How to Repair a Pocket Door Track

A pocket door track can get be compromised by bends, dents, and debris, causing difficulties when you try to open or close the door. The most difficult part of repairing this type of door is getting access to the area that is having the problem. Once you gain access, you can easily switch out the track or repair the existing track. Follow the simple steps below to effectively repair a pocket door track.

Remove Trim

You probably will not be able to access the track without some work. Start out by taking off the trim around the edge of the door. To do this, use a wide pry bar to pry off the trim, and then store it in a safe place.

Cut Hole

Assess the situation to determine if you can now gain access to the area that is malfunctioning. If you can not get to the problem spot, you will need to cut a hole in the wall to continue the process. Use a reciprocating saw to cut through the drywall.

Lubricate

Sometimes, the repair is something simple. In some cases, the rollers can not roll on the track because they need lubrication. If this appears to be the case, apply some lubricant to the track and see if it allows the rollers to move smoothly.

Rollers

One of the most common problems with this type of door is that the rollers can wear out. Move the door back and forth and see if you can tell if any of the rollers appear to be broken. If this is the case, you will need to remove the existing rollers and replace them with some new ones. You should be able to remove the existing rollers with a screwdriver and install the new ones.

Replacement Track

In some cases, the track is faulty or broken. This is often the case with low-quality tracks and hardware. Higher-quality tracks are designed to last for many years and you should never have to replace them. However, if the builder of the house decided to save some money and get a cheaper track, there is a good chance that it will malfunction at some point. You can take out the existing track by unscrewing it with a screwdriver or by taking off the bolts with a wrench, depending on what type of track you have. Then put a new track in its place and attach it.

Finish Up

Once you have everything attached, test the door to make sure that it moves smoothly. Then put the trim back up around the door and repair the drywall if you had to cut a hole in it.