Garage Door Spring Noises: Pops and Creaks Explained

A spring that works quietly is normal. A new noise is worth a look. Here is what common sounds can mean. This is general guidance. A technician needs to see the door to be sure.

Squeaking or creaking

A squeak often points to dry metal. Coils rub on each other or on the bar. A light coat of the lubricant your door maker advises can help. Do not spray the spring if you are not sure what to use.

Popping or twanging

A pop as the door moves can come from the coils shifting on the bar. It can also mean the spring is tired or the door is out of balance. If the popping is new or getting louder have the springs checked. See what a garage door balance problem looks like.

Rattling

Loose hardware can rattle. Brackets and bolts near the springs can work loose over time. Do not tighten bolts near a spring or cable yourself. They may be under load.

Grinding or scraping

These sounds often come from rollers or tracks. They can also come from a cable rubbing on the drum. Look at how to tell if a garage door cable is frayed.

A single loud bang

That is different. It usually means a spring has broken. Read what a broken garage door spring sounds like.

When to call

Call if the noise is new or loud or getting worse. Call if you see a gap in a coil or rust on a spring. See our page on garage door spring repair.