How To Replace A Chain Drive Garage Door Opener: Replacing A Chain Drive Garage Door Opener With A Belt Drive

The most important aspect to take into account when choosing a garage door opener is the door's weight. For larger doors, such as hefty wooden ones and 2- and 3-car garage doors, choose the chain drive. They have the tools necessary to easily handle all variations of garage doors. If you're ready to invest a little more money, belt drives are the best option for 1- or lightweight 2-car garage doors. Belt drives are more expensive, but they more than make up for them with ease of maintenance. During the belt drive's anticipated lifespan of 10+ years, you won't need to service it very often.
In contrast, chain belt drives are more vulnerable to problems because of friction from their metal parts. Chain drives are more prone to need repairs, and they typically last less time than belt drives. You'll discover that the belt drive system is better for your one-car garage. Not simply because it requires little upkeep, but also because it is quiet and simple to operate. The rubber belt used by the mechanism makes this garage door opener practically soundless. It works great for homes with bedrooms over the garage or for anyone who despises the loud, jarring noises made by a chain drive garage door. They can also be equipped with smart technology that allows you to open and close the door using a phone or other device.

Replacing A Chain Drive Garage Door Opener With A Belt Drive

It's not too difficult to switch your chain drive over to a belt drive. Numerous belt drive manufacturers ship their goods with DIY instructions. With a few brand-specific variations, the list of steps below covers almost every belt drive installation procedure. Always adhere to the manufacturer's instructions first.

Step 1: Unplug The Electric Motor & Assemble The New Rail

As soon as possible, unhook the electric motor from the wall and remove it from the ceiling, along with the door's main rail and the chain that is attached to it and held up by the curved door arm. Assemble the new rail, positioning the section closest to the door where the trolley opening is located. Connect it to the newly installed motor below. Place the trolley on the rail by sliding it down to the opposite end from the end that is closest to the motor.

Step 2: Place The U-bracket On The Closest End

Put the U-bracket on the end that is closest to the motor and secure it with the nuts, bolts, or screws supplied by the producer. The front rail's opening closest to the door should receive roughly one foot of the rubber belt. The Idler pulley should be positioned and secured horizontally in the slot directly behind the opening.

Step 3: Pull The Trolley In The Direction Of The Motor

Take the end of the belt that you have already dragged through one foot, and fasten it to a trolley tab. You can see exactly where that is by consulting the manufacturer's instructions. To check the belt's movement, pull the trolley in the direction of the motor. If it's moving irregularly, take the idler pulley off, lubricate the inner circle, put it back on, and give it another shot.

Step 4: Put The Cap In Place & Fasten It To The Motor's Belt Drive

The opposite end of the belt should be wrapped around the motor's pulley until it forms a full circle and ends at the trolley. The pin securing the belt to the trolley must be secured according to the manufacturer's recommendations. When you can easily fit a finger between the belt and the metal track, the belt tension is appropriate. Put the cap in place and fasten it to the motor's belt drive.

Step 5: Mount The Bracket On The Wall Over The Garage Door

The bracket should be mounted on the wall over the garage door. To keep the metal track in place on the bracket while the rubber belt and trolley are attached, use a clevis pin. Your motor will still be on the ground at this stage, and the metal bracket will stretch up and fasten to the wall. The new motor should then be lifted and secured to the brackets that the old one was installed in. The trolley's curved door arm should be reattached. Rewire your motor using the same method as the old one, plug it in, and test it out once everything is attached.