Garage Door Cable Replacement

Garage door cables are essential safety components that work with springs to support and control your door's weight. These steel cables run from the bottom corners of your door, over pulleys, and attach to the spring system. They bear significant stress with every door operation, and their failure can have serious consequences.

When a cable breaks, the door loses support on that side. If the door is open when a cable fails, it can fall suddenly and violently. Even if the door is closed, operating it with a broken cable is extremely dangerous. The remaining cable and spring system can't safely support the door's full weight, creating risk of collapse, injury, and property damage.

Portland's wet climate is particularly hard on garage door cables. Moisture promotes rust and corrosion, weakening cable strands over time. Regular inspection and maintenance help identify cable problems before they cause dangerous failures. If you notice any signs of cable wear or damage, don't delay—call for professional inspection immediately.

Cable replacement requires expertise and specialized tools. We begin by securing the door and safely releasing spring tension. We carefully remove damaged cables, inspecting drums, pulleys, and attachment points for wear or damage. We install new commercial-grade cables, routing them correctly through pulleys and around drums.

We always replace both cables even if only one is damaged. Cables wear at similar rates, and if one has failed, the other is likely near failure too. Replacing both prevents a second failure shortly after the first repair. We adjust spring tension to ensure proper door balance and cable stress. We test operation thoroughly before finishing.

Throughout the process, we inspect related components. We check springs for wear, examine pulleys for damage, and verify drum condition. We look for issues that may have contributed to cable failure and address them to prevent recurrence. Our goal is not just replacing cables but ensuring your entire door system operates safely and reliably.

While cables eventually wear out, proper maintenance extends their life and prevents premature failure. Regular lubrication protects against rust, especially important in Portland's wet climate. Annual inspections catch fraying or wear before cables break. Keeping your door properly balanced reduces cable stress.

Watch for warning signs between professional inspections. Look for fraying, rust, or loose cables. Listen for unusual noises during operation. Notice if your door operates unevenly or seems harder to open. These signs indicate cable problems requiring professional attention. Don't ignore them—early intervention prevents dangerous failures and more expensive repairs.