ᐅ Malm Dresser only Squeaks when Pressure is Applied – Possible Causes?
Created on: 10 Dec 2020 08:37
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Bradli
Hello everyone, I have the following issue with my IKEA Malm dresser: When I apply pressure to the drawers, for example when opening them or gently pushing or pulling them, the drawer squeaks. The noise only occurs when I actually put force on the runner or the drawer bottom, so it doesn’t happen during normal opening without pressure. My question is: What could be causing this squeaking? Could it be the drawer runner, the assembly, or maybe a specific area that has deformed over time? I have read before that wood on wood, metal on metal, or dry runners can cause such noises. Tips for accurately diagnosing or identifying the cause would be much appreciated. Thank you!
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NoValentin10 Dec 2020 12:49For me, removing the metal rails completely and thoroughly cleaning them helped. After that, applying new silicone spray solved the problem.
Thank you for the many suggestions.
Today, I fully removed and cleaned the drawer slides. I noticed that the ball bearings were running slightly rough in some places and were a bit dirty.
I was cautious with the talcum powder, but next I plan to get a silicone spray, as it should be better suited for the ball bearings.
What remains unclear to me is: if the drawer is installed slightly crooked, can that cause persistent squeaking? Or is the issue more likely due to moving parts and lubrication?
Try pressing on the drawer yourself again – does the resistance start at a specific point along the slide?
Today, I fully removed and cleaned the drawer slides. I noticed that the ball bearings were running slightly rough in some places and were a bit dirty.
I was cautious with the talcum powder, but next I plan to get a silicone spray, as it should be better suited for the ball bearings.
What remains unclear to me is: if the drawer is installed slightly crooked, can that cause persistent squeaking? Or is the issue more likely due to moving parts and lubrication?
Try pressing on the drawer yourself again – does the resistance start at a specific point along the slide?
Hello Bradli, I’ll summarize and provide a step-by-step guide for diagnosis:
1. Check the dresser for damage or deformation—especially at the points where the drawer slides are screwed in.
2. Tighten the screws with a screwdriver—loose screws can create play and cause squeaking.
3. Fully pull out the drawer and inspect the metal slides for dirt or rust.
4. Carefully observe the ball bearings for roughness or broken balls.
5. If the ball bearings are still fine, apply silicone spray to the slide rails and ball bearings, but not too much to avoid creating sticky lubricant layers.
6. Move the drawer back and forth multiple times under pressure to distribute the lubricant evenly.
Important: A misaligned part can cause permanent pressure marks that lead to friction noises. In this case, check the installation brackets and fit, and adjust slightly if necessary.
If possible, check the dresser again to ensure it is level, as a slight tilt can affect the load on the drawers.
Good luck with the repair!
1. Check the dresser for damage or deformation—especially at the points where the drawer slides are screwed in.
2. Tighten the screws with a screwdriver—loose screws can create play and cause squeaking.
3. Fully pull out the drawer and inspect the metal slides for dirt or rust.
4. Carefully observe the ball bearings for roughness or broken balls.
5. If the ball bearings are still fine, apply silicone spray to the slide rails and ball bearings, but not too much to avoid creating sticky lubricant layers.
6. Move the drawer back and forth multiple times under pressure to distribute the lubricant evenly.
Important: A misaligned part can cause permanent pressure marks that lead to friction noises. In this case, check the installation brackets and fit, and adjust slightly if necessary.
If possible, check the dresser again to ensure it is level, as a slight tilt can affect the load on the drawers.
Good luck with the repair!
Guyju schrieb:
A part installed at an angle can create permanent pressure marks, which cause rubbing noises. That's absolutely true! I once had the exact same problem, tightened the screws, and then slightly repositioned the dresser – since then, no more noise! 🙂
Hello again, just to add: If the squeaking only occurs under pressure, it might be caused by the type of wood or the surface where the drawer rests.
In some cases, a small gap forms that closes when pressure is applied, creating the sound of rubbing wood.
One solution could be to attach small felt pads to the contact surfaces to reduce friction.
Please make sure that the drawer can still be opened and closed easily after this.
In some cases, a small gap forms that closes when pressure is applied, creating the sound of rubbing wood.
One solution could be to attach small felt pads to the contact surfaces to reduce friction.
Please make sure that the drawer can still be opened and closed easily after this.
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