How to Repair Bifold Door Top Roller Guide

If your bifold doors have become stuck, they probably require some maintenance. They may require cleaning or lubricated, or even adjusted. The issue could be caused by a loose screw on the top pivot or the top roller guide.

This kit contains all the hardware needed to restore your bi folding door repair-fold closet door to optimal performance.

Take the door off

Installing a set of internal repair bifold door top roller doors might appear to be a complicated and challenging task, but it's actually quite easy for DIYers with a few years of experience. The frame isn't the issue however getting the doors to close and fold smoothly is. As bifold doors are complex machines, they could require some tweaking to ensure they are functioning correctly. It could be as easy as tightening a screw, or as complex as taking off and replacing the door's pivot pin or roller.

The majority of the time you can resolve these issues with a couple of simple adjustments, without having to remove the doors. You may find that your bifold doors are sliding and scraping the floor or jumping out of track. Getting these issues under control isn't difficult. With three simple steps the bifold doors will be back in the blink of an eye.

The most common problem that internal bifolding doors face is the sliding out of alignment. This could be due loose screws, holes on the anchor/pivots or a misaligned bifold door glass replacement door. In most instances, you can fix this issue with a few simple adjustments, but if the door isn't moving, it may need to be removed and replaced.

To open the door you'll need a screwdriver and possibly two pliers (to help loosen any pins on the pivot that are stuck). The screwdriver will be used to release any locking levers that are on the bottom bracket for pivoting and the pliers will allow you to pull the pin to release it and then take it off.

Once the top roller is removed Once the top roller is removed, you can raise the door, then swivel it downwards and remove it from its track and pivot brackets. It is usually a simple procedure, but be cautious not to let the door strike the frame of the door. Then you can sand the edge of the door to smooth it. Then, you can repaint or refinish it as required.

Remove the Roller Guide

This spring-loaded roller guide mounts on the top of a bifold door to help in smooth operation. It is made 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 will replace an old guide.

To begin removing the guide roller, take out the screws that hold it in place. Do this using the screwdriver and a little to loosen it. Then, carefully use your hands to pull it out of the frame. It could take some effort to remove the door, so you may need an assistant to help.

Once the guide you used to guide your child is removed, carefully cut the remaining finish on the foot of the new guide using the help of a razor blade to separate it from the rod blank. This will make it easier to take off and prevent damage to the new guide foot. Be cautious when doing this because the foot is very sharp and could cut or nick your fingers.

It is likely that you will need to apply a little force to get the guide off, but take care not to break or chip the foot. After you've separated the old guide from the rod blank, be sure to take out all of the threads and epoxy remaining in the area the guide was attached. This will prevent future problems with the guide.

After removing the old guide, test out your new guide by putting it in its permanent location and applying a few rotations of masking tape or some form of guide tubing to hold it in the correct position. This will let you double check the guide spacing and alignment to make sure everything is set up properly. This is essential to avoid any future issues regardless of whether you are using the CRB Spine Finder and Deflection System, or just eyeball it.

The last step is to replace the door. If the guide is in the correct position and functioning just as it should, you're able to proceed. Remember to tighten and replace any screws or pins you removed or loosen.

Remove the Bottom Pivot

Bifold doors can be a stunning addition to any home, but they may require to be tweaked or adjusted to keep them in good working order. While some of the more straightforward issues can be resolved with the doors still in place, others will require them to be removed. This guide will show you how to take off the internal bifold door pins, rollers, and pivots.

The first step is to gather your tools. You will save yourself some frustration if you gather all the tools you need in advance. You'll require a screwdriver, pliers, and possibly a wrench. A set of basic tools can be bought at a reasonable price at your local hardware store. Keep a supply of wood glue on hand. This is helpful in the event that you have to fix the rollers into the right place.

Once you've collected the tools, begin by opening the bifold doors. Then, you'll need to loosening the top track bracket with your screwdriver. Once the bracket is loose the door should be capable of sliding off the top track completely. It may take a few jigglings but it should pop right off the track.

Next, you'll need to remove the pivot at the bottom from the frame. It is best to do this from the outside of your home, so be sure to shut any interior doors that are open. This will be a lot easier than trying to work from the inside. If the track at the bottom appears good it is possible to lift the door and remove 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 severely damaged, you may need to replace it completely.

It is now time to test your doors for their proper operation. Check that the doors can be moved into and out of their place easily. You'll also want to check that the edges of the door are parallel to the frame when closed. If they're not, you'll need to adjust the top pivot bracket and tighten or loosen the bottom set screw until the edge of the door is perfectly aligned with the frame.

Replace the Roller

If they are installed correctly the bifold doors can easily protect pantries, laundry rooms and closets. Bifold doors comprise two panels that are hinged and slide along tracks at the top of the frame. Over time, the roller guide bearings could wear out, causing the doors to bow and scrape against the floor. Replacing the guide roller takes just a few minutes and basic tools.

The first step is to remove the roller guide from your door panel. This requires removal of the bottom pivot bolt and loosening the screw that holds the guide to its top. After the guide has been removed then lift the door frame up and off its track. Then, loosen the nut that holds the top pivot bolt, and employ the wrench to pull it out of the hole in the top header of the door frame.

Stanley, Cox and Acme offer a replacement top nylon roller with a 7/8-inch wheel that rests on a steel base. It mounts on the top edge of a bifold door that is 1 to 1-3/8 inches thick. It is spring loaded to self-adjust the upper track to ensure smooth sliding.

Another issue that is common to bifold doors is that it scrapes against the floor when it closes or opens. This is often the result of adding carpet, or other flooring materials which require the doors be elevated to allow for clearance. The removal of the pivot adjustment screw on the bottom, loosening the top track's mounting screws and moving the anchor/pivot pin usually enough to clear 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 shop in the door section. However they can also be purchased online from several vendors. You'll also require an elongated squeeze-clamp as well as a small container of Elmer's wood adhesive which can be found in big box stores. The clamp is used to keep the area being repaired shut after the glue has been placed in and dried.