Having a fully functioning garage door opener is crucial for the convenience and security of your home. One of the key
components that ensure smooth operation is the belt drive. Over time, this belt may wear out or break, rendering your
garage door opener useless. But not to worry, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of replacing
the belt in your overhead garage door opener.
Note: Always prioritize safety when undertaking DIY repairs. Wear protective gear, and if you feel
uncomfortable at any point, don’t hesitate to hire a qualified technician.
Preparations
Before we delve into the steps, let’s discuss the time, parts, and tools required for this task.
Project Timeline
You can expect to complete this task in less than an hour.
Necessary Parts
- Belt
Required Tools
- Step ladder
- Socket wrench set
- Phillips and slot screwdrivers
- Wrench set
- Channel lock pliers
- General-purpose grease
- Work gloves
Process Overview
Here’s an overview of the process:
- Disconnect power
- Dismantle the garage door opener
- Uninstall the old belt
- Install the new belt
- Reassemble the garage door opener
- Reconnect power
- Adjust travel limits
Step-By-Step Guide
Let’s dive into the detailed process.
Step 1: Power Disconnection
First, ensure that the garage door opener is unplugged. You can use a step ladder to reach the power cord and motor
unit.
Step 2: Garage Door Opener Dismantling
This step involves disconnecting the garage door from the trolley and removing the garage door opener from its place.
Here’s how:
Tip: It’s always easier and safer to have an assistant to help with the heavy lifting.
- Pull the emergency release rope to disengage the trolley from the garage door.
- If it’s open, close the garage door.
- Disconnect the garage door from the outer trolley by removing the fastener ring and clevis pin from the straight
door arm. - Lower the arms against the garage door.
- Access the motor unit by opening the light cover. Take a photo of the wall control and safety sensor wires for
reference when reconnecting them later. - Disconnect the wall control and safety sensor wires from the motor unit, then close the light cover.
- Carefully, remove the nuts, bolts, and lock washers that secure the motor unit to the ceiling bracket. Support the
motor unit with one hand as you remove the last bolt. - Lower the motor unit onto the step ladder, then to the garage floor
- Remove the rail from the header bracket by taking off the fastener ring and pulling out the clevis pin.
Step 3: Belt Removal
Next, you need to remove the old belt from the rail and motor unit. Here’s how:
- Slide the outer trolley away from the inner trolley.
- Create slack in the belt by squeezing the spring on the spring nut and trolley shaft using channel lock pliers.
- Unhook the trolley connector and release the spring tension.
- Remove the idler pulley nut and lock washer, then pull out the idler pulley bolt and slide the idler pulley out of the
rail window. - Remove the belt from the rail window.
- Remove the spring nut, tension spring, and nut ring from the trolley threaded shaft, then pull the threaded shaft
out of the trolley. - Disconnect the trolley threaded shaft from the belt by removing the master link clip-on spring, master link cap, and
master link bar - Remove the screws from the belt cap on the motor unit to take off the belt cap and belt.
Tip: Be careful when compressing the spring as it is under heavy tension.
Step 4: New Belt Installation
Now it’s time to install the new belt. Here are the steps:
- Lay the new belt beside the rail.
- Pass about 12 inches of the belt (the end with the trolley connector hook) through the rail window.
- Grease the idler pulley center hole (if dry), then slide the idler pulley back into the rail window behind the belt and
reinstall the idler pulley bolt, lock washer, and nut - Hook the new belt trolley connector to the trolley retaining slot.
- Route the belt onto the idler pulley and around the motor pulley, making sure not to twist the belt.
- Connect the trolley threaded shaft to the new belt by pushing the pins of the master link bar up through the threaded shaft mounting hole and the fitting of the new belt.
- Secure the connection by pushing the master link cap over the master link bar pins and past the pin notches, then
slide the clip-on spring over the master link cap and onto the pin notches. - Insert the trolley threaded shaft through the hole in the trolley, then insert the nut ring and tension spring on the
trolley shaft - Thread the trolley spring nut onto the trolley threaded shaft and tighten it until it’s flush with the end of the
threaded shaft. - Reinstall the belt cap on top of the pulley.
Step 5: Garage Door Opener Reinstallation
After installing the new belt, reinstall the garage door opener as follows:
- Reconnect the rail end to the header bracket.
- Reinstall the motor unit to the ceiling bracket.
- Reconnect the wall control and safety sensor wires to the motor unit using your reference photo.
- Reconnect the straight door arm to the outer trolley.
- Re-engage the trolley.
Tip: If you disconnected the curved arm from the straight arm earlier, reconnect them now
Step 6: Power Reconnection
Once the garage door opener is back in place, plug it back into the power source.
Step 7: Travel Limits Adjustment
The final step is to set the travel limits for your garage door opener. Follow the instructions provided by the
manufacturer for this step.
Conclusion
Replacing the belt on your overhead garage door opener doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the proper tools,
parts, and a comprehensive guide like this, you can tackle the job with confidence. However, always prioritize safety
and don’t hesitate to hire a professional if needed.
Warning: Undertaking repairs or maintenance to appliances can be risky. Always use the proper tools and safety
equipment. Follow all instructions carefully. Do not proceed with any step unless you understand it fully. Some repairs
and maintenance procedures should be performed by qualified technicians.
