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