How to Repair Bifold Door Top Roller Guide
If your bifold door is squeaking then it's likely that they need some attention. They could need to be cleaned, lubricated or adjusted. The issue could be caused by loose screws on the top pivot or the top roller guide.
This kit includes all the hardware you require to restore your bi-fold wardrobe door to its best performance.
Remove the Door
Installing a set of internal bifold doors might appear to be a complicated and challenging project however, it's actually easy for DIYers with a little experience. Getting the frame into position isn't a major issue; the tricky part is getting the doors to fold and close smoothly and precisely. As bifold doors are complex machines, they may need some tuning to keep working properly. This might be something as easy as tightening a screw or as complex as taking out the door and replacing a pivot pin or roller.
Most of the time, you can solve these issues with a few basic adjustments without removing the doors. It is possible that your bifold doors are sliding, scraping the floor or slipping off track. The solution to these issues isn't difficult, and with three easy steps the bifold doors will be back on track in short time.
The most common issue internal bifolding doors face is the sliding out of alignment. This can be caused by loose screws or holes in the anchor/pivot pins or simply a door that isn't aligned properly. In the majority of instances, you can fix this issue with a few simple adjustments, however if the door isn't moving, it might need to be removed and replaced.
To open the door, you'll need an screwdriver and perhaps pliers (to assist in loosening any pins that are tight to pivot). The screwdriver can be used to loosen the locking levers on the bottom pivot bracket. The pliers are used for removing the pin.
Once the top roller is removed, you can lift the door, swivel downward and then remove it from its pivot brackets and track. This is usually quite straightforward however be careful not to let the door crash against the frame of the door. You should then be able cut off the edge of the door which is scratching the floor, and sand it down until it is smooth. Then paint or refinish the door as needed.
Take off the Roller Guide
This spring-loaded roller guide is mounted on the top edge of bifold doors to aid with smooth operation. It is designed to be used with Kenna frames and can be fitted to doors that are 1 inch to 1/8 inch thick. It is constructed of nylon, steel and plastic components. It can be used to replace a worn-out or damaged guide.
Take out any screws that are holding the roller guide in place using the screwdriver. Use your hands to slowly lift it off the frame. It might require some effort to take off the door, so you may need an assistant to help.
After removing the old guide, carefully cut the remaining finish on the foot of the guide by using a razor to cut it from blank rod. This will make it easier to take off and protect the new guide foot. The guide foot is extremely sharp, and it can cut or snag fingers.
You may have to use some force to get the guide off, but take care not to chip or break the foot. After you've separated the guide from the rod blank, be sure to take out all of the epoxy and threads that remain the guide was attached. This will prevent future problems with the guide.
After removing the previous guide, you can test the replacement by putting it in its permanent position. Make a few turns using masking tape or guide tubing in order to hold it in position. This will let you double examine the guide's spacing and alignment to ensure 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 just eyeball it.
The final step is to replace the door. If the guide is in the right position and functioning in the correct way, then you're ready to proceed. Make sure to tighten and replace any screws or pins that you removed or loosen.
Remove the Bottom Pivot
Bifold doors can be an attractive addition to a home, but they may need to be tweaked or adjusted to ensure they remain in good shape. While some of the less critical issues can be resolved with the doors in place, some will require removal. This guide will walk you through the steps to remove internal bifold door pivots, pins and rollers to get your doors sliding as new.
The first step is to gather your tools. You'll save yourself a lot of frustration if you gather all your tools in advance. You'll need a screwdriver pliers and maybe a wrench. A set of basic tools is available at a reasonable cost from your local hardware store. Keep a supply of wood glue in the back of your hand. This will come in handy if you have to glue one of the rollers back in the correct position.
Once you've got the tools, begin by opening the bifold doors, and then loosening the top track bracket with your screwdriver. Once the bracket is in place, you should be able to lift the door off the top track. It might take a bit of shaking to get it there, but it should come off the track.
The pivot on the bottom of the frame needs to be removed. Close all doors in the interior before beginning. This will make it simpler than trying to work on the inside. If the track on the bottom is still in good working order it will be possible to lift the door and take off the track.
You'll have to replace the track if it is damaged. Hardware stores offer replacement tracks for bifold doors, as well as swinging closet doors. If the track is badly damaged, you may have to replace it completely.
Once your track is repaired or replaced it is time to test the doors for proper operation. Make sure that the doors move into and out of their position effortlessly. You'll need to ensure that the edges of your door are aligned with the frame when closed. If they aren't, then you'll have to adjust the top pivot bracket and tighten or loosen the bottom screwscrew until the door's edge coincides perfectly with the frame.
Replace the Roller
Bifold doors are a great way to enclose closets as well as laundry nooks and pantries, but only when they function properly. They consist of two door panels that are hinged together and slide open on the track that is located at the top of the frame. Over time the roller guide bearings can wear out, causing the doors to sag and rub against the floor. The roller guide can be replaced in a matter of minutes with the use of basic tools.
The first step is to remove the roller guide from the door panel. The pivot bolt at the bottom must be removed and the screw holding the guide to the top of the door panel should be loosened. After removing the guide, pull the panel from the track. Then with a wrench, remove the top pivot bolt from the hole in the frame's header 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 bifold doors that are 1 to 1-3/8 inches thick. It comes spring-loaded and adjusts automatically in the upper track to ensure smooth glide.
Bifold doors can also scratch the floor as it closes and opens. This can occur after installing carpet or other flooring materials that require the doors be elevated to allow clearance. This issue can be fixed by getting rid of the bottom pivot adjustment screws, loosening up the top track mounting screws and moving the anchor/pivot.
A new set of top roller guides is a cheap solution to a problem that may make your bifold doors difficult to operate. They are usually available at your local hardware store in the door section. However bi-fold door repair can be bought on the internet from a variety of vendors. Along with a brand new top guide for rollers, you'll require a small amount of Elmer's wood glue, which is available in big box stores, as well as a squeeze clamp. The clamp assists in keeping the repair area tightly after glue is inserted and allowed to dry.