Don't touch a broken spring, and don't release the opener on an open door. Both spring types store a lot of force. If you heard a bang or see a gap or a stretched spring, leave the door alone and request help. See is it safe to open a garage door with a broken spring?
Knowing which spring your door uses helps you read a quote and understand what's broken. It does not mean you should work on it. Here's the difference, in plain terms.
How to tell which spring you have
| Torsion spring | Extension spring | |
|---|---|---|
| Where it is | On a metal bar above the closed door | Along each side of the door, beside the horizontal track |
| How it works | Twists to counterbalance the door | Stretches and contracts as the door moves |
| What a break looks like | A visible gap in the coil, often with a loud bang | A stretched or hanging spring on one side |
| Cost per spring (Angi, Minneapolis) | $80–$160 | $50–$110 |
Angi notes that both types are common on sectional doors, tilt-up (one-piece) doors use extension springs, and roll-up doors use torsion springs.
Which is better?
Angi's Minneapolis guide says torsion springs have longer lifespans and are generally considered safer, and that extension springs are cheaper. That's the tradeoff: lower price now, or a longer-lasting system. If you're replacing a broken extension spring, ask the company whether your door is a good candidate for torsion, and what the conversion would cost.
What replacement and conversion cost
| Job | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Replace one extension spring | $50–$110 | Angi, Minneapolis spring guide (updated July 9, 2026) |
| Replace one torsion spring | $80–$160 | Angi, Minneapolis spring guide |
| Single-door spring job overall | $160–$370 | Angi, Minneapolis spring guide |
| Convert torsion to extension | $260–$530 | Angi, Minneapolis spring guide |
| Convert extension to torsion | $420–$840 | Angi, Minneapolis spring guide |
| Labor, residential door | $80–$160 | Angi, Minneapolis spring guide |
These are published third-party estimates, not quotes from Twin Cities Garage Door SOS or any company we refer to. Angi's Minneapolis spring page lists its overall average inconsistently, so we cite only the ranges it states clearly. For our own cost guide, see spring replacement cost. The company you're connected with sets its own price.
Why both springs get replaced together
Angi says that when one spring on a door fails, it's better to replace both so the door stays balanced. Ask for the price of one spring and of both.
Questions to ask about a spring quote
- Is my door torsion or extension, and what are you replacing?
- Is the quote for one spring or both?
- What cycle rating do the new springs have?
- Does the price include checking the cables, rollers, and balance?
- What's the warranty on the springs and on labor?
Related guides
Getting help in the Twin Cities
Send one request and we'll pass it to one independent garage door company that serves your ZIP code. Say whether you heard a bang or can see a gap. Pricing, scheduling, and the repair are between you and the company. See broken spring repair or how it works.
Twin Cities Garage Door SOS is a free referral brand. We are not affiliated with other Twin Cities companies that use "SOS" or "Garage Door SOS" in their names. You'll know the company's name before anyone comes to your home.
Sources
- Angi, "How Much Does Garage Door Spring Replacement Cost in Minneapolis, MN?" (updated July 9, 2026)
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between torsion and extension springs?
Torsion springs are mounted on a bar above the door and twist to lift it. Extension springs run along the sides of the door, parallel to the horizontal tracks, and stretch and contract. Angi says torsion springs have longer lifespans and are generally considered safer, while extension springs are cheaper.
How much does it cost to replace each type in Minneapolis?
Angi's Minneapolis spring guide (updated July 9, 2026) lists $50–$110 for an extension spring and $80–$160 for a torsion spring, per spring. A full single-door job, including labor, is listed at $160–$370. Labor is $80–$160 for a residential door.
Can I switch from extension to torsion springs?
Yes, but it's a bigger job. Angi's Minneapolis guide lists $420–$840 to convert extension to torsion and $260–$530 to convert torsion to extension, because the old spring parts have to be removed and a different system installed.
Should I replace both springs when one breaks?
Angi recommends it. When one spring fails, replacing both at the same time keeps the door balanced, and a contractor will likely give a better price when both are done in one visit.
Can I replace a spring myself?
We don't recommend it. Angi says garage door springs are under high tension and that a pro has the tools and experience to do the job safely. See should you replace a spring yourself?.