How to Repair Bifold Door Top Roller Guide
If your bifold door is squeaking it's likely they need some maintenance. They may require cleaning and lubricated or adjusted. The problem could be caused by loose bolts at the top pivot or by the top guide roller.
This kit includes all the hardware you need to restore your bi-fold wardrobe door to its optimal performance.
Remove the Door
Installing an interior set of bifold doors may appear to be a complicated and complicated project but it's actually straightforward for a DIYer with a little experience. Getting the frame into position isn't the problem The trick is getting the doors to fold and close easily and precisely. Since bifold doors are complicated machines, they might require some tuning to keep functioning correctly. It could be as easy as tightening a screw, or as complicated as removing and replacing the door's pivot pin or roller.
You can usually fix these issues by making some minor adjustments without having to remove the doors. You might find that your doors are sliding or scratching the floor, or that they're bouncing off their tracks. It's easy to fix these issues. Follow three easy steps and your bifold door will be back on line in no time.
The most common issue internal bifolding doors face is that they slide out of alignment. This can be caused by loose screws, holes in the anchor/pivot pins, or simply a door that is not aligned. 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 might need to be removed and replaced.
To open the door, you'll need an appropriate screwdriver, and possibly 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 pivot bracket. The pliers are used for removing the pin.
Once the top roller is loose it should be possible to raise the door and swivel it downwards in order to lift it off of its track and pivot brackets. It is usually a simple process, but you must be careful to not let the door strike the door frame. You'll then be able to saw off the edge of the door that is scratching the floor, and sand it down until it's smooth. You can then repaint or refinish it as required.
Remove the Roller Guide
This spring-loaded roller guide mounts on the top edge of the bifold door to assist in smooth operation. It is designed for Kenna frames and will fit door panels that range from 1 inch to 1-3/8 inches thick. It is constructed of steel, nylon and plastic components. It can replace the damaged guide.
To begin the process of removing the guide roller, take out any screws holding it in place using an screwdriver as well as a bit to loosen it. Use your hands to carefully pull it from the frame. This might take some effort, so let an assistant help you keep the door in place while you take it off.
Once the guide you used to guide your child is removed, carefully cut through 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 the guide foot easier to remove and will prevent any damage. Be careful when doing this because the foot is extremely sharp and can cause injury to your fingers or cut them.
You may have to use some force to remove the guide, but you must be careful not to chip or break the foot. Once you have separated the old guide from the rod blank, be sure to get rid of all the epoxy and threads that remain where it was attached. This will help avoid future problems with the guide.
After removing the guide, check the new one by placing it in its permanent location. Make a few turns with masking tape or guide tubing to secure it in its place. This will allow you to double-check the guide alignment and spacing to ensure everything is in place. This is vital to avoid any issues in the future regardless of whether you are using the CRB Spine Finder and Deflection System, or simply eyeball it.
If the guide is positioned properly and is functioning according to its intended function, the last step will be to reinstall the door in place. Make sure to tighten and replace any screws or pins you removed or loosen.
Remove the Bottom Pivot
Bifold doors make a gorgeous feature for any home, but sometimes they need a little adjustment or tweaking to stay in top shape. Certain issues can be solved by keeping the doors in place. Others will require the doors be removed. This guide will show you how to remove the internal bifold door pins, rollers, and pivots.
Gathering your tools is the first step. Putting bi fold door repairs of time will make it easier later during the construction. You'll also need an plier and a screwdriver. A basic set of tools is available at a reasonable cost from a local hardware store. Also, keep some wood glue on hand. This can be very useful if you have to glue one of the rollers back into the correct position.
After gathering your tools and tools, open the bifold door and loosen the top track bracket by using your screwdriver. Once the bracket is free, you'll be able slide the door off the top track. It may take a small amount of jiggling, but it should come right off the track.
The pivot at the bottom of the frame will need to be removed. Close all doors in the interior prior to starting. This will be much easier than trying to work from the inside. If the track on the bottom appears to be in good condition it is possible to raise the door to take off the track.
You'll have to replace the track if damaged. You can buy new tracks for swinging and bifold closet doors from a local hardware store. If the track is badly damaged, you might need to replace it completely.
It is now time to test your doors to ensure the proper operation. Make sure that the doors move into and out of their positions easily. You'll want to make sure that the edges of your door are in line to the frame when it's closed. If they're not, you'll need to adjust the top pivot bracket by tightening or loosening the bottom screwscrew.
Replace the Roller
Bifold doors neatly enclose closets, laundry nooks and pantries, but only when they function properly. The bifold doors consist of two panels that are hinged and slide down tracks at the top of the frame. Over time the roller guide bearings can wear out, causing the doors to sag and scrape against the floor. Replacing the roller guide takes just a few minutes and basic tools.
The first step is to remove the roller guide from your door panel. This requires taking off the pivot bolt at the bottom and loosening the screw that holds the guide at its top. After removing the guide, pull the panel from the track. Then with a wrench, remove the top pivot bolt from the hole in the header of the frame by loosening the nut.
Stanley, Cox and Acme offer a top nylon replacement roller with a 7/8-inch wheel mounted on a base made of steel. It is mounted on the top edge of the bifold door, which is 1 inch to 1-3/8 inches thick. It is spring loaded to self-adjust the upper track for smooth sliding.
A bifold door may also scratch against the floor as it closes and opens. This can happen after adding carpet or other flooring materials that require the doors be slightly raised to allow clearance. Removing the pivot adjustment screw on the bottom and loosening the top track's mounting screws and moving the anchor/pivot pin is typically enough to eliminate this issue.
A new set of top roller guides is an inexpensive solution to a problem that could 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. You'll also require the squeeze-clamp and a tiny container Elmer's wood adhesive, which can be found in large box stores. The clamp is used to keep the repair area tightly after glue is inserted, and allowed to dry.