How to Install a Motor Belt on a Garage Door Opener

Electric garage door openers are like many electronic things we use daily in that they're great when they work and a pain when they don't. If yours isn't working due to a worn out or slipping belt, replacing a drive belt is well within the capabilities of even a beginning handyman, and requires only a few simple tools.

Things You'll Need

• Step ladder Wrench Replacement belt

Instructions

1. 

   Disconnect the power to the garage door opener.

2. Remove the screws holding the cover on the opener if your opener has them. (The unit in the pictures is not equipped with a cover.)

3. 

   Locate the bolts holding the motor to the frame of the opener.

4. 

   Loosen the motor mount bolts, but do not remove them. The motor will now slide in the adjusting slots.

5. Slide the motor to loosen and remove the belt.

6. Replace the belt with the same size belt as the one you removed.

7. 

   Slide the motor to tighten the belt and then tighten the mounting bolts. You will be able to push the center of the belt about 1/2-inch when the belt tension is correct.

8. Replace the cover if your unit has one.

9. Reconnect the power.

Tips & Warnings

• Step ladders can be dangerous. Be certain your ladder is tall enough for the job and on level footing before climbing it.