What You Need to Know
One of the most common failure points for garage door side cables is the bottom loop where the cable attaches to the bottom bracket. This area is especially prone to rust because it’s closest to the ground, where moisture, dirt, and road salt can accumulate. Over time, the metal in this loop can corrode and weaken, even if the rest of the cable looks fine. As rust eats away at the strands, the cable loses strength and can eventually split or snap under the high tension of the garage door system. This often happens without warning, leaving the door stuck or dangerously uneven. Regular inspections and replacing cables before they reach this point can prevent sudden failure and keep your garage door operating safely.

In most cases, the door will jam and become crooked. This tells us right away a cable may be disconnected.

Garage door side cables play a critical role in the operation of a torsion spring system. Each cable is securely fastened to the bottom bracket of the garage door and runs vertically up the side, looping around a drum mounted on the torsion bar above the door. When you activate the opener or manually lift the door, the torsion springs unwind and transfer their stored energy through the drums. As the drums turn, they wind the side cables upward, pulling the door evenly toward the open position. When closing the door, the process reverses: the cables unwind from the drums as the springs rewind, controlling the door's descent in a smooth, balanced motion. Without the side cables, the torsion springs would have no way to transfer lifting force to the door. Proper cable tension is essential — too loose and the door may sag or jam; too tight and it could create excess strain on the system. Over time, cables can fray, stretch, or snap due to wear, rust, or misalignment, which is why regular maintenance and timely replacement are crucial for safe and reliable garage door operation.

If one of your garage door side cables breaks or becomes damaged, it's strongly recommended to replace both cables at the same time. Even if the other cable looks fine, it has likely experienced the same amount of wear and tear and could fail soon after. Replacing both cables ensures the door stays balanced and operates smoothly, reducing strain on the entire lifting system. Uneven tension from mismatched cables can cause the door to lift crooked, get stuck, or put extra pressure on the opener. By replacing both cables in a single service call, you save yourself time, money, and the hassle of scheduling another repair shortly after. It’s a smart, preventative step that helps extend the life of your garage door system and keeps everything working safely and reliably.

At GarageRepair.ca, we specialize in fast and professional side-cable replacements. Our trained technicians can have your door working again quickly and safely—often the same day you call