How to Repair Bifold Door Top Roller Guide

If your bifold door is squeaking it's likely they need some attention. You may need to clean and lubricate them or adjust them. The issue could be caused by an unfastened bolt on the top pivot, or by the top guide roller.

This kit comes with all the hardware required to return your bi fold repairs-fold closet door to its best performance.

Remove the Door

Installing an interior set of bifold doors could appear to be a complicated and complicated task but it's actually straightforward for a DIYer with a little experience. The frame isn't the problem however getting the doors to close and fold smoothly is. As bifold doors are complex machines, they might require some 'tuning' to continue functioning properly. It could be as simple as tightening the screw, or as complex as removing and replacing the door's pivot pin or roller.

You can usually fix these issues by making a few simple adjustments, without having to remove the doors. You might find that your doors are sliding or scraping the floor, or that they are bouncing off of their track. In order to fix these issues, it isn't a big deal, and with three simple steps, your bifold doors should be back on track in short time.

One of the most frequent problems that bifold doors with internals have to face is the tendency to slide out of alignment. This can be due to loose screws, holes in the anchor/pivots or an unaligned bifold door. In most instances, you can fix this issue with a few simple adjustments, but if the door isn't moving, it might need to be removed and replaced.

You'll have to take off the door with an screwdriver, and perhaps pliers to loosen any pivot pins that are too tight. The screwdriver is used to release any locking levers that are on the bottom pivot bracket and the pliers allow you to wiggle the pin out and off.

After the top roller is removed Once the top roller is removed, you can raise the door, swivel downward and then remove it from its pivot brackets and track. This is usually quite straightforward however, be sure not to let the door slam against the frame of the door. You should then be able to cut off the edge of the door that is scratching the floor, and then sand it until it is smooth. You can then repaint or finish it according to the requirements.

Remove the Roller Guide

This spring-loaded roller is mounted on top of a bifolding door to facilitate smooth operation. It is designed to work with Kenna frames and will fit the door's panel from 1 inch to 1-3/8 inches thick. It is made of steel, nylon and plastic components and will replace bifold doors a worn or damaged guide.

Remove any screws that hold the guide to the roller by using the screwdriver. Then, use your hands to remove it of the frame. It might take some effort to remove the door, so make sure you ask someone else to assist you.

Once the old guide is removed, carefully cut through the remaining finish around the foot of the new guide using a sharp blade to separate it from the rod blank. This will make it easier to remove and will ensure that there is no damage to the new guide foot. The foot is extremely sharp, and it can cut or nick fingers.

It is likely that you will need to apply a little force to pull the guide off, but be cautious not to chip or break the foot. After removing the guide that was previously attached, take out any threads or epoxy left in the area it was fixed. This will help prevent future problems with the guide.

After you have removed the previous guide, check the new one by putting it in its new location. Make a few turns with masking tape or guide tubing to secure it in its place. This will allow you double examine the guide's spacing and alignment to ensure everything is set up properly. Whether you're eye-balling it or using the always accurate CRB Spine Finder and Deflection System it is essential to avoid any problems in the future.

The final step is to replace the door. If the guide is in the proper position and functions in the correct way, then you're ready to proceed. Make sure to tighten and replace any screws or pins you removed or loosened.

Take the Bottom Pivot off.

Bifold doors can be a beautiful addition to a home, but they often need to be tweaked or adjusted to ensure they are in good working order. While some of the simpler issues can be fixed with the doors still in place, some will require removal. This guide will guide you through how to remove the internal bifold door pivots, pins and rollers so you can make your doors slide like new.

The first step is to gather your tools. Putting everything together prior to time will save you some frustration later during the construction. You'll require a screwdriver, pliers and maybe a wrench. You can purchase an assortment of basic tools at your local hardware store at a reasonable price. It's recommended to keep some wood glue on hand. This can be useful when you need to glue any of the rollers back into their original position.

After assembling your tools and tools, open the bifold door and loosen the top track bracket using your screwdriver. Once it's loose, the door should be capable of sliding off the top track completely. It might take a bit of jiggling but it should be able to pop right off the track.

The next step is to remove the pivot at the bottom from the frame. This should be done from the outside of the house Be sure to close any internal doors that you are able to open. This will be much easier than working from inside. If the track on the bottom appears good, you can simply lift the door and take off the track.

You will need 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 for the proper operation. Check that they're capable of moving smoothly from position to position. You'll want to ensure that the edges of your door are in line to the frame when closed. If they aren't, you'll need to adjust the top pivot bracket while tightening or loosening the bottom screwscrew.

Replace the Roller

Bifold doors neatly enclose closets or laundry rooms, as well as pantries, but only if they work properly. Bifold doors comprise two panels that are hinged and slide on an incline at the top of the frame. Over time the roller guide bearings may wear out, causing the doors to slide and rub against the floor. The guide roller can be replaced in just a few minutes with the use of basic tools.

The first step is removing the roller guide 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 needs to be removed. After the guide is removed, lift the door panel up and out of its track. Then, loosen the bolt that holds the top pivot bolt and employ the wrench to remove it from the hole in the top header of the door frame.

A replacement top nylon roller guide with a 7/8 " diameter wheel and a base made of steel is available from Stanley, Cox or Acme. It is mounted on the top edge of bifold doors which are 1 to 1-3/8 inches thick. It is spring loaded and adjusts automatically in the upper track to ensure smooth sliding.

Bifold doors can also scratch against the floor when it opens and closes. This is often the result of adding carpet or other flooring materials that require the doors to be raised for proper clearance. Removal of the bottom pivot adjustment screw and loosening the top track's mounting screws, and moving the anchor/pivot pin typically enough to eliminate this issue.

A new set top roller guides can be an inexpensive solution to your bifold doors becoming difficult to operate. They are typically available at your local hardware store in the door section. However they can be ordered online from several suppliers. You will also need a squeeze-clamp and a small container of Elmer's wood adhesive that is sold in large box stores. The clamp is used to keep the repair bifold door top roller area shut after the glue has been placed in and dried.