn’t, get the correct cable before proceeding.
- Insert the plain end of the new cable into the notch on the drum. Wind it around the drum, following the same grooves as the original.
- Attach the looped end of the cable to the anchor pin at the bottom of the door.
- Remove the clamps and ladder, then test the door.
It’s normal for slight gaps to appear in the cable windings on the drum at first. After a few open-close cycles, the cable will settle into place.
How to Replace Extension Spring Lifting Cables
Step 1: Open your garage door and lock it
tep 1: Open and Secure the Garage Door
Replacing an extension spring cable follows a similar process to a torsion system but involves pulleys instead of a winding drum.
Open the garage door fully to release tension in the cables. Place a step ladder under the door and lock it in place by clamping locking pliers or C-clamps onto the track just below the bottom rollers on both sides. Identify the extension spring cable, which connects through a pulley system instead of winding around a drum.
Step 2: Remove the Old Cable
Remove the cable from the pulley system and the bottom bracket on the door. Find the “S” hook that secures the cable to the track. Carefully detach it. Remove the cable from the pulley system and the bottom bracket on the door.
Take special note of which direction the old cable traveled in the pulley. An easy way is to just take a photo, or use the other side to determine the direction. Although the cable will work either way, if the cable is wound backward on the pulley, the cable will twist during operation. This will likely increase noise and decrease the life of the cable, so take the time to install the cable correctly.
Step 2: Install new cable
- Extension spring cables have a loop on one end and run through a two-pulley system—one pulley is attached near the door frame, and the other is at the end of the spring.
- Hook the looped end of the new cable onto the pin at the bottom of the door.
- Following the exact path of the old cable, guide it through the first pulley near the door frame.
- Continue threading the cable through the second pulley at the end of the extension spring.
- Attach the cable to the track using the “S” hook.
- Double-check the routing to ensure there are no twists or misalignments.
- Remove the clamps and ladder, then slowly test the door to ensure smooth operation.
How to Install the Safety Cable On An Extension Spring
A safety cable is a crucial component of an extension spring system. It prevents broken springs from flying across your garage, reducing the risk of injury or damage. When a spring snaps, it releases a significant amount of stored tension, and the safety cable keeps the broken pieces contained.
Fortunately, installing a new safety cable is a simple process:
- Step 1: Remove the Old Safety Cable
- Locate where the cable attaches to the track—this is usually secured with an “S” hook near the door.
- Identify the other end, which may be bolted or tied off.
- Detach both ends and carefully pull the cable out of the spring. Discard the old cable.
- Step 2: Install the New Safety Cable
- Confirm that your replacement cable matches the old one in length and thickness.
- Attach one end of the cable to the rear mounting point (either tied or bolted).
- Thread the cable through the center of the extension spring.
- Secure the front end to the track using the “S” hook.
- Double-check that the cable is properly routed and does not interfere with the spring’s movement.
With the new safety cable installed, your garage door system is now protected from spring failures.
When attaching the safety cable to the frame, position it as close to the extension spring as possible before threading it through. While the cable will still function if slightly misaligned, keeping it in line with the spring reduces friction and wear during door operation. This small adjustment helps extend the lifespan of both the safety cable and the spring.
Can I Prevent the Lifting Cable from Breaking?
While you can’t completely prevent a garage door cable from breaking, regular maintenance can significantly extend its lifespan. Cables usually fail due to age, wear, or damage, but a well-maintained system will last much longer.
If the door is misaligned or the springs are wearing unevenly, it puts extra strain on the cables. While the cable itself doesn’t need lubrication, pulleys, springs, rollers, and hinges do. A dry system creates unnecessary friction, leading to premature wear. Unusual sounds while opening or closing the door often indicate dry or worn components. Apply silicone or graphite spray to the springs and moving parts to reduce friction and extend their lifespan.
By keeping the system properly maintained, you can reduce stress on the cables and avoid unexpected failures.
A Safe Job Well Done
A well-maintained garage door doesn’t just provide years of reliable service—it also ensures your safety and peace of mind. Few things are more frustrating than a door that won’t open, but replacing broken cables doesn’t have to be a hassle.
If you’re tackling this repair yourself, remember to take your time. Rushing can lead to mistakes or safety risks. Always match your replacement cables exactly and use the right parts. Follow precautions, especially when working with high-tension springs.
By following these steps, you’ll have your garage door working smoothly and safely in no time.
Title Image from Garage Doors Reno Sparks
