ᐅ How can I get Ikea Pax doors to close properly again?

Hello Tannerda,

Here is a simple step-by-step guide that I have always used to adjust my Pax doors:

- First: Check that all the hinges are securely fastened (including the mounting plates on the cabinet)!
- Then adjust the height: Loosen the hinge attachment slightly and move the door up or down until the edges are even.
- Adjust the depth: Use the screw positioned horizontally – this controls the gap between the door and the cabinet front.
- Finally, adjust the side alignment: This brings the doors into a straight line.

It sounds simple but often solves the issue. It’s important to close the doors and test their movement after each step. Also, don’t forget to check the damping elements – if they are broken, the door won’t close properly.

For factual clarification: The PAX doors are fitted with clip hinges that can be adjusted in three dimensions. The three adjustment options are:

- Height adjustment (vertical)
- Depth adjustment (distance to cabinet front)
- Side adjustment (horizontal)

If problems persist despite correct adjustment, please check the following:
- Whether the hinge screws are properly tightened and without play
- Whether the cabinet itself is warped, for example due to an uneven floor surface
- Whether any foreign objects are blocking the hinges

Only a thorough inspection of all factors will ensure doors close properly over the long term.

Rodolfo schrieb:
Whether the cabinet itself is warped, for example due to uneven flooring

That’s an interesting point I hadn’t fully considered before. I did check the floor with a spirit level, but it’s possible that the cabinet is slightly raised on one corner, which might have caused a slight distortion in the frame. Can such a minor misalignment really have that much impact on how the door closes? Should I place wooden shims under it or just adjust the leveling feet?

Tannerda schrieb:
Can such a small offset really have such a strong impact on how the door closes?

Yes, absolutely. Especially with large PAX wardrobes, even minimal warping can affect door closing. My advice:

- Use a spirit level to make sure the wardrobe is perfectly leveled.
- Adjust the leveling feet (usually integrated in PAX) so the wardrobe stands flat.
- Also check that the back panel has no deformations, as it stabilizes the structure.

If the cabinet frame is not square, hinges and doors cannot function properly. Wooden shims help if the leveling feet are not enough. Check everything carefully before adjusting the doors, otherwise it’s easy to get confused.

Tannerda schrieb:
Can such a small offset really affect the closing behavior that much?

Oh yes, this point is really important! 😃

I once had a PAX unit that was slightly tilted on a click laminate floor – the doors were really misaligned. I stuck a few thin felt pads under the feet, and then everything closed properly again. Maybe also check the rubber seals on the doors, sometimes the issue is there.

Check if the doors are the same width when you close them. Sometimes it helps to completely remove the hinges and reinstall them. Only then try adjusting the three hinge adjustment screws.