How to Repair Bifold Doors That Are Too Loose

Bifold doors are generally installed for use as closet doors or utility doors. They slide along tracks in both upper and lower rails, usually with attached roller wheels but sometimes with nylon-covered pegs. There are several places along the trackway or the mounts where they can become loose. You will have to troubleshoot the bifold doors to determine exactly where the looseness is occurring, and once that is determined, they can be repaired.


Determine where the bifold door is loose. Open the doors. If the top end wobbles back and forth, the upper pivot bracket is loose. If the bottom end wobbles, the lower pivot bracket is loose. If the entire center on the bottom or the top flexes, the track is loose.


Tighten the track mounting screws if either the upper or lower track flexes, using a drill with a screwdriver bit. If one of the screws is stripped, replace it with a wood screw that is 1/2-inch longer than the stripped one.


Tighten the upper pivot bracket if the top end(s) are loose. Find the screw that holds the pivot bracket in place. Ensure the gap at the end of the door is approximately the same at the top and bottom. On some bifold doors, you may have to remove the door to get to the pivot bracket screw. To do this, pull the spring-loaded, upper pivot pin downward to release the top of the door. Pull the top of the door outward and away from the track. Lift the bottom of the door out of the lower pivot hole.


Tighten the lower pivot bracket if the bottom of the door wobbles. There are two adjustment points on the bottom bracket. Firmly tighten the mounting screw that holds the bracket to either the floor or the wall. If the screw is stripped, insert a 1/2-inch longer screw in its place. Tighten it firmly, using a drill and screwdriver bit. Align the door so that the lower gap at the end between the door and wall is the approximate same as the upper gap. Tighten the lower, pivot bracket door adjusting screw until it is firm.

Things You Will Need

  • Drill and screwdriver bit
  • Wood screws
  • Screwdriver
  • Pilot hole drill bit


  • If the lower track is mounted on a concrete floor and the concrete screws are stripped, in the stripped holes, drill out new, larger-diameter holes, using a hammer drill and masonry bit. Insert and tighten the new concrete screws, using a drill and the correct screwdriver bit.


  • Wear safety glasses when using a powered drill.

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