ᐅ Sliding drawer on Kallax makes a cracking noise every time it is pulled out – any repair advice?

Created on: 13 Jun 2021 10:23

Hello everyone,

I have ball-bearing drawer slides on my Kallax shelving unit, but unfortunately, the tracks make an unpleasant cracking noise every time I pull the drawer out. The sound is very mechanical and seems like the rollers or the guide are slightly sticking or wearing out. I have already tried cleaning the tracks, but without any success. The cracking occurs under both light and heavy load.

Has anyone experienced this issue or can offer repair advice? I am especially interested in tips on how to properly maintain the slides, whether the rollers might need replacing, and if a specific lubricant is recommended.

Thanks in advance for your help!

lochen14 Jun 2021 09:41

Ramon4 schrieb:
Lubricant should be used sparingly; too much can attract dust again.

Absolutely right. I have been using PTFE-based dry lubricants on my Kallax drawers for quite some time. They repel dust and keep the rollers running smoothly.

One more tip: After removing the rails, you should also check for rust spots. These can be removed by fine sanding followed by lubrication.

liskar14 Jun 2021 12:18

Just as an additional note: The cracking noise from drawers is often not caused by the rollers themselves, but by the guides or the hinge bearings if they are not properly aligned.

If the cracking continues despite lubrication, please also check whether the tracks are installed perfectly parallel. Even slight misalignment can cause the rollers to press more heavily at certain points, leading to cracking sounds.

Furthermore, plastic rollers with metal bearings are common for Kallax units – if your drawer uses different rollers, that could be the reason.

LIELCHEN15 Jun 2021 08:07

semuneo schrieb:
Does anyone else have tips for really silent drawer slides?

Honestly, I’m not surprised by the creaking sound in inexpensive furniture drawer slides. Let’s face it, Kallax isn’t a high-end piece of furniture with a soft-close system.

If you want quiet, you need to invest significantly more. Otherwise, you can try to repair the parts as mentioned here. But I think the creaking is just part of the character of budget furniture, and it only becomes annoying if you overemphasize it. Maybe a bit of patience helps? 😉

Christophm15 Jun 2021 13:54

#10

REOHEINRIC schrieb:
I recommend removing the rails completely first and cleaning them thoroughly

Thank you for the initial practical advice.

I have now removed the rails and indeed found a lot of dust and small lint that definitely slowed down the rollers. One more question: Is it possible to fully disassemble the plastic rollers for cleaning and possibly lubricating? Or is there a risk that the rollers or bearings could be damaged?

Additionally, I had the chance to tighten the screws as much as possible. This seems to reduce the creaking somewhat, but does not eliminate it.

REOHEINRIC15 Jun 2021 15:02

#11

Christophm schrieb:
Is it possible to completely disassemble the plastic rollers for cleaning and possibly lubricating?

For Kallax drawer slides, the plastic rollers are usually designed as maintenance-free components and are difficult to disassemble without causing damage. I generally advise against opening them.

Instead, I recommend carefully cleaning the outer surfaces of the rollers and then applying a suitable dry lubricant. The grease inside the roller bearings is typically permanent and sealed.

Cracks, deformations, or play in the rollers are signs that replacement is necessary.

ᐅ Sliding drawer on Kallax makes a cracking noise every time it is pulled out – any repair advice?

Reaktionen