ᐅ Malm drawer runner damaged – how do I replace it?

Hello everyone,

I have a small problem with my IKEA Malm sideboard: the drawer slides are damaged on one of the drawers. Because of this, the drawer no longer slides smoothly, and I want to replace them. Can someone explain exactly how to properly remove the drawer slides on a Malm sideboard and replace them with suitable spare parts? A step-by-step guide would be best, as I am reasonably handy, but furniture drawer slides are often unclear to me—especially what to watch out for during installation to ensure the drawer runs smoothly without sticking or wobbling.

I would also like to know if it is necessary to buy original IKEA replacement parts or if compatible options from third-party suppliers are advisable.

Thanks in advance for your tips!

arnelu schrieb:
The drawer slides, meaning the runners, are damaged on one drawer. Because of this, the drawer no longer runs smoothly, and I want to replace them.

In general, replacing drawer slides on IKEA furniture is not very complicated, but it depends greatly on the specific model. For Malm, the runners are usually attached with small screws on the side of the drawer and the inside of the cabinet.

My advice: first, remove all the screws and take out the entire drawer. Then you can uninstall the old slides – often there are two parts per drawer, one attached to the drawer and one inside the cabinet.

Personally, I prefer original parts because they fit perfectly, but if you find cheaper alternatives specifically made for Malm, those are also fine. Ultimately, accuracy is key; otherwise, the drawer won’t close properly.

Have you already checked exactly which model of the slide you have? There are variations, and knowing this could make the replacement easier.

faso31 schrieb:
Have you checked exactly which model of the slide rail you have? There are differences, and that could make the replacement easier.

Thanks for the tips!

I took a look: As far as I can tell, the drawer slides are the classic full-extension ball bearing type that IKEA uses for Malm. They are about 45cm (18 inches) long and made of metal with a locking mechanism to remove the drawer.

What about installation after the replacement? Do I need to pay special attention to the alignment when reinserting the drawer to make sure nothing gets stuck or misaligned?

Also, which tools are best suited for removing the slides? I can think of a screwdriver, but I read somewhere that certain bits might be better.

Hello arnelu :-)

I had exactly the same problem a few months ago. The removal and installation is really not complicated:

1. Pull the drawer out completely and mechanically unlock both sides of the runners on the drawer – there are often small levers or clips.
2. Then you can usually simply pull off or unscrew the runner from the drawer (usually Phillips screws).
3. Unscrew the drawer runner inside the cabinet.
4. Install the new parts – important: align the screw holes precisely.
5. Slowly push the drawer back in, making sure the runner moves smoothly.

A small tip: Most IKEA screws are Phillips head, so a good Phillips screwdriver or a cordless drill with appropriate bits works well. For alignment: once the screws are loose, you can slightly adjust the runners so the drawer runs smoothly. Finally, tighten everything securely.

Good luck! You can do it 😉

Additional information on the topic:

The Malm drawer slides are usually full-extension slides about 45 cm (18 inches) long, mounted with 4-6 screws per rail (2-3 each on the drawer and cabinet). A precise fit is crucial to ensure smooth operation.

If original spare parts are not available, high-quality third-party products can also be used, but only from manufacturers providing exact measurements, as deviations can quickly lead to functional limitations.

For removal:
- Completely remove the drawer
- Unscrew the slides from the cabinet wood (usually screws with Phillips or Torx T15 heads)
- Unscrew the slides from the drawer

When reinstalling, alignment should be checked meticulously, as installation errors can cause the drawers to tilt or hang.

Tools: Phillips screwdriver or cordless drill with appropriate bits (T15 is often recommended). A tape measure and, if necessary, a spirit level can help with correct positioning.

renma schrieb:
A measuring tape and, if needed, a spirit level help with accurate positioning.

This is an important tip. Additionally, I recommend gently opening and closing the drawer several times when reinserting it before fully tightening the screws. This allows you to fine-tune the sliding rail without creating hidden tension that could cause damage later on.

It is also important not to overtighten the screws to avoid damaging the material. In particleboard furniture, stripped screw heads are a common issue.