ᐅ KALLAX hinges brittle – how to re-lubricate or replace?

Hello again, update on the situation: Yesterday, I carefully removed the hinges, cleaned them, and treated them with sewing machine oil. After opening and closing several times, the squeaking has noticeably reduced and the movement feels smoother. However, two of the hinges show small cracks in the plastic.

I am now considering whether to replace them immediately or keep oiling them as a temporary solution. What do you think—how long can cracked plastic like this hold up? Is there a risk that the doors might suddenly break off or sag?

eltonla schrieb:
Small cracks in the plastic on two hinges

These are clear signs of material fatigue with an increased risk of breakage. The load-bearing capacity of hinge plastics decreases significantly when cracks are present. This can result in sudden breakage, causing the door to sag.

I recommend replacing the hinges as soon as possible, especially if the doors are frequently opened. Lubricating them is a good short-term measure but does not replace brittle material.

eltonla schrieb:
I’m considering whether to replace them immediately or just keep oiling them as a temporary solution.

This sounds like a clear case for either approach. If you don’t use the doors very often, oiling them can hold up for a while longer. But cracked plastic means that eventually the part will fall apart. If you want to avoid any risk (especially with heavy doors), it’s better to get new hinges now. Sometimes being patient can cost more in the long run, especially with IKEA replacement parts, which are quite affordable.