How to Repair Bifold Door Top Roller Guide
If your bifold door is squeaking, it's likely that they require some maintenance. It is possible that you need to clean, lubricate or adjust them. The problem could be caused by a loose bolt at the top pivot or by the top guide roller.
This kit includes all the hardware you require to restore your bi-fold wardrobe door system to its optimal performance.
Take the door off
Installing an interior set of bifold doors might appear to be a complicated and challenging project however, it's actually straightforward for a DIYer with a bit of experience. Getting the frame into position isn't a problem; the tricky part is getting the doors to fold and close smoothly and accurately. As bifold doors are complex machines, they could require some tuning to keep functioning correctly. This might be something as simple as tightening a screw or as complex as taking out the door and replacing the pivot pin or roller.
You can usually resolve these issues with a few simple adjustments, without having to remove the doors. It is possible that your bifold doors are sliding, scraping the floor or bouncing off the track. Getting these issues under control isn't a big deal, and with three easy steps the bifold doors will be back in short time.
One of the most frequent problems that bifold doors with internals encounter is sliding out of alignment. This could be due to loose screws or holes in the anchor pins, or simply a misaligned door. Most of the time this can be fixed by making a few minor adjustments. However, if your door isn't moving in any way, you might need to replace it.
To remove the door to open it, you'll require a screwdriver and possibly two pliers (to help loosen any pins on the pivot that are stuck). The screwdriver can be used to loosen the locking levers at the bottom of the pivot bracket. The pliers are used to take off the pin.
After the top roller is removed, you can lift the door, turn it down and then remove it from its track and pivot brackets. This is typically quite easy however, be sure not to let the door slam against the door frame. Then, you can sand down the edge of the door to make it smooth. You can then paint or refinish the door if required.
Remove the Roller Guide
This spring-loaded roller is mounted on the top of the bifolding door to facilitate smooth operation. It is made to work with Kenna frames and will fit door panels from 1 inch to 1-3/8 inch thick. It is constructed of steel, nylon and plastic components and can replace a worn or damaged guide.
Remove bifold door repairs repairmywindowsanddoors holding the guide to the roller with a screwdriver. Use your hands to carefully lift it off the frame. This may require some effort, so let a friend help you to keep the door in place while you remove it.
Once the old guide is removed, carefully cut the remaining finish over the foot of the new guide using the help of a razor blade to remove it from the rod blank. This will make it easier to remove and will prevent damage to the new guide foot. Be cautious while doing this as the foot is very sharp and could potentially cut or nick your fingers.
You may have to apply a little force to pull the guide off, but be careful not to break or chip the foot. After you have removed the guide, you must remove any threads or epoxy left in the place where it was anchored. This will prevent future problems with the guide.
After you have removed the guide, test out your new guide by putting it in its new location and then applying a few rotations of masking tape or a type of guide tubing to keep it in the correct position. This will let you double examine the guide's spacing and alignment to ensure that everything is properly set up. This is vital to avoid any issues in the future, whether you use the CRB Spine Finder and Deflection System, or eyeball it.
If the guide is positioned correctly and functioning in the way it should then the final step is to put the door back in its place. Remember that any screws or pins that you removed or loosened must be replaced and tightened correctly after you've finished.
Take the Bottom Pivot off.
Bifold doors can be an attractive feature for a home, but they may need to be tweaked or adjusted to keep them in good working order. Some issues can be resolved with the doors in place. Others will require that the doors be removed. This guide will walk you through the steps to remove internal bifold door pivots, pins and rollers to get your doors sliding like new.
Gathering your tools is the first step. You will save yourself some frustration by assembling all your tools in advance. You'll need a screwdriver pliers, and possibly a wrench. You can pick up an assortment of basic tools at your local hardware store for a fair cost. It's important to keep some wood glue on hand. This is helpful in the event that you have to put the rollers in the right place.
After gathering your tools, open the bifold door and loosen the top track bracket by using your screwdriver. Once this is loose the door should be capable of sliding off the top track completely. It might take a bit of jiggling, but it should pop off the track.
The bottom pivot of the frame will need to be removed. It is best to do this from the outside of the house Be sure to close any internal doors that are open. This will make it simpler instead of working inside. If the bottom track still looks good, you can simply lift the door and take off the track.
You'll need to replace the track if it's damaged. You can purchase new tracks for bifold doors and swinging closet doors from a local hardware store. If the track is badly damaged, then you might need to replace it entirely.
Now that your track is repaired or replaced it is time to test the doors to ensure the proper operation. Make sure they're easily able to move between positions. Also, you should 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 readjust the top pivot bracket and tighten or loosen the bottom screwscrew until the door's edge lines up perfectly with the frame.
Replace the Roller
If they are installed correctly, bifold doors can neatly enclose pantries, laundry nooks and closets. Bifold doors are made up of two panels that are hinged and slide on a track at the top of the frame. Over time the guides for the rollers can wear out and cause the doors to bow. Replacing the roller guide requires only a few minutes and a few basic tools.
The first step is to remove the guide roller from your door panel. The bolt that holds the bottom pivot must be removed, and the screw that connects the guide to the top of the door panel must be loosened. After removal of the guide, lift the panel off the track. Next, loosen the nut that secures the top pivot bolt and use an abrasive to remove it from the hole in the top header of the door frame.
A top nylon replacement guide that has a 7/8 inch diameter wheel and a steel base is available from Stanley, Cox or Acme. It is mounted on the top edge of a bifold door that is 1 inch to 1-3/8 inches thick and comes spring-loaded to self-adjust in the upper track to ensure smooth sliding.
Another issue with bifold doors is that it scrapes against the floor when it opens or closes. This is often the result of adding carpet or other flooring materials that require the doors to be raised to allow for adequate clearance. Removal of the pivot adjustment screw on the bottom and loosening the top track's mounting screws, and moving the anchor/pivot pin usually enough to clear this issue.
A set top roller with new guides is a cost-effective solution to the problem of your bifold doors becoming difficult to operate. They are typically available at your local hardware shop in the door section. However they can also be purchased online from several vendors. You will also need the squeeze-clamp and a tiny container of Elmer's wood adhesive which can be found in large box stores. The clamp is used to keep the area being repaired closed tightly after the glue has been placed in and dried.