The Springs Are Getting Weak: Garage door springs get stretched and re-stretched thousands of times during their life. There is a way you can test your springs if you suspect they may be losing elasticity.
- Close the garage door and pull the emergency release. This will disconnect the opener from the door and allow you to open it manually.
- Lift the door manually to about waist height, bring it to a stop and let go of it. If it stays in place your spring or springs are fine. If it starts to drift downward as soon as you release it then your springs are no longer holding a charge and are heading for failure.
Obvious Rust And Corrosion: If you take a few minutes to inspect your garage door springs and find corrosion or rust chances are good that spring failure is in your future.
Popping, Creaking, Screeching And Other Nasty Noises: When garage door springs begin moaning and complaining during the performance of their job it means a breakdown is on the horizon.
Your Door Opens Unevenly: If your door has two extension springs and one side is opening faster than the other it probably means one spring has already failed and the other is likely to follow suit in relatively short order.