Sliding Door Repair

Tuning up a balky door

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Photo 1: Adjust rollers

Lift or lower the door on the track with a screwdriver or Allen wrench. Raise it just enough to clear the track and roll smoothly.

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Photo 2: Remove stop molding

Remove the screws that hold the stop molding. Cut the paint or varnish line on the room side of the stop molding so the molding will pull off cleanly.

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Photo 3: Lift the door out

Grip the door by the edges and tip it about a foot into the room. Lift it up and out of the track one edge at a time.

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Photo 4: Replace the roller

Unscrew and pry out the screws that hold the roller in, then carefully lever it out with a screwdriver. Clean or replace the rollers.

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Replacement rollers

New rollers are available through door manufacturers or online suppliers, even for older doors.

Years of dirt, exposure to the elements and hard use can turn sliding doors into sticking doors, but the problem is usually easy to fix.

Start with a good cleaning. Scrub caked dirt and grime out of the track with a stiff brush and soapy water. If the door still doesn’t slide smoothly, the rollers under the door either need adjusting or are shot.

Locate the two adjusting screws at the bottom of the door (on the face or edge of the door) and pry off the trim caps that cover the screws. If one side looks lower, raise it until the door looks even on the track (Photo 1). If the door still sticks, turn both screws a quarter turn to raise the whole door. Then slide the door just short of the jamb and be sure the gap is even.

If the door still doesn't glide smoothly, you'll have to remove the door and examine the rollers. Get help for this—the door is heavy! Unscrew the stop molding on the inside of the jamb (Photo 2). Be sure to hold the door in place once the stop is removed—if you forget and walk away for a moment, the door will fall in, requiring a much bigger repair! Tilt the door back (Photo 3) and set it on sawhorses. Inspect the rollers for problems. If they’re full of dirt and debris, give them a good cleaning and a few drops of lubricant and see if they spin freely. However, if the rollers are worn, cracked or bent, remove them (Photo 4) and replace them with a new pair.

You can order rollers and other door parts through lumberyards and home centers or online. Look for the door manufacturer’s name on the edge of the door or the hardware manufacturer’s name on the roller.