Garage door cable broken?
The lifting cable transmits the spring force to the door panel. When it snaps, one side of the door drops abruptly - it jams at an angle in the tracks. The remaining cable bears the entire load alone. Danger: do not operate the door, the spring is still under tension.
Usually a quick repair - but the spring must be neutralised first.
Why your cable broke
A steel cable doesn't snap without reason. Here are the 3 causes and how to recognise them.
Wear from friction
The cable rubs against a worn roller, a pulley edge or a misaligned guide for years. The strands fray gradually until the cable breaks.
- Visibly frayed cable before the break
- Protruding metal strands
- Localised squeaking at the pulley
- Door had been squeaking for months
Weakened or broken spring
A fatigued spring puts abnormal tension on the cables. The cable compensates for the lack of spring force and eventually gives way under the overload.
- Door had been heavy for weeks
- Motor was straining abnormally
- Spring broke at the same time as the cable
- Door installed 12+ years ago without maintenance
Steel cable corrosion
Damp garage, chronic condensation or water infiltration. The galvanised steel of the cable rusts from the inside - the strands lose their strength without any visible external sign.
- Damp or poorly ventilated garage
- Rust spots on the cable before the break
- Cable felt rigid instead of flexible
- No lubrication since installation
What to do when a cable breaks?
The cable offsets the spring tension. Without it, the spring can release violently. 3 non-negotiable rules.
Do not touch the cable on the floor
Even broken and hanging, the cable is connected to the spring system under tension. Pulling or handling it can cause a sudden spring release.
Do not move the door
The door is crooked - only one cable holds it. Trying to straighten it or lower it can cause it to fall on one side. The panel weight (80 to 120 kg) drops without braking.
Call for a replacement
The technician first neutralises the spring (tension wrench), then replaces the cable and checks the other one. Both cables are often replaced together (same wear).
Cable replacement
The cable intervention is usually quick but requires neutralising the spring beforehand.
Phone diagnosis
The technician identifies the door type and cable to prepare the exact part.
Travel
Technician equipped to replace the cables on most residential doors.
Replacement
Spring neutralisation, broken cable removal, new cable installation, tension restoration, second cable check.
Test
Door tested up and down, balance checked, motor reprogrammed if necessary.
Cable replacement price
Quick and affordable intervention. The cable is the cheapest part - but the most dangerous to handle without proper tools.
Every cable replacement is priced with a free quote, depending on the door and the condition of the second cable.
Broken cable? Door crooked?
Don't touch anything. Emergency service Monday to Friday (8am-12pm / 1pm-5pm), fast response subject to availability.
“Congratulations to the technicians for their high professionalism, but also for actually diagnosing the real fault and fixing it. Came and did good work at a fair price. Bravo. (Original review in French, translated)”
Frequently asked questions
Answers to our customers' most common questions.
Often associated with a broken cable
Cable broken? Call now.
On-site replacement, calibrated steel cable, parts under manufacturer warranty. Emergency service Monday to Friday (8am-12pm / 1pm-5pm) on +352 691 545 407, fast response subject to availability.
Cable replacement service areas