How to Repair Bifold Door Top Roller Guide
If your bifold doors are sticking it's likely they require some maintenance. You may need to clean and lubricate them or adjust them. The problem may be caused by loose screws on the top pivot or the top guide roller.
This kit comes with all the hardware required to bring your bi-fold closet door system to its optimal performance.
Take the door off
Installing an internal set of bifold doors could seem like an involved and difficult task however, it's actually simple for anyone with a little experience. The frame isn't the problem however getting the doors to close and fold smoothly is. Because bifold doors are intricate machines, they might require some tuning to keep functioning correctly. This could be as easy as tightening a screw or as complicated as removing the door and replacing a pivot pin or roller.
You can usually fix these issues by making some minor adjustments without the need to take off the doors. You may find that your bifold doors are sliding, scraping the floor or slipping off track. It's easy to fix these issues. Follow these three easy steps and your bifold door will be back in line 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 in the anchor/pivots, or a misaligned bifold door. Most times it can be fixed with a few simple adjustments. If, however, your door isn't moving at all, you may need to replace it.
You'll have to take off the door using a screwdriver, and possibly a pair pliers to loosen any pivot pins that are tight. The screwdriver can be used to loosen the locking levers at the bottom of the pivot bracket. The pliers are used for removing the pin.
After the top roller has become loose it should be possible to lift the door and swivel it down and allow you to pull it off of its track and pivot brackets. This is usually quite straightforward, but be careful not to let the door crash against the door frame. You'll then be able to cut off the edge of the door which is scratching the floor, and then sand it until smooth. You can then repaint or refinish it as required.
Remove the Roller Guide
This spring-loaded guide roller is mounted on the top edge of a bifold door to help with smooth operation. It is specifically designed specifically for Kenna frames and will fit door panels ranging from 1 inch to 1-3/8 inches thick. It is made of steel, nylon, and plastic components. It is able to replace an old guide.
To begin removing the guide for the roller, remove the screws that hold it in place. Do this using a screwdriver and a bit to loosen it. Use your hands to carefully lift it off the frame. This may require some effort, so you should have someone else help you keep the door in place as you take it off.
After removing the guide, carefully cut off the remaining finish on the guide's foot by using a razor to cut it from the blank rod. This will make it easier to take off and protect the new guide foot. The foot is extremely sharp and could cut or nick fingers.
You may have to use a bit of force to get the guide off, but be careful not to chip or break the foot. After you've separated the old guide from the rod blank, be sure to remove all of the threads and epoxy that remain in the place where it was attached. This will prevent future problems with the guide.
After removing the guide, check the new one by placing it in its permanent location. Apply a few rotations using masking tape or guide tubing to ensure it stays in place. This will let you double verify the guide's spacing and alignment to ensure everything is set up properly. Whether you're eye-balling it or using the dependable CRB Spine Finder and Deflection System it is essential to avoid any problems in the future.
If the guide is placed properly and is functioning as it should then the final step will be to reinstall the door in its place. Remember that any screws or pins that were removed or loosening should be replaced and tightened appropriately when you're done.
Remove the Bottom Pivot
Bifold doors make a gorgeous feature for any home, but sometimes they need a little tweaking or adjustment to stay in good shape. Certain issues can be solved with the doors in place. Other issues will require the doors be removed. This guide will walk you through how to remove the internal bifold door pivots and rollers, as well as pins and pins, so you can get your doors sliding like new again.
Gathering your tools is the first step. You'll avoid frustration if you collect all your tools in advance. You'll also require a screwdriver and pliers. A basic set of tools can be bought at a reasonable cost from your local hardware store. It's recommended to have some wood glue in your kit. This can be very useful in the event that you need to glue one of the rollers back in the correct position.
Once you've gathered your tools, start by opening the bifold doors, and then loosening the top track bracket with your screwdriver. Once the bracket is loose, the door should be free to slide off the top track completely. It might take a little jiggling to get it there, but it should come off the track.
The next step is to remove the bottom pivot from the frame. This should be done from the outside of your home, so be sure to close any internal doors that are open. This will make it much simpler rather than working on the inside. If the track at the bottom is still in good condition, you'll be able to simply lift the door and take off the track.
If the track is damaged, you'll need to replace it. You can get new tracks for bifold doors as well as swinging closet doors from a local hardware store. If the track is badly damaged, you may have to replace it completely.
Once your track is repaired or replaced, you'll need to check the doors for proper operation. Make sure they're capable of moving smoothly from position to position. You should also ensure that the edges of the door are parallel to the frame when it is closed. If they're not, you'll need to adjust the top pivot bracket and tighten or loosen the bottom set screw until the door's edge coincides perfectly with the frame.
Replace the Roller
Bifold doors neatly enclose closets, laundry nooks and pantries, but only when they function correctly. bi fold door repairs consist of two door panels that are hinged together and open using a track that sits in the top of the frame. Over time the roller guide bearings may wear out, causing the doors to sag and rub against the floor. The roller guide can be replaced in just a few minutes with the use of basic tools.
The first step is to remove the guide for the roller from the door panel. The bolt that holds the bottom pivot must be removed, and the screw holding the guide to the top of the door panel should be loosened. After the guide has been removed, lift the door panel up and off its track. Then, 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 with a 7/8 " diameter wheel and a steel base is available from Stanley, Cox or Acme. It mounts 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 gliding.
Another issue with a bifold door is that it scrapes the floor when it closes or opens. This can occur after adding carpet or other flooring materials that require the doors to be raised slightly for proper clearance. This issue can be solved by getting rid of the screws that adjust the bottom pivot 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 your bifold doors difficult to operate. They are usually available at the local hardware store in the door section. However, they can be ordered online from several vendors. You will also need a squeeze-clamp and a small container Elmer's wood adhesive, that is sold in large box stores. The clamp is used to keep the repair area in place after glue is inserted and allowed to dry.