The motor in your garage door opener helps your garage door open and close efficiently. When your opener’s motor malfunctions, operating your garage door can be an aggravating ordeal. And while it’s possible to replace your entire garage door opener, replacing just the motor is often a more cost-effective option.
Can I Replace My Garage Door Motor Myself?
While you can attempt to replace a garage door motor by yourself, we don’t recommend it. The process is complex and involves electrical wiring as well as heavy lifting. To ensure that it’s done properly, and ensure your personal safety, have your motor repaired or replaced by a qualified garage door service professional.
That’s why the pros at Precision Garage Door Service® offer a superior garage door motor replacement service. We replace your motor quickly and carefully so that you can get back to enjoying a smooth-functioning garage again in no time.
Signs You Need a New Garage Door Motor
When garage door motors malfunction, the signs of failure usually are not subtle. Fortunately, this means that you can act fast to seek garage door opener motor replacement or repair.
Here are some indications that it may be time for a garage door motor replacement:
- Trouble opening and closing your door: Is your garage door opener failing to open or close your door? This could be a sign of a worn motor. A malfunctioning motor may also cause your door to be slower than normal.
- Noise during operation: Are you hearing a chorus of rattling or grinding while opening or closing your garage door? If you’re hearing unusual sounds while operating your door, it could be from motor failure.
- Excessive heat: Is your motor hot to the touch even when you haven’t used it much? If so, it’s best to get it checked out by a professional. This is one problem that can easily lead to other more serious ones.
- Wear and tear: After 10 years or so, your garage door motor can start to malfunction due to age. Older motors may need replacement from normal wear and tear.
Why You Need to Replace Your Garage Door Motor Immediately
If your garage door motor is showing signs of failure, it’s important to get it fixed right away. Your garage door’s system helps support your door’s heavy weight.
When one or more parts of this system — including your motor — isn’t functioning correctly, it can pose issues with balancing your door’s weight. This puts your door at risk of falling unexpectadly, placing your loved ones and property in harm’s way.
A faulty garage door motor also affects the security of your home. If your door is not opening or closing fully, it can serve as an access point for intruders.
The safety and security of your garage is our top priority. For this reason, we don’t recommend waiting to have your malfunctioning garage door motor replaced.
Types of Garage Door Motors
There are four distinct motor types that can be used during the garage door replacement process: belt-drive, chain-drive, screw-drive, and direct-drive. The type of motor that you choose depends on the kind of opener you own. Check your motor to verify which one is installed in your opener.
Here’s what you need to know about each motor type:
- Belt-drive motors: If you’re looking for a high-quality motor that reduces the amount of noise your garage door makes during operation, we recommend considering the belt-drive. Belt-drive motors use a rubber belt to help open and close your garage door. They are the most expensive out of the bunch but well worth the cost for those looking for a top-of-the-line experience.
- Chain-drive motors: Looking for the most popular garage door motor choice? You’ve found it in the chain-drive motor. These motor types use a metal chain to move your garage door. The metal chain can often make this motor a bit noisier than others, but for some, the affordable price point makes the noise tolerable.
- Screw-drive motors: Screw-drive motors use a steel rod to help operate your garage door. While this motor can be noisy, it also requires less maintenance than other types.
- Direct-drive motors: Are you running a little low on garage space? You may want to consider a direct-drive motor, which works by manipulating the bar on your torsion spring.
Garage Door Motor Replacement FAQs
Should I replace my entire garage door opener or just the motor?
Ultimately, personal preference plays a large role in this decision.
Replacing the entire unit gives you an opportunity to upgrade to a smart garage door opener with advanced features. On the other hand, this option comes at a higher cost than simply replacing your motor.
Can I replace my garage door motor myself?
While you can attempt to replace a garage door motor by yourself, we don’t recommend it. The process can be complex and involves electrical wiring as well as heavy lifting. It’s best to have your motor repaired or replaced by a qualified garage door service professional.
How do I know that my garage door motor is malfunctioning instead of another part?
A faulty motor can often present signs that are similar to other part malfunctions. That’s why we recommend having a trained professional inspect your garage door’s system. Before we replace your garage door motor, we perform a 25-point inspection to ensure that there are no other underlying issues present.
Trust Precision for Your Garage Door Motor Replacement
Our service professionals are meticulous experts in the field who can have your garage door opener working like new again in no time. For service you can trust, contact the pros at Precision Garage Door Service at (877) 301-7474 or find the Precision Garage Door Service location nearest you.
