Our automatic garage door opener has developed some problem. Repair person identified it as stripped Gear. Instead of replacing Gear (which could cost ~$50), he is suggesting to replace complete opener (cost ~$300). It seems if we replace Gear, we might have to replace it again within a year. What should we do?
Unless you have had constant problems, just replace the gear.Order the whole assembly(which incudes the driveshaft and top bearing). And do not skip installing the worm gear. Doing this I see no reason why the new gear should not last as long as the original.
Replace the nylon gear yourself. Clips on and off.
You've got one of three problems. The door spring(s) are broken or not properly tensioned; The door is binding in the tracks; The shaft on which the gear mounts is bent. Any of these can cause the gears to strip.
You can get a new one for $140 if you knew how to install it yourself. But $50 compared to $300 I think I would go with the gear. Wasting $50 if you have to buy a new one later wouldn't make me feel as bad as paying $300 for something I didn't really need.
I don't know what opener you have but I have replaced the gears in my Craftsman garage door opener. I bought the part at Sears Parts and followed the directions and it works fine. Personally I would replace the gear myself.
