ᐅ Why does my Pax wardrobe squeak when I open it?

Hello everyone,

I recently reassembled my Pax wardrobe and noticed that the door squeaks quite loudly and annoyingly when opening and closing. Since the wardrobe itself seems fine otherwise, I’m wondering why the squeaking occurs. I’ve already checked if the hinges are loose or if there is any dirt inside, but I couldn’t find anything unusual.

My question is: Why does my Pax wardrobe squeak when opening? Could it be due to the assembly, lack of lubrication, or perhaps a material issue with Ikea’s wardrobe systems?

Do you have any experience with this and possibly some tips on how to eliminate the squeaking permanently?

Thanks in advance!

Leken7 schrieb:
Why does my Pax wardrobe squeak when opening? Could it be due to assembly, lack of lubrication, or is it possibly a material issue with Ikea wardrobe systems?

Hello,

The most common cause of squeaking in Pax wardrobes is actually the hinges operating without sufficient lubrication.

Here is a brief guide to fixing it:

- First, check if the hinges are fully tightened. Loose screws can cause additional friction.
- Remove any dust or small foreign objects from the hinge areas.
- Lubricate the hinges with a suitable silicone spray or sewing machine oil. WD-40 is not ideal as it can attract dust.
- Open and close the door several times afterwards to allow the lubricant to distribute well.

If the squeaking persists, it may be due to low-quality hinges. In that case, replacing them can help.

Summary: Squeaking usually results from friction caused by poorly lubricated or loose hinges. The assembly itself is rarely the cause, unless the screws are not properly secured.

Good luck!

giabau schrieb:
Lubricate the hinges with a suitable silicone spray or sewing machine oil.

Exactly, lubricate first, then test. Such minor noises usually settle down afterward.

giabau schrieb:
The installation itself is rarely the cause, unless the screws are not properly seated.

I would suggest a more nuanced view here. Of course, hinges and lubrication are common causes, but inaccurate installation can also create mechanical stresses that lead to unusual noises. If the cabinet carcass is slightly warped or the doors are not mounted perfectly parallel, additional friction can occur at contact points.

Furthermore, the cabinet carcass itself can twist slightly, especially if the furniture is placed on uneven floors. This could explain why the noise only appears after installation and cannot be resolved by lubrication alone.

It is therefore recommended to check the level with a spirit level and to verify the precise fit of the doors again.

Does anyone have experience with installation-related causes like these?

lise56 schrieb:
It is therefore recommended to check the level with a spirit level and to recheck the fit of the doors.

This is a very important tip.

From a technical perspective, the causes of squeaking can be summarized as follows:

- Friction on hinges or rollers, often due to insufficient lubrication
- Mechanical stress from misaligned doors or warped cabinet
- Foreign objects or dust in moving parts
- Material fatigue or low-quality plastic/metal components

Tip: The adjustable hinges on the Pax wardrobe allow for fine-tuning the door position. Lubricant should only be applied to the moving parts, not the entire hinge surface.

Conclusion: Check, adjust, and then lubricate – this should be the proper order of steps.