our compactor stopped working this weekend - RAM stuck in down position. Upon inspection, I noticed that one of the gears is stripped (the motor runs but the RAM doesn't come back up).

I did some research and now able to identify the part that needs to be replaced.

GE Gear Box, part number: AP2037749

It is the middle picture in the link. My question is whether anyone has any experience replacing this part? By visual inspection of my unit, it doesn't seem to be a straightforward thing. GE is quoting me $450-500 to do the work.

Any help would be much appreciated.

i replaced mine after 6 years - i found themanufactureer online (i forgot their name) call their tech support and they will tell you to replace the her AND MOST IMPORTANTLY - the chain because it stretched. you will go thru another gear if you don't replace the chain. Mine just broke again (13 years old now) but it is blowing a fuse and won't stop in the down position.