Replacing old Lift Master 1/2 HP motor

[SeattleGuy]

I think the motor on one of our garage doors is getting tired. The door has 4 wood panels. The door stops after the first panel has made the bend. I can help it and it will open all the way. The house was built in 1980 and the wood doors are heavy.

It looks like a basic chain drive. I was wanting to know how easy it is to swap out the chain drive. Also if it had to be another Lift Master unit or something different.

Any tips or information greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
Brian

 

[gnpenning]

Release the opener and try opening the door by hand to see if the door is heavy or binding first.

 

[DeeKay]

I'd bet your springs are getting tired rather than the motor.

 

[SeattleGuy]

I did and the door does move up and down.

Springs are newer. They have been replace in the last 5 years

 

[nadogail]

I bought garage door openers from Home Depot, paid for the lowest priced Geni with the Life Time guarantee, had the write it in my son's name. I have yet to be dissapointed.

 

[Bert_]

I did and the door does move up and down.

Springs are newer. They have been replace in the last 5 years

It moves but how much effort does it take?

What are the rollers like?

The actual weight of the door makes very little difference. The springs should keep it balanced. I've always been told if you open the door halfway it should stay there. If not you don't have it adjusted right.

 

[CombatNinja]

Electric motors don't get "tired". They either apply torque or don't. Your issue is with the springs, rollers, tracks or something else. I would start with a thorough cleaning of all tracks and rollers, a lube of every single moving part, and a good visual inspection. The problem will be revealed...

 

[Sgtmac1965]

I just installed a new Geni belt drive...very quiet...still not quiet enough.

I spent 20 bucks on nylon garage door rollers with ball bearings.....what a difference. Before it sounded like an old roller coaster and now it’s in perpetual whisper mode.

Well worth the time. My garage door no longer registers as a seismic event when it opens.

 

[DeeKay]

I just installed a new Geni belt drive...very quiet...still not quiet enough.

I spent 20 bucks on nylon garage door rollers with ball bearings.....what a difference. Before it sounded like an old roller coaster and now it’s in perpetual whisper mode.

Well worth the time. My garage door no longer registers as a seismic event when it opens.

I can tell when any of my 3 neighbors are home just by the particular squeeks and crunches their individual garage doors make. I just don't understand how the noises don't bother them haha

 

[Jeepster04]

I just installed a new Geni belt drive...very quiet...still not quiet enough.

I spent 20 bucks on nylon garage door rollers with ball bearings.....what a difference. Before it sounded like an old roller coaster and now it’s in perpetual whisper mode.

Well worth the time. My garage door no longer registers as a seismic event when it opens.

What brand of rollers did you go with?

 

[Mark118]

I did and the door does move up and down.

Springs are newer. They have been replace in the last 5 years

The replacement springs may have been the wrong type (they are rated based upon the weight of the door and have a color sprayed near the end to indicate it). With the correct springs & adjustment you should be able to raise the door by hand with very little effort. I happened to notice a couple weeks ago a complete 1/2 system (name brand - can't remember which) on sale at HD for $135. GLWS.