ᐅ How can I easily repair the sliding rollers on Ikea BESTA units myself?

Good morning everyone, I have a specific issue with the rollers on my Ikea Besta system. Some of the rollers stick or move much harder, making it difficult to pull out the drawers. I want to repair the rollers myself, ideally with minimal effort and without using any special tools. Has anyone had experience with the best and easiest way to fix the rollers on BESTA? What steps are necessary, what common problems should I watch out for, and how can wear and tear be prevented? I would appreciate detailed, easy-to-understand instructions or tips.

Hello jon67, replacing or repairing the rollers on Ikea BESTA drawers is generally straightforward. The first important step is to carefully pull out the drawer and, if necessary, detach the rollers from the drawer side—usually done with a spring clip or plastic tab. Then, inspect the plastic rollers for cracks, dirt, or broken parts. For dirt, thorough cleaning with a cloth and a mild detergent is helpful. If the rollers are damaged, a full replacement is recommended, as repairs rarely last long. Ideally, you should use original parts, which are available individually at Ikea or at hardware stores. Make sure to install the rollers correctly so that the drawer runs smoothly and does not jam.

Remove the rollers, clean them with oil or silicone spray, and check for damage. If defective, simply replace them. Done.

jon67 schrieb:
I want to repair the rollers myself while keeping the effort to a minimum and avoiding the need for special tools.

That’s an important point you bring up. Simple tools like a screwdriver, a small hammer, and a few cloths are usually sufficient.

The rollers in BESTA are typically made of durable plastic with built-in ball bearings or plain bearings. If there is dirt or trapped debris, it is recommended to first remove the rollers by carefully pressing them out of the plastic anchors attached to the drawer profile. Use a magnifying glass or flashlight to spot any fine hairline cracks or wear in the plastic.

For cleaning, you can use isopropanol or an ordinary household cleaner to remove grease and dust. The rollers should move smoothly afterward – if not, check the ball bearings, which in Ikea rollers are usually not repairable and therefore should be replaced.

If you’re unsure whether your roller is still stable enough, I strongly advise checking all rollers before reinstalling them, as mixing old and new rollers can cause the drawer to become misaligned over time.

A small side note: some users swear by applying Teflon spray instead of oil to attract less dirt. However, keep in mind that sprays can also damage plastic parts if they are not specifically designed for them.

Could you describe whether your rollers look similar to those shown on Ikea’s websites, or are they an older model? I might be able to assist you more specifically then.

I have often removed the rollers and lubricated them with some WD-40, which has always been sufficient. If the rollers are damaged, simply order new ones from Ikea; it is inexpensive and can be done quickly.

If the drawer sticks, it can also help to thoroughly clean the sliding rails and apply some silicone spray. This often makes the issue easier to resolve before replacing the rollers.