I have an older Genie Bluemax screw / worm gear drive garage door opener. About every 2 years the plastic trolly that runs in the aluminum track and connects to the door lift bracket breaks. Basically the inner flange that runs in the track splits off allowing the gear to disengage. Just happened again today. I have checked everything I can think of. I used the original genie grease, verified the track is straight and true, made sure the garage spring is adjusted correctly, and anything else I can think of. The door is adjusted so that I can easily open and close it. The only thing I can see is the aluminum track has a very small amount of deflection when its operating near the center. Thinking about building a small support bracket to help with that. I have replaced it with original Genie brand and aftermarket and it doesn't seem to make a difference. Ordered one off Amazon because it will be delivered tomorrow. I see they sell them in packs of 2 as well. Does anybody have any experience with this problem? Is this just normal? Garage door gets opened and closed 2-3 times a day, 7 days a week.
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Genie screw drive opener trolley
- Thread starter gregs
- Start date
nadogail
Well-known member
The Garage Door Opener of choice for my rentals is the Screw Drive Geni. I have found that they work fine and last a long time. I purchased them from Home Depot with a Lifetime Warranty. I have found the Geni helpline to be very helpful and they are good about getting replacement parts to me quickly. I also have a good relationship with a professional garage door service and parts supplier.
I have been told by a Factory Service Technician that when they go to a warranty repair job they look for ways to avoid responsibility; so make sure you have complied with their maintenance and lubrication instructions.
One time I had to get a professional local technician to speak to the customer service department of the Geni company to get a free replacement part that they claimed almost never broke. They sent it out Forthwith.
I have been told by a Factory Service Technician that when they go to a warranty repair job they look for ways to avoid responsibility; so make sure you have complied with their maintenance and lubrication instructions.
One time I had to get a professional local technician to speak to the customer service department of the Geni company to get a free replacement part that they claimed almost never broke. They sent it out Forthwith.
FWIW I am not the original owner and dont think this model had a lifetime warranty.
The way they break it looks like the piece is pulled down so hard that it cracks off the portion that rides in the groove of the track. But everything operates smooth and no heavy weight to pull or push. When the powers out, you can pull the release and open the door easily and the trolley glides in the track.
The only other thing I can think of is some kind of issue where the worm gear climbs out of the gear segment on the trolley and pushes it down breaking the lip off the trolley. I can see this as a possibility as the opener is old and there could be wear in the aluminum track extrusion or the area the worm gear segments are connected. I am going to look closer at that tonight.
The way they break it looks like the piece is pulled down so hard that it cracks off the portion that rides in the groove of the track. But everything operates smooth and no heavy weight to pull or push. When the powers out, you can pull the release and open the door easily and the trolley glides in the track.
The only other thing I can think of is some kind of issue where the worm gear climbs out of the gear segment on the trolley and pushes it down breaking the lip off the trolley. I can see this as a possibility as the opener is old and there could be wear in the aluminum track extrusion or the area the worm gear segments are connected. I am going to look closer at that tonight.
rlitman
Well-known member
Have you checked that the springs match the weight of the door? That part shouldn't be seeing all that much force.
jstroede
Well-known member
Where are you located? Those things are don't like wide varying temperatures. It just comes along with the design. I remember talking to the Liftmaster rep one time years ago and they came up in discussion because a customer was interested in them. They said they hate even making them and that they only do because they have to in certain markets because that's what the market dictates. Those markets are mainly warm climates.
All the people I know that have had them have fought having to replace couplers and trolleys. Chain and belt drive openers with multi piece rails ****, but the home owner versions of the screw drive are awful IMO.
All the people I know that have had them have fought having to replace couplers and trolleys. Chain and belt drive openers with multi piece rails ****, but the home owner versions of the screw drive are awful IMO.
71goldss
Well-known member
I‘ve had a Genie screw drive since the mid 90’s, and I’ve only had to change the plastic trolly once In that time. Since I’ve probably just now jinxed myself, I guess I should order another trolly now!
nadogail
Well-known member
I bought my first Geni screwdriver opener primarily because of the price. When you buy by price you get a cheap product.
I don’t regret buying them, but with any really cheap product they generally cut corners to bring the product to market at the desired price point.
I don’t regret buying them, but with any really cheap product they generally cut corners to bring the product to market at the desired price point.