Stop
A frayed cable can snap under tension and cause the door to fall suddenly; keep everyone clear and do not attempt to operate or repair it yourself.
Symptoms
- Visible fraying, kinks, or broken strands in the cable
- Door hangs unevenly or crookedly
- Unusual noise from one side of the door during operation
Likely causes
- CommonNormal wear and ageCables endure constant tension and cycling, and they wear out over years of use.
- PossibleRust or corrosion weakening the cableMoisture exposure can corrode cable strands, especially in humid climates or unheated garages.
- PossibleCable coming off its drum or pulleyA cable that jumps its track can fray quickly from rubbing against other hardware.
- PossibleImproper tension from a spring or drum issueRelated hardware problems can put uneven stress on a cable, accelerating wear.
What to do
- Do not operate the garage door, manually or with the opener, once you notice a frayed cable.
- Visually inspect from a safe distance, without touching the cable, to confirm the extent of the damage.
- Keep vehicles and people clear of the door's path until it's repaired.
- Note whether one side of the door looks lower than the other, which suggests the cable may be close to failing entirely.
- Contact a garage door professional for cable replacement, since it involves working near high-tension springs.
- Avoid using the manual emergency release in this situation, since an unsupported door could drop suddenly.
Tools and parts
- None recommended for DIY
Garage door lift cable (professional install only)Search: “garage door lift cable replacement”
When to call a pro
Call a licensed garage door technician promptly; cable replacement involves working near high-tension springs and isn't a safe DIY repair.
Safety
Stop
A frayed cable can snap under tension and cause the door to fall suddenly; keep everyone clear and do not attempt to operate or repair it yourself.