How do I repair a sliding patio door that’s not sliding?
by
Kate N
+2
I have a sliding door ( older than 20 years) it goes from the house to an enclosed patio, it is getting SO difficult to slide, almost impossible. I’ve tried cleaning the track out and do get some dirt out ( but it’s enclosed so really very little dirt can get in) but there does seem to be black stuff that I’ve gotten out. Is there anything I can do ( minus getting a new sliding door, which isn’t in my budget) to fix this? Any advice would be much appreciated.
Related Discussions
Suggested Project Book
Hello! For mine I cleaned like you did then I used a beeswax candle to rub onto the track. It works! But you have to do it over eventually just because of the use. At least it’s easy!
Cheers!
There are rollers on the bottom of the door that get dirty and will make it hard to open. Sometimes they need to be adjusted up or down also to make it easier to open.
Sounds like the rollers that roll on the track have worn down to the metal. (Hence the black stuff, metal rolling on metal)...You will need to lift the door up and out of the track. Make sure you have help doing this!!! Once it’s lifted up and out, the door will be heavy, and ackward to handle!!! On the bottom of the door you will see where the rollers have worn down to the metal. Some doors have plastic rollers, some have metal rollers. Take a picture with your phone, and remove the roller if possible. Take it to your nearest Ace hardware or Lowe’s, they have replacement parts! Replace the rollers. Reinstall the door, make sure the roller and the track are lined up....there you have it. Hope this helps! Good Luck!!!
After cleaning, spray the track and lock mechanisms with Silicone spray.
Tracks must be kept clean on a regular basis to prevent sticking.
Kate,
Use a dry graphite powder or lithium grease to lube the track. Silicone and WD 40 will attract dirt and dust and they do not last long. If you are unable to lift the door out as Mimi suggested, you will have to remove the retaining strip at the top of the door. There will be several screws facing down towards you holding a narrow strip in place. Remove the strip and the door will easily tilt in and can be lifted out of the track. There are two screws holding each wheel assembly in place. Remove the screws and use a flat head screwdriver to pop the assembly out.