How to Replace Garage Door Opener in 15 Minutes!

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Simple instructions on how to replace a broken garage door opener and calibrate the new one.
Recently the sprocket driving the chain on my Chamberlain garage door opener broke off. Rather than spending hours and days disassembling the old machine, identifying the broken part, ordering a replacement part, waiting for part to arrive, installing the part and hoping my handiwork fixed it, I decided to resolve the problem in under 2 hours including the drive time to and from my local hardware big box shop.
The process is very simple and all you need are a few basic tools, a replacement opener, and about 15 minutes!
Tools:
- philips head screwdriver
- flathead screwdriver
- socket wrench
- ladder
- [folding] table

[@kckn4fun]

Great video, I just did mine today. Crucial detail not covered in the video that your viewers NEED to know! At the step where you "gently lower the unit," the person doing the work MUST either (a) disconnect the metal bar linking the door to the trolley (usually just two parts), or (b) disconnect the trolley using the emergency release, or (c) remove the chain from the sprocket. In my case, I had a burnt out light bulb socket and needed to replace my old motor. When we attempted to lower it, the unit would not come down--because unlike your case, our sprocket was just fine. So the tension of the chain held the unit up. Just a heads up to anyone else attempting this work.

[@francoamerica2008]

Thanks for your hard work. The cost of installing a spring on my door was $500.00. This was a simple job. I would have spent $100.00 on parts and tools doing it myself. People like you are very much appreciated out here. Sincerely, thank you. In the next few minutes, I'll be doing this job and posting the results.

[@opeyemi07]

How did it go?

[@francoamerica2008]

@@opeyemi07 Well, I got a motor, chain, track plus two adjusting bars for the tension springs $200.00. A local company was asking almost $2000 to do what I did for $200 and two hours of work.

[@therealdirtydan2940]

​@francoamerica2008 one false move with that spring and your not even going to feel it. You'll just be dead asf.

[@francoamerica2008]

@@therealdirtydan2940 I agree with your assessment. Here is the interesting thing Dan, worked at a truck body building for 23 years and never a mishap. Probably installed thousands of doors and springs. I needed the information for installing the motor. Thanks for your concern.

[@therealdirtydan2940]

@francoamerica2008 didn't know of you were experienced or just a customer. I'm a pro installer of 4 years now and it scares me how confident some people are having no idea how the spring works or even proper tools to do it and they just wind it. Just looking out for ya brother

[@dirtydogg37able]

Dude... you are my KZbin dad!! You saved me $300 and the guilt of paying someone to do a job that I can do myself. Great feeling of accomplishment but it did take me about 45 minutes to complete.

[@yaohkhanandaout3292]

Update on my previous comment.........I woke up today and did everything in this video and even set up the "My Q" wifi for my phone.........Thank U so much for this video. U saved me $250.

[@yaohkhanandaout3292]

I bought one yesterday and a guy is supposed to come put it in for me on Monday for $250. I think I can DIM after watching him........Great and awesome work👍🏿👍🏿

[@sklaft]

Respect for providing the video. I wish I would have taken the unit down in that much easier way. I have the 1/2 hp version of the same liftmaster and the sprocket broke in the exact same way. But instead of spending hundreds for a new unit, I bought the replacement sprocket assembly for $28 on Amazon. Yes, I had to pull the housing off, but once that is done, there are only a few screws to unfasten. The new assembly slipped in with no struggles. Throw back together with the same few screws, replace the housing and put the unit back in place. Adjust travel the same way you do in the video, and all done. For the extra time spent, I saved hundreds.

[@formatviolation]

THANKS!! FYI ... the video is 15 mins.... it took me the whole day! I found out what the hard hat was for as well... good advice! thanks

[@MeatSteeple]

So glad to find your video! You showed me how to easily perform this task and saved me probably $600-800. I had the exact same Liftmaster model you had, which failed in the exact same way. I watched your video today and installed a new Chamberlain unit today. Thanks, and cheers!

[@markcunningham2431]

Absolutely awesome. Thanks SO much mkproductions. May seem small, but you should be proud of yourself for giving back to society in this manner...and really helping and empowering other folks to save a lot of money in repairs, with some people not being able to afford these type repairs. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.

[@AUXdrone]

The repair part is $20. He is not helping anyone save money. He scrapped one of the nicest door openers you can buy for a big box store consumer version over a $20 fix.

[@rogerredford6242]

Best video on this subject. It shows that I could do the job easily and explains adjusting accordingly. All good info without humor.

[@9ZERO6]

Easy peasy. Your worm gear is unlikely worn like the drive gear. I did the job in 30 minutes, and my old opener works great. I marked the top chain gear to the chain with touch-up paint and zip tied the chain up. Greatly easier than replacing everything. Remember guys, this is not a precision piece of equipment and does not require more than basic skills. Don't over think it, and don't be afraid to do it. Thank you for posting this video!

[@dandaluz1]

Thanks for making this video. My two car garage door opener just went and I'll be replacing it this weekend. Looks super easy. Thanks again!

[@sierramilano6029]

Thank You for making this video. My liftmaster went out on me after 17yrs. I went to Lowes and bought the same Chamberlain as yours. $131.00 I installed it myself by following the same steps in this video. Took me 2hrs 40mins to do it. Thanks a lot.

[@jadecom6]

Great to hear that. My Liftmaster just went out and give me hope that I can fix it!!! Does it work with the old keypad entry.

[@sierramilano6029]

Not sure but when you buy a new one it comes with a new garage door opener.

[@jadecom6]

Thanks. I will be installing this weekend.

[@sierramilano6029]

Share with everyone on how it turned out.

[@jadecom6]

+Sierra Milano I replied above with my experience.

[@Traksfsu]

This video made replacing my garage door openers an incredibly easy task. Thank you so much for this. I was dreading having to do it! I had two of them installed in a little over an hour.

[@brucemoore4092]

That was great !!! I am about to replace mine and just needed a refresher course !! Very nicely done !!! I'll NEVER manage in 15 minutes though !! ha ha !!!

[@adampembrooksr6863]

Awesome video. I especially appreciated the extra time you showed in your troubleshooting adjustments. Thank you very much.

[@suzannta2827]

I give you a High Five and 5 Stars for having a garage clean and organized. Fantastico! Gracias from Mexico!

[@jsjwalker]

I wish my garage was 1/2 as clean and organized. I’ve always wanted to be able to actually park my car in the garage. Haven’t had that luxury since we moved in 13 years ago.

[@MrMikeyPayne]

Wow, first video shows me the same model and broken sprocket we experienced, and the solution. Thank you!!!!

[@jeremymcguire2834]

Thanks! This helped give me the confidence to replace my 25 year old garage door motor.

[@ourvlife1]

Great video. I overhauled one side already. My second one just went after 20 years. I decided to buy the replacement head unit as you did. It just didn't make sense spending the money and effort again. I searched and fell upon your video. Excellent, although my plan is to run the chain onto the head gear before raising and bolting up the head unit. Thanks so much for taking the time to shoot video for all of us!!!

[@PhilipManthe]

To reiterate some of the previous comments, thank you for posting this! I want to also thank you on behalf of my wife who will be grateful to have the garage door working properly again! Lol!

[@kennyhouck1023]

L.p.

[@jadecom6]

So I bought a HD210 because the 200 model has been replaced( at least at Home Depot) . I had set the travel to be slightly farther than it should and the travel track buckled. So the handle had to be released from the trolley to release the pressure and allow the rail to straighten, the sensors readjusted and the travel reset. I also had to install the new door switch bec the old did not work with the new garage door opener. However the instructions are great! Just make sure the sensors are aligned properly and the travel set. The 210 model has arrows and a learn button to set the travel and not screws. Thanks again and I look forward to more handy homeowner videos.

[@hilarychan4034]

Thank you for filming this! I fixed my garage opener!

[@everettjnewman]

Thanks for the video. I am going to swap out mine now today. A special thanks for demonstrating the safe care of your head. Some people think it's kinda funny but a fall from a ladder onto a concrete garage floor is no picnic.

[@marnez390]

Thanks to you I can attempt to replace my openers now, looked too complicated for my confidence but now looks very doable 👍

[@debitjjensen1079]

I found your video to be very helpful and simple. Thanks for making this. In 2019, the Chamberlin 1/2 HP has very easy to adjust up and down, so you don’t need the up and down numbers.

[@dankorpi6826]

Thank You for posting this video. It worked great Be in the frozen north-land, working outside is no fun. I had picked up the new opener, went to McDonald for lunch, put the new opener up, added a two controllers all in one hour.

[@albertng888]

Thank you sooooo much for posting this video. Before watching this video, I was going to ask a professional to do it but your video gave me confidence to do it myself.

[@pastoryoshi]

Thanks! Very much more helpful and thorough than the other videos I watched.

[@Audrey-km9in]

Thank you so very much! I do appreciate your tutorial - my sprocket shaft sheared off as well, so I will tackle this tomorrow. You have convinced me that I can get it done. Great video! Thanks, again.

[@toddh6234]

Thanks for posting. Trim the wires a little more before inserting them, there should be no exposed copper when they are inserted. The can short if they touch, causing the breaker to trip or damage the unit.

[@albertng888]

I did exactly what you did and within an hour, my garage door opener is working again. Thank you sooooo much!

[@v_token1377]

Old video, but exactly what I needed. Great step by step. Appreciate it

[@RT-cv2jg]

I should send you the 300 bucks you saved me by spending your time filming this video! Thanks alot man

[@Tecalitlan1943]

Thanks for a great video. I have not replaced mine yet, but the first search on KZbin, your video came up, but its the model I got, lucky me. Thanks to you and all the great KZbin creators that we give each other confidence to tackle projects that are truly not that difficult. Last night, I was quoted $595 to replace this opener. The guy said prices started at $595. I just got a top of the line Chamberlain with Wifi for $220 out the door at Menards. Last night's quote made me motivate myself.

[@htcdroid4067]

Thanks bud. Was about to replace an opener in my rental with a different model but saw this and grabbed a Chamberlain chain drive and that sucker popped right in. Saved me time and money.

[@daltonschannel8405]

My motor finally stopped working after 15 years of constant use. I thought I was going to have to pay someone to change it out but your video helps me out a lot. I'm going to lowe's & doing it myself. Thanks for making this video. It truly helps. Cheer's!!

[@vivek106]

This is an awesome video, all the other videos are so confusing. You have made it look so easy with clear instructions.

[@ezragoldman6718]

thank you for posting this video - I broke my sprocket precisely where you did and I had a spare motor unit taking up space in my garage! the only thing I would add to make this project a bit easier is that if you start with the door open instead of closed, you can rest the rails on the door itself and you don't need to put a table down there! height wise, things are very easy if the rails and chain are almost in place while you work!

[@ashrafmeer927]

best additional advice! saved me half an hour! thanks.

[@albertng888]

Excellent suggestion.

[@ppplll000999]

It might be TROUBLE , if the door is not balanced & tend to slide down by its own weight ! Therefore, I like the author's original idea of laying it down on a stand , especially if you work alone.

[@joepinball3187]

@@ppplll000999 Install vise grip in door channel, now no worries of door movement.

[@conewing]

This video has empowered me to try it myself. Great Stuff!

[@cochrankoi]

Ironically enough, same thing happened to my exact opener (same model) and I’m replacing it with the exact one you did. I was wondering if I could just use my old track too. Thanks for posting the video!

[@DustinTJ1]

Great video! I’m going to dive into this tonight

[@j.a.armour2427]

This was perhaps the best 'how to video' I have ever watched! You were clear, thorough and accurate. Bravo!

[@aaronvincent9003]

Not really...if he could put the chains on first to spoket before mounting the unit

[@jacobwillow050]

@@aaronvincent9003 Oh, come on, Please use your brain a little, Can't have the chain in before since the bolts are right under it. You can't access the bolts afterwards. Nice try. He did the right way.

[@larrybonner6947]

Great video. Thank you for the very informative video. I stumbled on it while trying to see how difficult it would be to DIY. Surprisingly, it was straightforward. My son just purchased a home and the garage door was the first thing to fail. We bought a new unit and replaced the old unit. The swap-out went very smoothly and the new garage door opener had smart logic that only took minutes to set up! Excellent video. I am a fan and want to thank you sooooo much for the tutorial.

[@jasonbabcock3399]

Wow did you save me a ton of frustration! Thank you so much, made it a very easy replacement job!

[@garyholtfreter5076]

You did not “ assume “ any steps, thank you for that. Sometimes people do that and it adds confusion for the novice. You left no corners unturned. Great video instruction, thank you !👍😊

[@RetroWill]

4:07 Notice the folding table below the unit :) lol, so glad I watched this video completely first, before I start dismantling my garage opener.

[@jeffpilarca9102]

Thanks bro..just fixed my garage doors because of your great video.

[@gonzi8046]

Great video. Love the socks with sandals. Truly in dad form

[@jessehanby5842]

I freakin love the hard hat!

[@STEAMLabDenver]

Thank you so much! We need to replace ours this weekend. We were quoted over $600 for the same part that broke. So we are getting a new lift and replacing it ourselves for cheaper. This video was very helpful. 👍🏻🙏🏻

[@TEH47]

I have the same old opener and mine just broke in the very same spot, the sprocket shaft on the motor. A very informative video that is easy to understand, thank you.

[@maddunn1]

Thank you for making it look pretty easy to do :)

[@artv4nd3l4y]

yeah seriously this is a great video, so many replacement videos don't go through all the extra things you run into like adjusting the travel etc.

[@yosephtefere1993]

Thank you for an excellent set of instructions.

[@miaassi986]

I know this video is from back in 2014!! BUT I found it soooo helpful!! thank you! I am currently doing this and I am about to prove my husband wrong LOL he said he would get this done 2 months ago!!! LOL THANK YOU!!!

[@Liftmaster-sw2zy]

Nice video, i got the same one, but the 2 light version. So smooth and pretty quiet. Thanks for the video

[@kampersadventures958]

Going to give this a try this weekend. Thanks for this.

[@sanjeevk1842]

Thank you for posting this video. It helps a lot.

[@dman7857]

Awesome video, thanks for taking the time to post.

[@panchalpranav]

Thank you for the video, DIY..!! Love it!! Now time to do mine...

[@gavmitchau]

Thanks, this video saved me today. Very helpful. Cheers

[@GI-JOEs]

Thank you for the video. Both of my garage doors went out and i want to replace it myself. My next stop is Lowes. 👍

[@hoatruong9109]

Thank you sir for the wonderful tutorial!

[@MrMoses28]

You may have just saved me lots of time and money.

[@jimm3370]

Saturday, Oct 3: My liftmaster's cog popped (same make/model) yesterday. I'm doing the replacement today. Hmmm... keep the old rail & chain? I'm not sure. I'm worried that the old chain (30+ years old) may have gotten warped when the cog snapped off. BUT I'll give it a whirl & report back! (OH! BTW: LOVE the bit holder on your drill idea. Simple & effective!) 12:00 noon now, to be continued... (dah, dah da daaaaahh!).... 4:45 PM: Done. Including the 1 hr trip to Home Depot (Oh the browsing! LOL) Took me about 3 hrs total. Thanks for a great video and pointers.

[@erwin411]

thanks man great video i was going to pay some body to replace mine but now i think i can do it myself...

[@kendavis8647]

I was hesitant about replacing my opener because I wanted to keep my one piece track. Thanks now I know I can just change the motor head.

[@mikeschertzer941]

Great Video! You made this really easy and saved me the money it would have taken to get someone to come and replace my old opener.

[@erichager3827]

Good video but really dude your gonna wear a hard hat in your own garage and the have flip flops on!!! Lmao

[@puterami123]

Nice video. One tip, you should cut the wires going into the spring connectors so that there is no bare wire showing. Also, I think that you should have been able to install the motor onto the rail with the chain around the sprocket to save time. Of course, you should verify the slack afterwards (but it should not have changed).

[@Just_a_normal_guy11]

Nice, I like those overhead storage space, I wish I can put one.

[@TheAgentAssassin]

THANKS I need a new one too , I will use this video as a guide. I think I have a board problem and/or antenna problem. Might be cheaper just to buy one than trouble shoot or call a repair man.

[@Darignobullseye]

Very Helpful. This is the same unit I have to replace. Thank you

[@daddyrich559]

That was perfect thank you so much U video was the 1st one I watched and showed me step-by-step everything i need to know gonna we placed my motor the same thing happened to mine as did do yours now i know exactly how to do it thanks for all your help again

[@vladorlovsky6623]

I need to change my motor as well. Great video. Thank you very much.

[@TyeWills]

Hard hat and flip flops... Safety first

[@SPE825]

Hey, he was wearing socks. So no cold feet!

[@jameschristopher3405]

Osha approved flops

[@dgreizy]

HAHA!

[@TyeWills]

Steven Bailor my original comment was a joke buddy. Wear what ever you want, it’s your toes.

[@aghoover]

This would be my style.

[@rwilliammason4908]

This video was great. Prevented me from getting a whole new system, rather than simply replacing the motor unit. An excellent explanation, and excellent photography and commentary. SUPERB!!

[@williamavelar8854]

N. e h.c e

[@happycoachflyer]

Thanks for the vid! This was super helpful!

[@billsbullets]

You just saved me 300.00. Thanks for the help and a 👍

[@augiedoggie1820]

Thanks a lot bro! That helps a whole lot! I'm going to go buy a new one right now!

[@FSX239]

Thanks for the video. My unit failed today, I'll replace today myself!

[@ehumphre]

this was a good reference video... I purchased a similar garage opener to replace the same one in this video. I tried to just replace the motor but could never get it to program. I called Chamberlain and they told me the new model required the sensors at the bottom of the door to be replaced as well as the wall panel (button you push).. after I did that all worked well.

[@anthonyfreiier5348]

Excellent job. Very informative

[@Modeltnick]

Great video! I have to replace my exact unit! Very helpful! Thanks!

[@warwolf54]

This helped SOOOOOOO much. God bless you.

[@arunpost9991]

thanks, nice vid, will be trying to replace a couple of genies from decades ago i think.

[@keithcooper2012]

Exactly what I was looking for Thank you!

[@wad3brown]

Mine just did the same exact thing. Thanks for the video.

[@susanwolding1]

Thank you so much! Now I can do it myself and feel confident! Yay!

[@pershop4950]

very nice! wiring and socket lefty-loosey righty-tighty stuff, is all reasonable to do. Replacing an existing unit is easier since all the framework is already put up in the right places. For me, I also had to decide if I want to keep with the screw type of opener, or go with chain or belt. Also, my garage door did not need an extension but for some people, they might. I read that if your door is taller than 8-foot, you would need an extension. The other thing I'm not too sure of is, how to change my old key remotes to use the new opener. It's been a long time since having those remotes and who knows if I still have the instructions for doing it. There were these additional considerations to think of as well.

[@haroldbutton7693]

Thanks just what I needed to know great job.

[@wilsonvilla9650]

U safe my life buddy thank u so much for your video 😎😎😎

[@jjpac2011]

Beautiful outdoor space. Oh, great vid. Mahalo.

[@JellyBean-mf6jv]

Good instruction, time to change ours. 👍

[@asckee]

This was beyond helpful!

[@haydermahdy]

thanks for making my life easier. best

[@SchazamMan64298]

I had the same problem with the same opener. I considered getting a new gear and sprocket for $25 but I wasn't too keen on sticking money into a 13+ year old opener. Purchased a new Chamberlain opener for $125 out the door at HD. Thanks for posting the video it really helped!!!

[@AUXdrone]

Your old professional would still be working today.

[@heroknaderi]

Very helpful also that’s cool you were able to use the existing T Rail I’m curious what will you do with the square rail that came with the unit

[@willieseco3310]

Great video... nice and simple. Hope I have the same luck as your skill. Thanks.

[@williamclark1091]

Love this video! worked like a charm to replace the Liftmaster 1/3hp with the Chamberlain 1/2hp. Awesome how-to video! Sure I saved hundreds doing this myself. Will subscribe and look at other videos. Very interested in your garage ceiling storage, hope I find a vid on that too!

[@AUXdrone]

You spent hundreds more than you needed to. The replacement part for his broken sprocket is $20.

[@andrewwaters3038]

What if all ok but motor runs but grinding sound and sprocket doesn't turn?

[@jaybee9476]

Great video. Thanks for sharing the camera was really good.

[@hansbeenhackker3977]

Very clear explanation. Excelkent!