How to Repair Bifold Door Top Roller Guide
If your bifold door roller replacement doors are squeaking, they probably require a little attention. You may have to clean and lubricate them or adjust them. The problem could be caused by an unfastened bolt on the top pivot, or by the top guide roller.
This kit includes all the hardware required to return your bi-fold closet door to its optimal performance.
Take the door off
It may seem complicated and difficult to install a set of bifold internal doors however for DIYers with some experience it's actually a breeze. The frame's placement isn't a problem but the trick is getting the doors to fold and close quickly and accurately. Bifold doors are complex pieces of machinery, and as such, they might need some 'tuning up' to keep working correctly. This might be something as easy as tightening a screw or as complex as removing the door and replacing the pivot pin or roller.
You can usually fix these problems with some minor adjustments without having to remove the doors. You may find that your doors are sagging, scratching the floor, or they are bouncing off of their tracks. The solution to these issues isn't a big deal, and with three simple steps your bifold doors can be back in the blink of an eye.
One of the most common problems that bifold doors with internals face is that they are sliding out of alignment. This could be due to loose screws, holes in the anchor/pivot pins or simply a door that isn't aligned properly. The majority of the time, this can be corrected with a few simple adjustments. If, however, your door isn't moving at all, you may need to replace it.
To open the door, you'll need an appropriate screwdriver, and possibly pliers (to help loosen any tight pivot pins). The screwdriver is used to release any locking levers that are on the bottom bracket for pivoting and the pliers let you wiggle the pin and take it off.
Once the top roller has become loose, you should be able to raise the door and swivel it down, allowing you to take it out of its pivot brackets and track. It is usually a simple procedure, but you need to be cautious not to let the door hit the door frame. Then, you can sand down the edges of the door to smooth it. Then paint or refinish the door if necessary.
Take off the Roller Guide
This spring-loaded guide roller is mounted on the top of bifold doors to aid in smooth operation. It is designed to be used with Kenna frames and can fit a door panel 1 inch to 1-3/8 inches thick. It is made from nylon, steel and plastic components. It can be used to replace a damaged or worn-out guide.
Remove any screws that hold the guide to the roller by using a screwdriver. Make use of your hands to gently pull it from the frame. It may take some effort, so you should have someone else help you keep the door in place while you take it off.
After removing the old guide, carefully cut off the remaining finishing on the foot of the guide with a razor to separate it from blank rod. This will make it easier to remove and prevent damage to the new guide foot. The foot is extremely sharp, and it could cut or snag fingers.
You will probably have to use a bit of force to take the guide off, but be careful not to break or chip the foot. After you've removed the old guide, remove any remaining epoxy or threads in the place where it was anchored. This will help prevent future problems with the guide.
After removing the guide, check the new one by placing it in its permanent location. Make a few turns using masking tape or guide tubing in order to ensure it stays in place. This will allow you double examine the guide's spacing and alignment to make sure that everything is properly set up. It doesn't matter if you're looking at it from a distance or using the dependable CRB Spine Finder and Deflection System, this step is important to prevent any issues in the future.
The last step is to replace the door. If the guide is in the proper position and is working in the correct way, then you're ready to proceed. Remember that any screws or pins you loosened or removed must be replaced and tightened appropriately when you're done.
Take the Bottom Pivot off.
Bifold doors can be an attractive addition to any home, but they sometimes require to be tweaked or adjusted to keep them in good shape. Some issues can be addressed by keeping the doors in place. Others will require the doors be removed. This guide will show you how to remove the repairing bifold doors internal door pins, rollers and pivots.
Gathering your tools is the first step. You will save yourself some frustration by assembling all of your tools beforehand. You'll need a screwdriver, pliers and perhaps a wrench. You can buy a set of basic tools at your local hardware store for a reasonable price. Keep a supply of wood glue in your kit. This is useful if you need to fix the rollers into place.
After assembling your tools and tools, open the bifold door and loosen the top track bracket using your screwdriver. Once the bracket is loose, you should be able to slide the door off of the top track. It may take some shaking to get it there, but it should come off the track.
The pivot at the bottom of the frame will have to be removed. Close all doors to the interior before beginning. This will be much easier than trying to work from the inside. If the track on the bottom is still in good condition you'll be able to lift the door and then remove the track.
You'll have to replace the track if it's damaged. Hardware stores offer replacement tracks for bifold doors, as well as swinging closet doors. If the track is seriously damaged, you may need to replace it completely.
Once your track is repaired or replaced, you'll need to test the doors to ensure their proper operation. Verify that the doors move into and out of their positions smoothly. You should also ensure that the edges of the door are parallel to the frame when it is closed. If they aren't, then you'll need to adjust the top pivot bracket and tighten or loosen the bottom setscrew until the edge of the door lines up perfectly with the frame.
Replace the Roller
bifold door roller replacement doors neatly enclose closets or laundry rooms, as well as pantries, but only when they function correctly. They consist of two door panels that hinge together and open using tracks that are positioned in the frame's top. Over time the roller guide bearings could wear out, causing the doors to sag and scrape against the floor. Replacing the guide roller takes only a few minutes, and basic tools.
The first step is to remove the roller guide from the door panel. This requires removing the bottom pivot bolt and loosening the screw that holds the guide on its top. Once the guide is removed then lift the door frame up and away from its track. Next, loosen the nut that secures the top pivot bolt and use a wrench to pull it out of the hole in the top header of the door frame.
A top nylon replacement guide with a 7/8 inch diameter wheel and a base made of steel is available from Stanley, Cox or Acme. It is mounted at the top edge of bifold doors that range from 1 to 1-3/8 inches thick. It is spring loaded and self-adjusts in the upper track to ensure smooth gliding.
A bifold door repair door may also scrape against the floor when it closes and opens. This can happen after installing carpet or other flooring materials that require the doors to be raised slightly to ensure proper clearance. This issue can be solved by taking off the bottom pivot adjustment screws by loosening the top track mounting screws and moving the anchor/pivot.
A new set of top roller guides is a low-cost solution to a problem that can make bifold doors difficult to operate. They are usually available at your local hardware store in the door section however, they are also available online from a number of suppliers. In addition to a brand-new top roller guide, you will require a small amount of Elmer's wood glue which is sold in large box stores, as well as a squeeze clamp. The clamp is used to keep the repair bifold door top roller area shut after the glue has been inserted and dried.