ᐅ What can help reduce noise and squeaking in Ikea Besta drawers?

Created on: 26 Aug 2023 16:07
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Kate64
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Kate64
26 Aug 2023 16:07
Hello everyone,

I have been experiencing a problem with my Ikea Besta shelving system for some time now: the drawers are very loud and sometimes squeak when I open or close them. The noise is especially noticeable around the runners or drawer slides. As far as I can tell, this is a Besta system with metal runners and plastic rollers. I have already tried cleaning the runners and applying some silicone spray, but I wasn’t able to eliminate the squeaking permanently.

My question to you is: what measures or tips reliably help reduce the loud and squeaky noise in Ikea Besta drawers? Are there specific maintenance products that are useful, or should mechanical adjustments be made? I’m also interested in any experiences with replacing certain components.

I look forward to your answers and thank you in advance!
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kautra
26 Aug 2023 18:13
If I were you, I would clean the running rails, remove dust and dirt, and then use a dry silicone spray. Oil-based lubricants are not good for plastic rollers and often make the squeaking worse.
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Dilen
27 Aug 2023 09:36
Hello Kate64,

I can recommend a more comprehensive approach, as there can be several causes for squeaking in Besta drawers. First, it would be helpful to completely remove the sliding rails to inspect each component closely.

1. Cleaning: Use a lint-free cloth and, if necessary, some isopropanol to remove any deposits and old lubricants from the metal rails and rollers.
2. Inspect the sliding rails: Check for any deformations or damage to the metal parts that could affect the running direction.
3. Check the rollers: Plastic rollers can become brittle or break, which not only causes noise but also disrupts smooth movement.
4. Lubrication: Avoid oil-based products. A dry silicone spray or special PTFE sprays are technically preferred because they don’t stick or attract dirt.
5. Adjustment: Sometimes the squeaking is due to the drawer not sitting precisely in the track. Check if everything runs straight when inserting the drawer.

One final recommendation: if the rollers are worn, replacing these components often provides the best solution, as mechanically smooth movement reduces noise most effectively.

I would also be interested to know how old the Besta system is and whether the problem might be related to wear or possibly moisture? This could help refine the assessment.
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fredle
27 Aug 2023 12:49
Dilen schrieb:
Avoid oil-based products. A dry silicone spray or specialized PTFE sprays are technically best, as they do not cause sticking and do not attract dirt.

That is absolutely correct. I recommend the following procedure as a simple guideline:

- Fully remove the drawer
- Clean the runners with a soft cloth and isopropanol
- Inspect the plastic rollers for dents or cracks; replace if necessary
- Then lightly spray the runners with a PTFE spray—don’t overdo it!
- Carefully reinstall the drawer and open and close it slowly several times
- For worn rollers, use IKEA replacement parts, which are relatively inexpensive

Common mistakes include applying too much lubricant or using the wrong products, which can lead to contamination. Also, misalignment of the runners during reassembly can cause noise. Therefore, pay close attention to proper alignment when reinstalling.

In summary, squeaking noises are reduced by clean mechanics, correct maintenance, and, if necessary, replacing worn parts.
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todunar
28 Aug 2023 08:22
Hello everyone! Wow, this topic really hits home for me—I had the squeaking with my Besta as well, incredibly annoying! 😊

What helped me:

- Thorough cleaning is essential. I removed the tracks and cleaned the grooves of the drawer slides using an old toothbrush. Then I used cotton swabs and isopropyl alcohol to get everything really clean.
- After that, I sprayed dry silicone lubricant to ensure all moving parts run smoothly.
- Important: Be patient! The drawers only worked perfectly after opening and closing them a few times.
- For those feeling brave: My plastic rollers were no longer perfectly round, so I simply replaced them with suitable rollers from IKEA—this made everything even quieter.

So, it’s definitely worth sticking with it; the drawers can be made really quiet! Good luck and don’t give up! ✌️