Garage Door Opener Crapped Out

[TxEx90]

It worked for exactly one day after we moved into our house, and now it won't move the door up or down (the motor still runs but the chain doesn't move, even though it's on track). It's probably 20 years old, so while I'd like to get it repaired cheaply, I should probably resign myself to having a new one installed (by someone more technically-inclined than I am). Anyone have good referral in the Austin area?

 

[PhantomHorn]

I'd go with Sears. My opener crapped out a few years ago and I found out it was a 20 year old brand that isn't even produced anymore.

 

[forgotmyusername]

Same thing happened to me a couple of months ago. It was cheaper to buy a new one than have the guy scramble for twenty year-old parts. About $250. Can't remember the name though, just found him through the yellow pages.

 

[MemorialHorn]

Get a new one - it will be more reliable and quieter. You can get decent ones at Home Depot and Lowe's and they will arrange installation with a contractor. Also, if the garage door is old the springs could need replacing.

 

[ArrogantAssclown]

Sounds like the "spider gear?" may have worn out. Same thing happened to mine a couple of years ago. If you can get the model number the manufactor will probably have a repair kit available since this is a common problem with garage door openers. Sears sent me a complete gear kit with instructions for installation the next day. On mine it just appeared that the "spider gear" was bad so I only replaced it. They other gears looked like they would require me to take down the whole box instead of just removing the back cover so I opted for the easy way out. Basically I just had to remove the back cover, take off a C-Clap, pull gear off shaft, put the new gear on shaft and re-grease. Of course there were plastic shavings all over the place so I had to do a little clean up. Before purchasing another I would remove the back cover and inspect the old unit. You said the motor still worked fine so if the gears are not too difficult to replace, try that first if the repair kit is not too costly. My complete repair kit ran about $35. Hope that helps!

 

[ArrogantAssclown]

Here is an example of a repair kit for a craftsman, the gear I replaced was the cylinder type gear. Do not be intiminated by the parts diagram, getting the back cover off is not that difficult except for a couple of self threading screws that you have to apply a lot of pressure to turn.

After looking at it I guess it is not a "spider gear" but something with another name that I am sure other posters can come up with.

Repair Kit

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[Ring1]

Check to see if the large springs on the garage door have broken. Typically that's a good place to start. If so, all you have to do is get new springs.

 

[ArrogantAssclown]

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[TxEx90]

Thanks for the tips. I called one repair listing and the guy wanted $90 just to come look at it -- no thanks! The spring looks OK, the gears inside look OK, ... I think it's just time for a new one, seeing as how this one is so old I can't even read the model or serial number on it. It also doesn't have a safety reverse, so rather than coming home some day to find my dog crushed under it, I think I'll get a new one. 'preciate the tips.

 

[frankey01040392]

sorry TxEx90 i didnt see the Austin area part so disregard the private message