Gate Motor Clicking Sound — Causes & Fixes (Pretoria)
By JD Gates Pretoria | Troubleshooting Guide | Published: 5 August 2024
A clicking or clunking sound from a sliding gate motor is a warning sign that should not be ignored. Continuing to operate a clicking motor can cause escalating damage — often turning a minor repair into a major one.
Cause 1: Gear Rack Joint Step
The most common cause of a rhythmic click is a misaligned gear rack joint. When the pinion gear hits the joint step, it creates a distinct click or jolt. Inspect the rack joints and shim or realign as needed. JD Gates can re-align or replace rack sections across Pretoria.
Cause 2: Worn Motor Pinion Gear
The nylon pinion gear that drives the gear rack wears over time, especially in dusty or gritty environments. A worn pinion has flattened teeth that slip instead of mesh smoothly, creating a click on each rotation. Pinion replacement is a straightforward repair costing R400–R900 including callout.
Cause 3: Bottom Guide Wheel Wear
The bottom guide wheel guides the gate along the ground track. A worn or damaged guide wheel creates intermittent clicking or squealing as the gate moves. Replacement wheels are inexpensive and the replacement takes under an hour.
Cause 4: Internal Motor Gear Wear
If the clicking comes from inside the motor housing (not from the rack), internal gear wear or a failing motor bearing is likely. This requires motor opening — a job for a qualified JD Gates technician. Call 012 012 6285 for a gate motor clicking diagnosis in Pretoria.