Sunday, May 4, 2014

Replace aluminum security patio sliding door rollers

I found many sliding door repair or replacement videos on Youtube but I almost gave up when nothing applies to my patio door. I cannot lift the door out of the track from inside. It could be lifted out of the track from outside, but I have to take down the still panel first. The still half of the door seems to be securely installed with no screws in sight.

Thanks to allaboutdoors.com, you can just take the sliding door frame apart without lifting it out of the track.

You may try this if you cannot lift the door out to replace the rollers. Or if the fixed panel seems to be impossible to disassemble. But first of all, I think you need a security door with strong glass. Otherwise you need to be careful with the glass panel.

1. Locate the side screws holding the frame together.

It's near the top and the bottom.  Only do one side at a time. You should be able to see the screws. The other hole is for inserting a screw driver to adjust the rollers.

2. Unscrew the two visible screws holding the frame together and notice where the "sockets" are inside the top and bottom panel (for later alignment).

3. With a small hammer and a smaller block of wood, knock off the vertical side frame gently from bottom to top a little bit at a time.  Repeat the bottom to top process until the frame comes off.


4. For my particular model, keep knocking sideways until the vertical side frame pull the roller assembly out completely via a T-shaped metal strip on the assembly.


5. Rotate the T strip 90 degrees and take out from the slot of the side frame.

6. Now go to buy the same roller assembly.

7. Put the rubber gasket in position on the glass edge. Put the side frame in position ready to be knocked back in.

8. Put the T strip back in the slot of the side frame, rotate back to the normal position to be inserted into the bottom frame. You may need a little lifting of the door. I just hold and lift on the glass panel. If it's too heavy you may need a helper.

9. The key is to align the top and bottom holding screws before you insert the side frame back. Partially screw in both screws.

10. Tighten both screws and the side frame will go back to position. You will help by knocking a block of wood on the side of the frame. Repeat tighten the screws and knock of the sides gently.

11. Do the other side, same thing. One man job mostly.