ᐅ IKEA Malm drawer roller broken – where to buy replacements?

Hello everyone,

I noticed that one of the drawer rollers on my IKEA Malm drawer unit has broken. Specifically, the roller at the bottom of the drawer seems to be either completely broken off or heavily damaged, which makes it difficult to pull the drawer out smoothly. I am now wondering if it makes sense to just replace the roller, and if so, where I can best obtain a replacement part.

Has anyone had experience replacing Malm drawer rollers? Are these rollers easy to find, original or compatible, and are inexpensive alternatives from online stores or hardware stores any good? Are there any tricks that might help before buying a replacement, such as repairs or lubrication?

I would appreciate any advice to get the drawer fully functional again.

Seki44 schrieb:
whether it makes sense to only replace the caster and, if so, where I can best get a spare part.

Regarding replacing the casters: I can say that original spare parts from IKEA are generally preferable because they fit perfectly and usually cause no problems during installation. The Malm series uses standardized casters, which can be ordered directly from IKEA’s online spare parts shop; often they are even free or available for a small shipping fee.

Seki44 schrieb:
Are these casters easy to find, original or compatible, and are cheap alternatives from the internet or hardware stores any good?

Compatible casters from hardware stores or online retailers are available; however, you should pay close attention to the dimensions and mounting method, as there can often be differences. Cheap alternatives might work but carry the risk of not fitting exactly or wearing out faster.

For repairs: If the caster is only stuck, a thorough cleaning and some lubrication with silicone spray or a suitable lubricant can sometimes help. In case of a break, replacement is usually unavoidable.

Conclusion: I recommend ordering original replacement casters from IKEA. The costs are low, and proper fit and durability are guaranteed.

Buy when the roller is broken.
Original parts are best; they fit and work reliably.
Rollers from hardware stores rarely fit exactly.
For minor blockages, cleaning and lubricating usually helps.

Joshbe schrieb:
Original spare parts from IKEA are generally preferable

That may be true in principle, but isn’t it also a matter of price?

Joshbe schrieb:
Compatible rollers from hardware stores … carry the risk of not fitting exactly or wearing out faster

I find that statement interesting, but can anyone back it up with concrete experience? Sometimes I use cheaper spare parts that function well enough – however, we would need to clarify exactly how the roller on the Malm is designed and what the requirements are.

Does IKEA use special bearings or particular materials in these rollers that cheaper alternatives can’t provide? Or is it more of a myth that only original parts really last long?

I’m asking because sometimes the more affordable alternatives are actually very precise, and IKEA’s spare parts supply is not always fast or easy.

karus66 schrieb:
Sometimes I use cheaper replacement parts that function just as well

Thank you for your critical question. I know the Malm drawer rollers as simple plastic rollers with a low proportion of ball bearings – not particularly advanced, but precisely manufactured. The reason for my question was whether these rollers are really so basic that inexpensive alternatives could be just as durable.

Joshbe schrieb:
Original parts... often even available for free or for a small shipping fee

That would of course be a big advantage and strongly supports using original replacements. I will contact IKEA directly to check if they can replace the broken roller individually, since if the delivery is quick, it’s definitely worth it.

One more point: Are there any common pitfalls during installation or special tools needed to replace the roller? My DIY skills are okay, but I don’t want to cause any damage.

karus66 schrieb:
Does IKEA use special bearings or materials for these rollers?

The rollers on Malm are made of durable plastic with simple metal ball bearings. They are not high-end components, but very functional and precisely manufactured. The main difference compared to hardware store or online alternatives is the precision fit and the quality of the ball bearings, which affects how smoothly they operate.

Seki44 schrieb:
Are there typical pitfalls during assembly or special tools required?

No, replacing them is usually straightforward. The roller is typically inserted into a type of guide rail and secured with a small clip or screw. A screwdriver or a small Allen key is sufficient. It’s important to completely empty the drawer before removing it and to handle the guide rails carefully to avoid bending them.

Seki44 schrieb:
Original parts ... often free or available for a small shipping fee

Yes, IKEA officially provides spare parts, often free of charge, at least for relatively new products. Just contact customer service and provide the cabinet’s model number.