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Question

I have a Sears 1/2 horse garage door opener. The garage door opener keeps kicking the chain off the drive sproket when I close it. It opens fine but constantly kicks the chain off when I close it. Do I need to buy a gear sprocket assy? Or is it toast.

Submitted: 137 days and 3 hours ago.

Category: Home Improvement

Value: $14

Status: CLOSED

Posted by Home Improvement Jay 136 days and 23 hours ago.

Answer

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The most common reason for the chain to fall off is that worn bearings in the gear and sprocket assembly. This allows the part to lean towards the door and causes the chain to slip off of the sprocket.

You can purchase a new gear and sprocket assembly and repair the garage door unit. Most importantly, make sure that the sprocket is installed level and that you allow the sprocket to rotate all the way clockwise and stop. At this point you can reattach and tighten the chain.

It is not necessary to purchase a brand new garage door opener.
This part can be purchased easily online with your make and model of garage door opener.

136 days and 22 hours ago.

Reply

Sounds like you hit the nail on the head. The sprocket does seem to be leaning towards the door. The chain was very loose on day so I tighten it up. It worked great for a week. One day I walked into the garage and found the rail bowed upward and touching the ceiling. I released the emergency handle and BANG the rail flezed downward. There seemed to be a great amount of tension on the chain bending the sprocket towards the door. After that no matter what I did that chain would alwayd fly off with in a second of the door going downward. Tell me if this makes sense. I'll hold.

Accepted Answer

Yes this make sense and be very careful if that happens again. Releasing that much tension could be dangerous. The gear and sprocket assembly should be replaced at this point. You can purchase the part and have a garage door technician install or attempt a diy if you are familiar with garage door repair.

Accepts:
Expert:	Home Improvement Jay
Pos. Feedback:	99.0 %
Answered:	7/9/2009

General C&ontractor

6 years exp. residential home and pool construction; mold, fire and flood remediations.

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