Another common cause for a loose chain could be the front sprocket breaking.
Garage door broken sprocket.
Remove the outer nut and lock washer from the trolley threaded shaft and pull the threaded shaft out of the trolley.
They connect the motor to the chain or belt.
If it is the entire assembly you need just replace the assembly with your new one.
This sprocket is typically used on a soled keyed garage door shaft.
Drill through the sprocket and shaft and install a bolt hardened bolt if needed through the shaft.
The springs on the garage door will eventually weaken putting stress on the bushing.
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This gear kit on amazon.
Sprocket is at the end of the opener rail closest to the garage door opening.
Can be used on tube shafts.
Lay the chain on the garage floor while you complete the repair.
This home depot guide will explain the cost to install garage doors and openers or replace existing ones so you can decide which options are best for your budget.
A new front sprocket costs.
This video from sears partsdirect shows how to replace the gear and sprocket assembly on a chain drive garage door opener.
Pull the chain off the motor unit sprocket and out of the chain spreader.
Tighten the bolts on.
If it s the gear and the sprocket that s no longer working on your garage door opener then you ll need it replaced.
Simply remove those for replacement.
When used on tube shafts it is advisable to fill the tube shaft with a steel or wood dowel in the area of the sprocket and through bolt the sprocket.
Slide the pulley toward the garage door until the chain is stretched tight then move it toward the motor until the middle of the chain touches the upper side of the chain arm.
If yours is a belt drive you need a kit like this https amzn to 2zqns.
As the bushing wears down on top of the unit the teeth of the gear will slowly grind down.
The gear and sprocket assembly dri.
Around this sprocket as well as the gear and sprocket at the motor.