ᐅ How can I repair the rollers on IKEA BESTA units that squeak or get stuck?

Hello everyone,

I have been experiencing an issue for some time now with the rollers on my IKEA Besta cabinet units—they either creak or sometimes even stick. This makes sliding the doors or drawers noticeably more difficult.

My question is: How can I repair IKEA Besta rollers that creak or stick?

I have some basic mechanical knowledge and think that cleaning or lubricating the rollers might help, but I’m unsure about the best way to disassemble the rollers, what exactly should be cleaned, whether replacement parts might be necessary, and which lubricants are suitable to make the rollers run smoothly and quietly again.

Does anyone have experience or tips, perhaps even a step-by-step guide, on how to fully restore the functionality of these rollers? It would also be great if advice on replacing individual components could be included, since if the rollers are severely damaged, I don’t just want to “patch” them, but repair them effectively and permanently.

Thank you in advance for your helpful input!

Teokar33 schrieb:
I have some experience with mechanics and could imagine that cleaning or lubrication might help

I completely understand your concern! That creaking sound is really annoying, especially with furniture that gets used frequently. I once tried simply spraying a bit of WD-40 on the rollers, which helped at first, but in the long run wasn’t ideal because WD-40 is more of a penetrating oil and tends to attract dust.

What I’ve learned is that patience and care are key here. If you remove the rollers, clean them thoroughly to get rid of any old residue, and then treat them with a suitable lubricant—such as silicone oil or a PTFE spray—it lasts much longer and is cleaner than using a general-purpose oil.

I understand that disassembly may seem daunting at first, but many IKEA Besta models have easily accessible small screws or clips on the rollers. With a bit of careful handling, it’s manageable.

Removing the guide rollers: They are usually fastened with a small screw. Simply loosen it with a Phillips screwdriver.

Cleaning: Remove old lubricant residues using isopropanol or a bit of dish soap.

Lubrication: Use silicone spray or PTFE spray, not oil.

If damaged, order replacement rollers from IKEA or third-party suppliers.

Jonas66 schrieb:
Cleaning: Remove old grease residues with isopropanol or some dish soap.

That’s basically correct, but I’d like to elaborate a bit more.

The rollers in the IKEA BESTA system are mostly made of plastic with integrated metal axles, which can wear down under load or get blocked by dirt particles. The important points are:

- Carefully remove the rollers, checking not only screws but also any clips or guide rails to ensure they move freely.
- Then clean off all old grease and dust residues with isopropanol (alcohol), which usually works better than water because it evaporates quickly and leaves no residue.
- After cleaning, inspect the bearings and axle: Are the plastic parts cracking or deformed?
- For lubrication, use water-based or dry lubricants such as silicone or PTFE sprays, as these stay effective and don’t attract dust.

For clamps, contamination or bent guide rails can also be the problem—have you checked whether the rollers move smoothly within their tracks?

Do you have the exact model number of the rollers? Sometimes it’s worth ordering replacements, which generally cost around 5–10 euros and are quick to swap out.

Are you using the BESTA cabinet doors with handle rails or with push-to-open mechanisms? This can also affect the roller running mechanism.

TEBILO schrieb:
Clamps can also be affected by dirt or bent guide rails

Ah, that almost sounds like a little thrill on a Sunday morning! 😂

Jokes aside – if the rollers are really sticking or creaking, it’s worth not only maintaining the rollers themselves but also having a quick look at the tracks. These are often underestimated, and if dirt, small stones, or hair get stuck in there, it obviously causes problems.

So I would recommend:
- Thoroughly clean the tracks, for example with a damp cloth or a brush
- Check if the track is bent or deformed – sometimes just carefully straightening it is enough
- After cleaning, lightly spray the rollers with silicone spray

Then it usually runs smoothly again.

And don’t worry, it’s easier to do than you might think at first 😉

Teokar33 schrieb:
How do I repair the rollers on IKEA BESTA units that are squeaking or sticking?

Here is a step-by-step approach:

- Remove the rollers (usually with a screwdriver)
- Clean with isopropanol to remove dirt and old lubricants
- Inspect for damage: cracks, deformations, or clogged bearings
- Check the tracks and clean or realign them if necessary
- Lubricate the rollers with silicone spray or PTFE spray (avoid regular oils)
- Reinstall the rollers and test their function

If damaged, replace the rollers. Original IKEA parts fit properly and ensure reliable quality.

Important: Do not use WD-40-type products as a long-term solution, as they tend to attract dirt too quickly.