Craftsman Worn Drive Components or Loose Hardware

Garage door opener makes loud banging, grinding, or clunking noises during operation.

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Possible Causes

Loose chain slapping rail, Worn sprocket or idler pulley, Loose rail mounting hardware, Worn trolley

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Disconnect power before tightening hardware or working near moving parts.

  • Inspect chain/belt tension: For chain drives, adjust tension so there is about 1/4 inch sag at the midpoint. For belt drives, follow Craftsman specs for slight deflection.
  • Check sprocket and idler: Look at the top sprocket and any idler pulleys for wobble, missing teeth, or metal shavings. Replace worn components.
  • Secure rail and header bracket: Tighten all bolts connecting the rail to the opener head and the header bracket above the door. Loose brackets can cause banging.
  • Inspect trolley: Check the Craftsman trolley for cracks or excessive play on the rail. Replace if worn.
  • Lubricate moving parts: Apply garage door lubricant to the chain (if recommended), hinges, and rollers. Do not over-lubricate the rail.
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Repair Difficulty

Easy 2/5

Required Part

Drive Chain/Belt, Sprocket, or Trolley Assembly
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