I have burned out a motor but never broken a gear. Did break a shaft once (turned it around and still using it). Not aware of any gear issues but I do from time to time hear of them breaking.
Oh on the power gear Rack and pinion if you have to move it manually there are two or three ways.
You used #3
#1 (the official) is to release the brake on the motor than use a 3/4" wrench on the nut that is on the non-motor side of one (usually the rear) gear.. only i don't have that so a pipe wrench or cresent on the square shaft (Worked but man is that a job)
#2: On the non-motor side of the gear locate the hair pin in the shaft and pull it. Knock the shaft toward the motor and pull the plastic bushing. tie these to somnething so they don't get lost.. Do the same for the other gear
Now push each end in at first either have two people push a in tandem or push in just an inch or two. then move to the other end. Once about half in give er one yell of a shove.. Use the locking bar
Putting it back out I shoulder bumped each end a time or two then put my back against the wall opposite and my feet against the couch. (Knees bent) and straightened my legs
But then I'm 6'+ by 300 pounds
