How to Repair Bifold Door Top Roller Guide
If your bifold door is squeaking then it's likely that they need some attention. You may need to clean or lubricate them, or even adjust them. The issue could be caused by an unfastened bolt on the top pivot or by the top guide roller.
This kit contains all the hardware you require to restore your bi-fold wardrobe door to its peak performance.
Take the door off
It may appear complicated and difficult to install a set of bifold internal doors however for those who are DIYers with some experience, it's actually a breeze. The frame is not the problem however, getting the doors to close and fold smoothly is. Bifold doors are intricate pieces of machinery and, as such they may require some tuning up to ensure that they function properly. It could be as easy as tightening a screw or as complex as taking out the door and replacing the pivot pin or roller.
You can usually fix these issues with some minor adjustments without having to remove the doors. You may find that your bifold doors are sliding, scraping the floor or jumping out of track. In order to fix these issues, it isn't difficult, and with three simple steps your bifold doors can be back on track in no time.
One of the most frequent problems that internal bifold doors encounter is sliding out of alignment. This could be due to loose screws, holes on the anchor/pivots or an unaligned bifold door. In the majority of cases, you can correct this by making a few simple adjustments, but if the door isn't moving at all, it could be necessary to have it removed and replaced.
You'll have to take off the door using a screwdriver, and possibly pliers to loosen any pivot pins that are tight. The screwdriver can be used to break any locking levers on the bottom pivot bracket and the pliers allow you to wiggle the pin and take it off.
When the top roller is free and the top roller is loose, you should be able to lift the door and then swivel it downwards in order to lift it off its pivot brackets and track. This is usually quite straightforward however be careful not to let the door hit against the frame of the door. You'll then be able to cut off the edge of the door that is scraping the floor, and sand it down until it's smooth. Then, you can repaint or replace it with a new finish as needed.
Take off the Roller Guide
This spring-loaded roller guides mounts on the top of bifolding doors to facilitate smooth operation. It is specifically designed for Kenna frames, and will fit door panels that range from 1 inch to 1-3/8 inch thick. It is made of steel, nylon and plastic components. It will replace a damaged guide.
Remove any screws that hold the roller guide in place with the screwdriver. Then, carefully use www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk to remove it of the frame. It may take some effort, so you should have someone else help you keep the door in place as you take it off.
After the guide has been removed, carefully cut through the remaining finish around the foot of the new guide with a razor blade to cut it off from the rod blank. This will make the guide foot easier to remove, and prevent any damage. Be cautious while doing this because the foot is extremely sharp and could cut or nick your fingers.
You may have to use some force to remove the guide, but be careful not to chip or break the foot. After you've removed the guide that was previously attached, take out any remaining epoxy or threads in the area it was attached. This will avoid future issues with the guide.
After removing the previous guide, check the new one by putting it in its permanent location. Apply a few rotations using masking tape or guide tubing to secure it in its place. This will let you double check the guide spacing and alignment to make sure that everything is set up correctly. This is essential to avoid any issues in the future regardless of whether you use the CRB Spine Finder and Deflection System or simply eyeball it.
If the guide is set properly and functions in the way it should, the last step is to reinstall the door in its place. Be aware that any screws or pins were removed or loosening must be replaced and tightened properly when you're finished.
Remove the Bottom Pivot
Bifold doors are a stunning addition to any home, but often they require a bit of tweaking or adjustment to stay in great shape. Certain issues can be solved by keeping the doors in place. Others will require the doors be removed. This guide will walk you through the process of removing internal bifold pivots for doors and rollers, as well as pins and pins, so you can make your doors glide like new again.
The first step is to gather your tools. You'll avoid frustration if you gather all your tools in advance. You'll also need an plier and a screwdriver. A set of basic tools is available at a reasonable price at your local hardware store. Also, keep some wood glue on hand. This will come in handy in the event that you need to glue any of the rollers back into the correct position.
After gathering 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 the top track. It might take a little jiggling, but it should pop off the track.
The next step is to remove the pivot at the bottom from the frame. Close all doors in the interior prior to starting. This will be much easier than working from the inside. If the bottom track is in good shape it will be possible to lift the door and then remove the track.
You will need to replace the track if it's damaged. You can purchase tracks that are suitable for bifold doors as well as swinging closet doors at your local hardware store. If the track is badly damaged, you may have to replace it completely.
Once your track is repaired or replaced it is time to check the doors for the proper operation. Make sure that the doors move into and out of their position effortlessly. Also, you should ensure that the edges of the door are parallel to the frame when it is closed. If they're not, you'll need to readjust the top pivot bracket and tighten or loosen the bottom setscrew until the edge of the door is perfectly aligned with the frame.
Replace the Roller
Bifold doors are a great way to enclose closets as well as laundry nooks and pantries, but only if they function properly. Bifold doors comprise two panels that are hinged and slide down tracks at the top of the frame. Over time, the roller guide bearings can wear out and cause the doors to slide and rub against the floor. Replacing the roller guide takes just a few minutes and the most basic tools.
The first step is to remove the guide roller from the door panel. The pivot bolt at the bottom must be removed and the screw that connects the guide to the top of the door panel must be removed. After the guide has been removed and the door panel is lifted up and away from its track. Then, loosen the bolt that secures the top pivot bolt and employ the wrench to pull it out of the hole in the top header of the door frame.
A replacement top nylon roller guide with a 7/8 inch diameter wheel and a steel base is available from Stanley, Cox or Acme. It is mounted at the top edge of bifold doors that are 1 to 1-3/8 inches thick. It is spring-loaded and adjusts itself in the upper track to ensure smooth gliding.
Bifold doors can also scratch against the floor when it closes and opens. This is often the result of adding carpet or other flooring materials that require the doors to be raised slightly for proper clearance. Removal of the bottom pivot adjustment screw and loosening the top track's mounting screws and moving the anchor pin usually enough to clear this issue.
A new set of top roller guides is a low-cost solution to a problem that could make your bifold doors difficult to operate. You can usually find them at your local hardware store in the door section, but they're also accessible on the internet from a variety of suppliers. You'll also require an elongated squeeze-clamp as well as a small container of Elmer's wood glue, which can be found in big box stores. The clamp assists in keeping the repair area in place after glue is inserted, and allowed to dry.