Garage Door Cable Repair & Replacement
Cable snapped off the drum or hanging frayed? It's a fast fix when it's caught early — and it's free when it comes with a two-spring job.
Garage door cable repair in Greater Vancouver starts at $159 and is usually done the same day. A frayed or snapped lift cable makes the door hang crooked, jam, or drop on one side. We replace cables in matched pairs, reset them on the drums, and re-balance the door. If you're already replacing two springs, the cables are free.
Updated July 2026 · written & reviewed by the Probably Fine Garage Doors crew
Why cables fray in the first place
Lift cables are thin braided steel under constant load. On the wet coast they rust from the inside; in older East Van and New West garages they wear where they rub a misaligned drum or a rough pulley. A few broken strands ("fish-hooks") mean it's days from snapping — catch it then and it's a simple swap, not a door-off-track rescue.
If a cable has already let go, the door is now unbalanced and the springs are doing uneven work. Don't run it — call us and leave it down until we re-tension both sides.
Frequently asked
How much is garage door cable repair?
From $159 for a matched pair, same-day in most of Metro Vancouver. If you're replacing two springs at the same time, the cables are included free.
Can I use the door with a broken cable?
Please don't. One broken cable unbalances the whole door and overloads the springs and opener. Leave it closed and call — it's a quick fix when it's not forced.
Why do both cables need replacing?
They're the same age and tension. Swapping only the snapped one leaves a worn cable on the other side that fails soon after — pairing them is cheaper than two trips.
Related services
Let's get your door sorted
Call or text for a flat, written price and a same-day arrival window across Greater Vancouver.
Upfront pricing. Written quote before we touch a thing. No $19.99 bait.