If you haven't had it apart don't be afraid. The cover comes off to reveal the motor, drive belt, planitary gear set and the clutch. There is no oil type gearbox or springs that will fly through the air. The gears in ours are black plastic but I have heard that metals gears are also available. I have not had ours apart into the worm gear drive. I suspect it is a recirculating ball screw. There are no electronics in the drive, only the motor and clutch.