Things You'll Need
Window replacement wheels
Screwdriver
Soft cleaning cloths
Mild cleaning solution
Silicone spray lubricant
Tip
Sliding glass doors and sliding closet doors have similar construction. Replacing the wheels, cleaning and lubrication also helps them work properly. Regular cleaning prevents grit buildup from wearing out your window wheels prematurely.
Warning
Take care when removing and inserting sliding windows. Get help from a partner for large windows.
Debris can accumulate in window tracks and prevent your sliding windows from operating properly. In many cases, cleaning and lubrication will make squeaky windows work quietly and smoothly. If the wheels have worn down, however, you must replace them to get rid of the squeak. Keep you windows working silently and well by cleaning and lubricating them at least once a year.
Step 1
Remove the window from the inside of the house. Push a horizontal sliding window up, and then and pull it out from the bottom.
Step 2
Examine the wheels on the bottom of the window for breakage or deterioration.
Step 3
Remove any damaged wheels by prying them out with the flat head of a screwdriver. If the wheels are secured with screws, remove the screws first.
Step 4
Buy matching replacement wheels from a home supply center or hardware store.
Step 5
Snap or screw in the replacement wheels, and replace the window.
Step 6
Clean the window tracks with a mild cleaning product and a soft cloth. Clean both the top and bottom tracks thoroughly.
Step 7
Dry the tracks using a soft cloth.
Step 8
Spray the entire length of the tracks using a silicone spray lubricant.
- Graham Architectural Products: Homeowner's Window Maintenance & Operation Manual
- Valiant Glass Service: DIY Sliding Window Maintenance
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Benefits of Energy Star Qualified Windows, Doors, and Skylights
- Utah Department of Community and Culture: Windows -- Replace or Repair
Karen Farnen
Karen Farnen has been writing online since 2009. She has taught piano and English as a second language. Farnen has a Bachelor of Arts in French with a music minor from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Science in education and a Master of Arts in French from California State University-Fullerton.