How to make a sliding door move more smoothly?

[corgzilla]

I have a sliding door that does not slide very easily. I cleaned the tracks, which helped for a day, but now it’s stiff again.

Any ideas on how to make it slide more smoothly? Could old paint be causing the issue? When I bought the house, the windows had been painted shut, so I wouldn’t be too surprised if the door’s struggling for the same reason.

[EricL · Accepted solution]

Hello @corgzilla 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your sliding door.

Since cleaning the tracks gave temporary relief, but the problem quickly returned, it's likely not just dirt. Here's a step-by-step list of what could be going on and how to approach it:

1. Check for paint build-up in the tracks or on the frame edges:
   
   Given your house had painted-shut windows, it’s entirely possible that the sliding door was painted while shut as well. Dried paint on the lower edges of the door or in the track grooves can act like a brake. Carefully run a utility knife or scraper along the track sides and under the door bottom edge to remove any paint buildup. You might also check the top track, as friction there can affect movement.
    
2. Inspect and clean the rollers underneath the door:
   
   Sliding doors usually have adjustable rollers that can get clogged with dirt or worn down over time. You’ll need to lift the door off its track (it’s a two-person job in most cases), lay it flat, and inspect the rollers. If they’re seized, cracked, or misaligned, they should be replaced. You can usually find universal replacement rollers at Bunnings—just bring one in to match.
    
3. Adjust the roller height:
   
   Sometimes the door is dragging because the rollers are set too low or unevenly. There’s typically a small screw on each side at the bottom (often hidden under a plug or cover) that raises or lowers the rollers. Adjusting these can rebalance the door and improve the glide.
    
4. Lubricate the track and rollers properly:
   
   Avoid using grease or WD-40, as these attract dust. Instead, use a silicone-based spray (like Selleys Ezy Glide) that’s safe for both metal and plastic parts. Spray it on the track and also directly on the roller mechanisms if accessible.
    
5. Check the track itself for damage:
   
   Run your hand gently along the track to feel for any dents or warped areas. A dented rail can catch the rollers. Minor damage can sometimes be tapped back into shape using a rubber mallet and a wood block to avoid further denting.

If you've done all the above and the problem persists, a full roller and track replacement kit might be needed.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric