On Sat, 12 Apr 2014 12:16:29 -0400, Rebel1
wrote:

On 4/12/2014 11:55 AM, Oren wrote:
On Sat, 12 Apr 2014 11:34:57 -0400, Rebel1
wrote:

When I first encountered this problem a couple of years ago, all that
anyone previously had done was lube and clean the tracks. I sprayed the
roller axles (probably used WD-40) and it made a dramatic improvement.
The problem has now returned. Spraying the axles no longer has much effect.

What's really puzzling is that the owner says even during the winter
(central NJ), some days it will be fairly easy to slide; other days not so.

One side of the door faces the normal living space, so is exposed to
ambients around 70F. The "outside" faces an enclosed sun room with a
jacuzzi. During the summer it gets very hot; I don't know how cold it
gets during the winter.

The wheel axles face the outside and are easy to spray without removing
any trim plugs.

The door is a bit bigger than 44"W x 88"H. It's double-paned, so even
under ideal conditions its heavy weight makes it somewhat hard to slide.
As I recall, its a metal frame. I don't know the brand.

I don't feel any flat spots on the wheels or the track, but I haven't
been in the house for over six months; things may have changed.

Thanks for your suggestions.

R1


The rollers are adjustable. Look for holes near the bottom on the
frame. They use a Philips screw to adjust them up/down.

The roller wheels may look fine, but the axle may be worn so it's best
to replace the rollers. That size panel is most likely a set of two
rollers with each having dual wheels.

I replaced mine a few years ago.

Pic:
(http://www.windowdoorparts.com/images/detailed/4/2cor1351717287509191a74a57d.jpg

That might be the only real solution, including replacing the track just
to be on the safe side. This of course also means removing the
stationary panel. I would definitely need a helper, with the door being
so heavy, even though I'd be just tilting it, not lifting it. Maybe it's
time to call in two muscular pros.

Thanks,

R1

They are heavier for sure - tempered glass, so be careful.

When I removed mine, I placed a mat near the track to sit it on until
a could get a better grip and lay the panel on its side.

I'd not remove the track. There are aluminum inserts that will fit
into the track to compensate for a damaged track. I'm not familiar
with who makes them, though.