SoCal Garage Door Pros teamGarage door lift cables work with the springs to raise the door evenly. One cable runs up each side from the bottom bracket to a drum on the spring shaft. When one side loses its cable, that side drops and the door hangs crooked.
A crooked door is under uneven tension, which makes it more likely to jam, come off track or fall.
Why garage door cables fail
- Fraying and wear. Cables wear with every cycle and fray over the years.
- Rust. Moisture and salt air rust the cable where it meets the bottom bracket.
- Slack cables. If the door hits something as it closes, the cable can go slack and jump off the drum.
- Spring problems. A spring losing tension changes how the cable winds.
- Worn drums. Damaged drums let the cable wind unevenly.
Signs you have a cable problem
- The door hangs lower on one side.
- A cable is hanging loose near the top of the door.
- You can see frayed or rusty strands.
- The door jerks or lifts unevenly.
- You heard a snap and the door dropped on one side.
What to do right now
Don't run the opener or try to lift the door by hand. Cables and springs are under high tension and can cause serious injury.
- Keep people, pets and cars clear of the door.
- Unplug the opener.
- Leave the door where it is.
- Call a technician to replace the cables and check the drums and springs.
We replace cables in pairs so both sides lift evenly. See our cable replacement service.
Need it fixed?
Garage Door Cable Replacement across the Valley and LA County
Upfront pricing, a 5.0-star rating and technicians based in Encino, Westchester and Lakewood.
Frequently asked questions
Can I fix a garage door cable myself?
We don't recommend it. Cables are connected to springs under high tension, and the bottom brackets can release suddenly.
Should both cables be replaced?
Yes. Both cables have the same wear, and replacing them together keeps the door balanced.
Is a crooked garage door dangerous?
It can be. A crooked door is unbalanced and can jam, come off track or fall. Stop using it until it's repaired.
