Sliding Doors Actually Roll on Little Wheels

Sliding glass door roller repair put off too long. This will damage the bottom track.

Many homeowners don’t realize their sliding doors actually roll on small wheels. The wheels are are usually hidden, so thinking that sliders slide in the track instead of rolling is understandable.

But in order to repair a sliding door, it’s important to know how it operates.

How to Get your Sliding Door Rolling

Resist your first impulse to lubricate the track with WD40, silicone spray, or any type of oil. Sliding doors need little lubrication. Applying DIY solutions like cooking oil to your slider’s track results in a gummy mess that eventually smells bad, attracts insects, and doesn’t solve the problem.

Sliding doors become difficult to operate for two primary reasons: The track is obstructed with dirt, hair, or debris, or the rollers are out of alignment or broken.

The first problem is a simple fix. Using a crevice attachment, vacuum out the track, then wipe it down with a damp cloth. Dirty tracks are a chief reason for roller wear, so regular cleanings should keep your sliding door rolling for years.

Non-functioning rollers are a bit more challenging. Rollers that have become worn can be raised with a few turns of the adjusting screw located at the base of the door. First turn to the right and check if the door is moving easily. If not, turn the screw to the left.

Rollers that are broken should be replaced. This calls for removing the door, which is very heavy and awkward to lift out of place. A sliding door contractor is able to remove the doors, install new rollers, and replace the door in just a couple of hours, so consider hiring a professional for this job.

Call A-1 On Track at 408-866-0267 to get your sliding door rolling again.