How difficult is it to replace a drive gear on a Sears garage door opener?

Lyle W EXPERT April 21, 2009

If you have reasonable mechanical skills, you may be able to complete this repair yourself. The challenging part of this repair is synchronizing the door position and the limit switch position.

There is a drive gear kit that you can use to make this repair. The kit part number is 41A2817. You can order it from the Sears PartsDirect website. Using this kit, you should be able to change the gear without removing the chain. Just be sure to synchronize the door position with the limit switch position when you are done as both of them take their drive off the same gear assembly.

If you start with the door all the way up and the limit switch in the up position and then install your parts you will have a good reference point to get the two back in sync afterward but remember that you still may need to fine tune the upper and lower limits slightly when you are finished.

Once you are finished you will also need to test your safety systems to be sure the door is stopping and reversing as it should. I have included some links below with more information on testing the systems and other tips that might be useful during your repair. There is also important information in your owners manual that you might want to review and if you have any remaining concerns or doubts you may want to consult a professional to be sure there is no risk of the door jamming or hurting someone.