Chamberlain Garage Door Opener

[jinman]

I have a screwdriven Chamberlain garage door opener on my garage. I bought the 1/2 hp opener at Sam's Club and installed it back in 2002. It has worked perfectly until about two weeks ago when the rack that runs back and forth on the screwdrive started skipping. It's a plastic gear and the teeth were worn completely down to a nub. It's really no wonder. We come and go from the house more by the garage than any other door in the house. I'm sure we have used the opener double or triple the amount you would expect in 7 years. Recently, with our cats, we run the door down and then open it about 6" so the cats can come and go from the garage to get to water and food during the daytime. This added a lot more up/down and start/stop wear.

I went to Chamberlains website and found the part I needed easily in their online parts diagrams. The part was reasonably priced (about $11) and shipping was also reasonable. The part arrived in about three business days. Much to my surprise, when the part arrived, there was a whole page of instructions on how to install and adjust the rack's position for proper operation. The original owner's manual had nothing on the rack since the new opener came with it already installed. Chamberlain realized I would need instructions and just included them with the order. I was so pleasantly surprised that I had to write Chamberlain to thank them for their nice website and thoughtful parts support.

My garage door is working again after only a short few days of manual opening/closing. This was one of the easiest repairs I've ever done.

 

[jayste]

AAAAAHHHHH!

Jim,

I had a very detailed explaination of proper spring tension, it's effects on your operator and how to adjust it but while typing this long-winded post I timed out. After signing back in my post was lost!!!

Anyway, IMHO I would check the spring tension on your door. You can easily do this by:
1) dis-engaging the operator from the door
2) reach down and manually lift the door until the bottom of the door is at waist height
3) At this time the door should hold itself in this position if the spring tension is correct

If it creeps up or down then I wouldn't mess with it. If it falls to the ground then it needs more tension. Opposite if it flies up. If need be that you want to adjust the spring tension then post back or PM me and I'll repost the directions if you need them. OR you could do like Andy told Aunt Bea and just "call the man!"

Jay

 

[2manyrocks]

+1 on Chamberlain openers.

My experience with other brands has been negative for reliability, and parts cost. I had another brand with a model number that started with SP--the dealer called it "service product" number so and so because of all the failures.

 

[Bird]

I don't even know how many brands of garage door openers there are. I never heard of Chamberlain before. But I currently have an "Allister Type IIA" chain drive with Craftsman remotes and never heard of that brand either until I bought this house with it already here. I helped a couple of neighbors in the past install Craftsman openers; don't know who makes them. And in 1977, I had a Genie screw drive installed in a new house and it was still working fine with no repairs when I sold the house in 1989. But it sure is nice when needed parts are available and come with good instructions.

 

[jayste]

I helped a couple of neighbors in the past install Craftsman openers; don't know who makes them. And in 1977, I had a Genie screw drive installed in a new house and it was still working fine with no repairs when I sold the house in 1989. But it sure is nice when needed parts are available and come with good instructions.

Bird, traditionally Chamberlain and Liftmaster produced Craftsman brand operators. BTW, Allister is a very good brand as well and if has any age on it at all will be belt driven in the motor housing. Also, if need be that belt can be had at any Napa parts house.

Jay

 

[Bird]

Thanks for the information, Jay. I've not opened this door opener up or looked inside, and really have no idea how old it is. We bought this house 4 years ago this month, it was built in 1991, and apparently had extensive remodeling done in 1999.

 

[milkman]

I found the plastic gears here, also got an extra remote, free shipping.
Craftsman Motor Unit by Sanford and Son? Services Inc

 

[jinman]

Anyway, IMHO I would check the spring tension on your door. You can easily do this by:
1) dis-engaging the operator from the door
2) reach down and manually lift the door until the bottom of the door is at waist height
3) At this time the door should hold itself in this position if the spring tension is correct

If it creeps up or down then I wouldn't mess with it. If it falls to the ground then it needs more tension. Opposite if it flies up. If need be that you want to adjust the spring tension then post back or PM me and I'll repost the directions if you need them. OR you could do like Andy told Aunt Bea and just "call the man!"

Jay

Jay, thanks for the info. My door is a single 10' wide aluminum door and very easy to lift. I haven't done the drop check, but my impression is that it will be fine and the spring tension okay. I believe my main problems with the screwjack rack are that the screw has never been lubed and it was very rusty. I lubed it well and the new rack runs very smoothly. The other issue is that we do a lot of stop/reverse/stop type movements to adjust the opening for the kitties. As a matter of fact, I'm thinking I should have bought another rack to have as a spare because it will see lots of wear over the next few years. My garage is pretty humid and things like the screw and the spring are very rusty. I should probably consider buying a dehumidifier since a chain I have hanging on a rack is rusting so bad there are little piles of rust below it.

 

[wjoerob]

I have a Chamberlain 1/2 hp too, but with chain drive. Not long ago, SOMEBODY was careless throwing a tool into the corner and destroyed the electric eye. I ordered it from them, and was really pleased with the prompt shipping, clear instructions on how to install and adjust. Also had to replace a motherboard on warranty 2 yrs. ago, and they were good with service on that, too.

 

[jayste]

Jay, thanks for the info. My door is a single 10' wide aluminum door and very easy to lift. I haven't done the drop check, but my impression is that it will be fine and the spring tension okay. I believe my main problems with the screwjack rack are that the screw has never been lubed and it was very rusty. I lubed it well and the new rack runs very smoothly. The other issue is that we do a lot of stop/reverse/stop type movements to adjust the opening for the kitties. As a matter of fact, I'm thinking I should have bought another rack to have as a spare because it will see lots of wear over the next few years. My garage is pretty humid and things like the screw and the spring are very rusty. I should probably consider buying a dehumidifier since a chain I have hanging on a rack is rusting so bad there are little piles of rust below it.

No problem Jim. White lithium grease is good to use. Tube for the screw and spray can form for the rollers and hinges.

Jay

 

[jayste]

Thanks for the information, Jay. I've not opened this door opener up or looked inside, and really have no idea how old it is. We bought this house 4 years ago this month, it was built in 1991, and apparently had extensive remodeling done in 1999.

No problem Bird. Yes, if I was to guess it's probably belt driven. "If it ain't broke don't fix it", right?

Jay

 

[jayste]

I have a Chamberlain 1/2 hp too, but with chain drive. Not long ago, SOMEBODY was careless throwing a tool into the corner and destroyed the electric eye. I ordered it from them, and was really pleased with the prompt shipping, clear instructions on how to install and adjust. Also had to replace a motherboard on warranty 2 yrs. ago, and they were good with service on that, too.

Rob, I know what you mean. That corner in the garage is a handy place to store tools but can be hard on the sensors at times. Normally they get bumped out of adjustment but sounds like your deal was a little worse!

Good thing your mother board was under warranty. Sometimes it's a tough decision to just buy another operator or replace the board.

Jay

 

[anojones]

I've had the Wayne Dalton openers (integrated spring and opener), which look pretty and save overhead space but have been a never ending pain to keep working correctly. For parts I've used Pro Door Parts: Wayne Dalton Garage Door Parts, Openers, Springs, Keyless Remote Controllers and have been happy with pricing and service. I was glad to replace the Wayne Dalton with the Liftmaster 3800 Jackshaft opener and added one to my 12' shop doors and have been very happy. Easy to install, work well, very quiet. One of the logic boards went out and I called Liftmaster, sent me another right out.

 

[kenmac]

I have also had to replace this nylon gear a coulpe of times on my opener

 

[jayste]

FYI, again, you fellas that are having the gear issues on your openers should seriously consider checking your spring tension. A heavy door will really shorten the life of the gear if the operator is adjusted too high on the force setting.

Jay

 

[escavader]

Ihave two chamberlains and one genie opener .The chamberlain remotes are way better than the genies.So much better im thinking of ripping out the HOME DEPOT -JUNK genie opener and installing a CHAMBERLAIN.
alan

 

[jinman]

FYI, again, you fellas that are having the gear issues on your openers should seriously consider checking your spring tension. A heavy door will really shorten the life of the gear if the operator is adjusted too high on the force setting.

Jay, I checked my garage door yesterday. I disconnected from the rack and lifted the door by hand up to about waist high. When I let go, my door didn't budge. The door seems so well balanced that it sits there like it was in an indent. It has no inclination to go up or down. I also bought some lithium grease for the jackscrew, so I'll start lubing it about once per month as needed. Thanks for your help and suggestions.

 

[jayste]

Jim,

Great! Sounds very balanced. Won't be any spring adjusting around there for a while! Glad the info could help.

Jay

 

[kenmac]

I have 2 large torsion springs above the 20' door. Correct settings is 1 round on the spring for every ft. height of the door. 9-10' high door = 9 to 10 rounds on each spring

 

[jayste]

I have 2 large torsion springs above the 20' door. Correct settings is 1 round on the spring for every ft. height of the door. 9-10' high door = 9 to 10 rounds on each spring

Yes, that would be a good starting point. That's what would be applied to a totally unloaded tension door. If it's already loaded then try adding a turn per spring to adjust for fall.

Jay