How to Adjust a Belt Drive Garage Door Opener Belt

A belt drive garage door opener uses a rubber belt instead of chain links to open the garage door, this makes it relatively soundless compared to its chain counterpart. The average life of a belt drive garage door ranges from 7 to 10 years, with some which will need belt changing after only a few years while others might not for nearly two decades, it depends on the quality of the product being used. In most cases all you have to do is adjust the opener belt of the belt drive, tightening it to ensure smooth running.

Step 1 – Closing the Garage Door

Before beginning, use the garage door opener to close the door and fasten it. Make sure it is closed off properly and inform your family not to use the door.

Step 2 – Setting up the Ladder and Disconnecting the Power Supply

Set up the ladder under the door opening device motor to unplug the power supply. Commonly there is a ceiling power outlet; the cord connecting the motor to it will look like a standard household appliance power cable.

Step 3 – Moving the Ladder to Gain Access to the Belt

Now move the ladder to where the trolley and the opening rail are connected to each other. A trolley typically will have two parts: outer and inner trolley. The belt is connected to the inner trolley. Be careful as to not damage the trolley rail, this will hinder the movement of the opening and closing mechanism.

Step 4 – Assessing the Condition of the Belt

Once you have access to the belt, first assess the condition of the belt, if all it needs is a little adjustment than proceed with the following steps. But if it looks worn out and damaged with breakages you should consider replacing the belt altogether.

Step 5 – Locating the Threaded Shaft

The master link chain will be connected to a threaded shaft which is linked to the belt drive at the end. The threaded shaft is secured to the trolley with a screw spring with a nut ring in the middle. To press the trolley stop against the spring twist the screw spring in a clockwise direction.

Step 6 – Tightening the Screws

Now to tighten the screw spring, exert force on the threaded shaft heaving it towards the garage door while simultaneously tightening the screw spring with the other hand. Once you have tightened the screw spring release the threaded shaft. Use the tip of the flathead screwdriver to insert between the coils of screw spring close to the trolley stop. With your wrench tighten the nuts until you hear the springs pop. This is the sound of the nut rings touching the trolley stop, hence tightening the belt and readjusting it.

Step 7 – Reattaching the Power Supply

Once you have adjusted the belt of your belt drive garage door opener, move the ladder back under the motor and reattach the power supply.

Step 8 – Precautionary Measures

When dealing with electric cables to avoid chances of shock wear plastic gloves. Have someone close by to make sure the ladder does not fall over while you are pushing the threaded shaft.