The track that this door slides on is worn out beyond repair. I need to replace it and I would like to know if it is possible (from your experience) to totally replace the rollers and the track.
I have looked online for such kits but they don't seem to be available. i can't see how I can replace the track only as it is impossible to find one online so I am thinking about buying the whole thing (rollers and track). My questions to you: are these pretty much standard ? Is this type of replacement possible, do you foresee any issues?
Replacing the track and the rollers for a sliding glass door (kitchen to patio)
sliding-glass-door
Related Solutions
I'm guessing, but here's my suspicion based on the pics posted. I may delete this answer after you post an updated close up pic.
Where your red arrow points - the white and black strip - I suspect that's the stop strip. It goes all the way around the window panel and appears to lock it in place. I suspect there's one on the outside as well.
To remove the glass, you're probably going to need to carefully remove this strip from the outside of the door frame. Then the window pane itself should lift up and out from the bottom.
To re-secure your new pet door will include re-installing the stop strip.
We had this issue on the kitchen sliding glass door at work. A hand truck had been run fully loaded over the threshold several times in its life and the Channel Lock treatment given to attempt putting the track back in line.
Our local glass shop repaired it without removing the frame as the door was a custom piece with no readily available replacement and would have been prohibitively expensive to do so.
Basically, you take a rivet buster chisel and die grinder and remove the track. You then use a die grinder burr to smooth the surface. There are replacement tracks (has to match the old one) that will now lay in the slot. Finish out by fixing in place with self tapping screws, replace the rollers on the screen door and adjust the rollers to proper height.
It now rolls just like new.
Ok, here's one manufacturer (no affiliation with any). Prime-Line Products has a cap strip like Mike was considering and they also have an actual track replacement extrusion which is what I have experience with. You'll find both repair products listed under Exterior Door Hardware for Residential Sliding Patio Doors. They also carry rollers and assemblies.
Another manufacturer that makes both cap strips and track extrusions is Swisco
Best Answer
The only thing "standard" about sliding doors is that they have rollers and tracks. Beyond that there is no such thing as standard. If you start to look around for replacement rollers themselves you will find out that there are literally dozens of sizes and styles. Check out this web site to see what I mean. They show 114 types that they have available!!
So to replace rollers alone entails having the part you are replacing in hand and very carefully compare it to the size description and pictures at the place you hope to find the replacements.
As far as track replacement, if your track is not too far gone, sometimes it is possible to purchase a clip on stainless steel strip that fits over the worn track and provides a new true edge for the rollers to run on. Not all tracks are compatible with these strips though and that leaves you with a huge decision of whether you just replace the whole door assembly. That is likely the only real choice because for as many styles of rollers that exist there an equal number of models of aluminum extrusions that the door manufacturers have used for the track and lower threshold of the door.
There is the additional factor regarding the replacement itself. If you look closely at most sliding door track pieces you will note that they are assembled to the side parts of the door frame using screws up from the bottom side. In the case that you did somehow get lucky and found the exact replacement track piece you would have to completely remove the door frame unit from the rough opening to be able to install the new piece. At that point you are half way toward what it would take to install a new door assembly.
If your house is old there may be some good arguments to install a new door. There have been many advances in these doors over the years including more energy efficient glass pane stacks and vinyl frames.