How to Replace the Clutch on a Commercial Jackshaft Operator - DDM Garage Doors Blog

In this video, we use a LiftMaster operator to demonstrate how to replace the clutch on a commercial jackshaft operator. The clutch is one of the three safety systems manufacturers build into their operators.

Taking the Assembly Apart

1. Firstly, disconnect the power from the operator for safety.
2. Take the V-belt off the pulley.
3. Remove the cotter pin from the castle nut that holds the clutch assembly in place.
4. Then, remove the components of the clutch assembly:
   1. Castle nut
   2. Washer
   3. Tension Spring
   4. Another Washer
   5. Pulley
   6. The clutch disk itself
   7. Pressure plate

Some Solutions

Once you have removed the clutch, you can replace it with a new disk. Sometimes, when there is an obstruction or a broken spring keeping the door from opening or closing, the operator will run for an hour or two. This wears out the clutch so that it needs to be replaced.

Occasionally, the clutch will become slippery from running for too long. If this is the case, rub the old clutch disk on a hard concrete floor. This should make it usable again, thus avoiding the need for an immediate replacement.

Installing a New Clutch

5. First, put the pressure plate back in place.
6. Install the new clutch disk.
7. Then put the other components of the clutch assembly back in order:
   1. Pulley
   2. First washer
   3. Tension spring
   4. Second washer
   5. Screw on the castle nut

You may notice that without the tension from the clutch assembly pushing the pulley wheel against the clutch plate, the pulley spins freely without turning the shaft.

8. Use a vise grip to tighten the castle nut.
9. Align the holes in the castle nut with the hole in the shaft for the cotter pin.

10. Then, reinsert the cotter pin. You may need to bend the ends to get it to slide through the hole, then bend them back again to hold the pin in place.
11. Lastly, replace the V-belt.

We hope this will help you when you need to replace the clutch on your commercial jackshaft operator. If you would like more instructions on how to remove and replace the V-belt, see our blog post on how to replace V-belts on LiftMaster operators. If you want to know how to set the clutch on a series of operators, see our post about how to set the clutch on a commercial jackshaft operator.

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