ᐅ Malm drawers tend to squeak especially under load – what can be done?
Created on: 10 Apr 2024 18:37
S
SokofoHello everyone,
I have a problem with my Ikea Malm dressers—the drawers squeak loudly, especially when they are loaded, that is, more so when pulling out a drawer with weight inside. The noise is not only annoying but also feels like the mechanism might get damaged over time.
I suspect that the drawer slides or rollers are catching somewhere or are not properly lubricated. However, I have no idea which lubricant would be suitable or if it would be better to address the issue differently (e.g., cleaning, adjusting alignment, replacing parts).
Has anyone experienced this with Malm drawers and can share tips on how to permanently eliminate the squeaking? I would appreciate advice on exactly which parts to check and how to reliably reduce the noise—especially under load.
Thanks in advance!
I have a problem with my Ikea Malm dressers—the drawers squeak loudly, especially when they are loaded, that is, more so when pulling out a drawer with weight inside. The noise is not only annoying but also feels like the mechanism might get damaged over time.
I suspect that the drawer slides or rollers are catching somewhere or are not properly lubricated. However, I have no idea which lubricant would be suitable or if it would be better to address the issue differently (e.g., cleaning, adjusting alignment, replacing parts).
Has anyone experienced this with Malm drawers and can share tips on how to permanently eliminate the squeaking? I would appreciate advice on exactly which parts to check and how to reliably reduce the noise—especially under load.
Thanks in advance!
Hello Sokofo,
First of all, a clear advantage of your description: you have clearly identified the situation – the squeaking under load usually points to issues with the guide rails or running tracks.
Here is a brief guide that can help you:
1. Remove the drawer: To inspect the rails, take the drawer out completely. For Malm drawers, this can be done by applying a little pressure on the side runners.
2. Clean the guide rails: Dust, fibers, or crumbs often accumulate in the rails, obstructing the rollers. A thorough cleaning with a dry cloth or some compressed air often helps.
3. Lubrication: For lubrication, I recommend silicone spray or graphite powder. Oily lubricants (e.g., WD-40) are not optimal due to attracting dust.
4. Check the rollers: The wheel on the drawer can be visually inspected to see if it is clean and moves freely. Sometimes a slight adjustment or cleaning of the rollers helps.
5. Check the installation: Make sure the rails are installed straight. Even small misalignments can cause squeaking noises under load.
In summary: cleanliness, proper lubrication, and correct installation are your keys to success.
If you want, I can also post instructions on how to remove the Malm drawer.
Good luck with the repair!
First of all, a clear advantage of your description: you have clearly identified the situation – the squeaking under load usually points to issues with the guide rails or running tracks.
Here is a brief guide that can help you:
1. Remove the drawer: To inspect the rails, take the drawer out completely. For Malm drawers, this can be done by applying a little pressure on the side runners.
2. Clean the guide rails: Dust, fibers, or crumbs often accumulate in the rails, obstructing the rollers. A thorough cleaning with a dry cloth or some compressed air often helps.
3. Lubrication: For lubrication, I recommend silicone spray or graphite powder. Oily lubricants (e.g., WD-40) are not optimal due to attracting dust.
4. Check the rollers: The wheel on the drawer can be visually inspected to see if it is clean and moves freely. Sometimes a slight adjustment or cleaning of the rollers helps.
5. Check the installation: Make sure the rails are installed straight. Even small misalignments can cause squeaking noises under load.
In summary: cleanliness, proper lubrication, and correct installation are your keys to success.
If you want, I can also post instructions on how to remove the Malm drawer.
Sokofo schrieb:That’s exactly where most noises come from.
I suspect that the guide rails or rollers are sticking somewhere or not properly lubricated.
Good luck with the repair!
I would like to go into more detail here, as the problem is often more complex than just simple lubrication.
Malm drawers feature a fairly simple, cost-optimized mechanism. The runners are usually made of metal, and the rollers are made of plastic that run along these rails. Under load, the pressure on these contact points increases, which typically leads to squeaking, for example, if the rollers are dirty, worn, or misaligned.
Step-by-step approach:
1. Check drawer details: Remove the drawer and inspect the rollers. Are they brittle, show micro-cracks, or are they stuck? If so, replacement is recommended.
2. Inspect the runners: Look for damage or deformation here as well. Dirt often accumulates in the small grooves and should be cleaned out with a narrow brush or a fine cloth.
3. Lubrication: I specifically recommend graphite powder because it does not cause sticking, does not attract dust, and best reduces friction. Silicone sprays work well but can create greasy layers that attract even more dust.
4. Mounting check: Verify that the runners are properly and firmly attached to the cabinet. Even slight looseness can cause rubbing noises when pulling the drawer.
5. Additional tip: Some users report that applying Teflon tape at the contact points reduces noise.
Questions for you:
- How old is the dresser?
- Has the squeaking been there from the start, or did it develop over time?
- Has the dresser been frequently moved or loaded with heavy items?
The more information you provide, the more precisely the problem can be diagnosed.
Malm drawers feature a fairly simple, cost-optimized mechanism. The runners are usually made of metal, and the rollers are made of plastic that run along these rails. Under load, the pressure on these contact points increases, which typically leads to squeaking, for example, if the rollers are dirty, worn, or misaligned.
Step-by-step approach:
1. Check drawer details: Remove the drawer and inspect the rollers. Are they brittle, show micro-cracks, or are they stuck? If so, replacement is recommended.
2. Inspect the runners: Look for damage or deformation here as well. Dirt often accumulates in the small grooves and should be cleaned out with a narrow brush or a fine cloth.
3. Lubrication: I specifically recommend graphite powder because it does not cause sticking, does not attract dust, and best reduces friction. Silicone sprays work well but can create greasy layers that attract even more dust.
4. Mounting check: Verify that the runners are properly and firmly attached to the cabinet. Even slight looseness can cause rubbing noises when pulling the drawer.
5. Additional tip: Some users report that applying Teflon tape at the contact points reduces noise.
Questions for you:
- How old is the dresser?
- Has the squeaking been there from the start, or did it develop over time?
- Has the dresser been frequently moved or loaded with heavy items?
The more information you provide, the more precisely the problem can be diagnosed.
I had a similar problem with my Malm dressers some time ago, and the squeaking occurred mainly under load, especially when I had many books in the drawer.
As mentioned before, the issue is usually caused by the drawer slides or the rollers themselves. I completely removed my drawers, thoroughly cleaned the slides with a damp cloth, and then treated them with graphite powder – this worked for me permanently.
What I would add: sometimes the squeaking happens if the drawer is crooked inside the cabinet. So check if it catches slightly when you push it up or down. Even small deformations or slight shrinkage due to moisture can quickly cause problems.
That’s true. Instead of Teflon tape, I used small strips of self-adhesive felt pads. They are a bit thicker but can also provide good cushioning – just give it a try.
In summary: clean, use graphite powder, check drawer alignment, and if needed, apply felt pads or Teflon tape as dampers. Then the squeaking should disappear.
As mentioned before, the issue is usually caused by the drawer slides or the rollers themselves. I completely removed my drawers, thoroughly cleaned the slides with a damp cloth, and then treated them with graphite powder – this worked for me permanently.
What I would add: sometimes the squeaking happens if the drawer is crooked inside the cabinet. So check if it catches slightly when you push it up or down. Even small deformations or slight shrinkage due to moisture can quickly cause problems.
Palenar schrieb:
Some users report that applying Teflon tape to the contact points reduces the noise.
That’s true. Instead of Teflon tape, I used small strips of self-adhesive felt pads. They are a bit thicker but can also provide good cushioning – just give it a try.
In summary: clean, use graphite powder, check drawer alignment, and if needed, apply felt pads or Teflon tape as dampers. Then the squeaking should disappear.
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