After almost 24yrs now the motor is giving up the ghost on my screw driven electric garage door opener. Even with a good capacitor the motor just cannot do the job. I had a Garage Repairman come out yesterday and checked it out thoroughly. It's time to move on. Never had a chain or belt driven. I'm guessing the belt obviously would be quieter but as far as longevity how do they hold up for those who have either, thanks.

If you're used to a screw drive, don't go backwards with a chain driven unit. Screw or belt!

We switched to belt drives last year when one of our 25 year old Chamberlain chain driven units bit the dust; we replaced them both out of hand. They are super quiet and smooth. Don't go cheap- get a higher horsepower model. They're not much more in the scheme of things and will (theoretically) last longer. If your current springs are not gapped unevenly, they should be good to go and not need replacement (separate from an opener kit)

Chain in out last house (builder grade/cheap).
Belt (3 units) in our current house (3 difference Marantec models).

The belt units are much quieter, I'm sure it's a combination of the quieter opener motors and less noise from the belts over the chain.

If they ever need replacing, I'm curious about the door mounted units.

belt. quieter.

My son just installed a pair of these Liftmaster 8500. Easy install, take the old tracks down and quiet.

https://www.amazon.com/LiftMas...erator/dp/B00BS28SP8

Mike

+1 on lead screw.

I used to have a screw drive opener. After It crapped out, I replaced it with a Chamberlain chain drive, which is much quieter. I think most of the noise comes from the door/rollers than the opener.

Thanks for tips and advice. At the last minute I changed the order from the chain to a belt. Boy, it's quiet! Comes with a 15yr limited warranty with the belt rail whereas, with the chain the rail warranty was only 5yrs. I'm certain that this opener will last for many years. Additionally, the guy who installed it only lives a few blocks over from me. He mentioned going to the gun show tomorrow, so we hit it off!

Liftmaster 8500 here too.

Direct drive is the only way to go.

Just hope that you're not home, when that coil spring decides to break. That is an event ! We were watching TV in the den above the garage, when ours let go. We thought a bomb had gone off.