Replacement wheel cartridges for a sliding glass patio door

Home Owner from Rochester Hills, MI
I'm wondering if you can help me identify the correct replacement cartridges from these pictures. I didn't pull the cartridge all the way out, because I'm concerned about getting it back in and while the door is hard to move, it's still currently usable. If these aren't sufficient, I'll pull the cartridge out and send more photos. Thanks in advance!

Regards, Steve
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8 Replies
Tom
Tom from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert

Hello, Steve. I'm afraid it's not possible to identify a roller while it's still installed like this. Full removal is necessary for identification.

While it's removed, please make sure to show me a clear picture of the side, top, and back end. I also suggest getting detailed measurements and writing them down, as you'll need them for the sake of comparison. Housing width and height are paramount, as is wheel diameter.

Home Owner from Rochester Hills, MI
Attached are some additional photos of the wheel cartridge removed, with measurements for reference.
5 user uploaded images
Home Owner from Rochester Hills, MI
More photos, including the opening.
5 user uploaded images
Home Owner from Rochester Hills, MI
One last photo of the depth of the opening.
1 user uploaded image
Tom
Tom from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert

Thank you. It's tough to make out your precise dimensions from just a ruler held up to the part, but my two main recommendations are the 81-030 and 81-138.

Between the two I think the 81-030 looks closest, but the issue is that your wheels appear to be less than 1" in diameter. Can you verify that size? The 81-030 wheels are fairly large at 1-1/4". 

The 81-138 wheels are much smaller at 1-1/8", but the housing height is only 1". Yours looks larger than that, but again it's difficult to tell. I definitely recommend reviewing our dimensions carefully to verify the better option.

Alternate image for 81-030
Alternate image for 81-030

Alternate image for 81-138
Alternate image for 81-138

Home Owner from Rochester Hills, MI
I can't accurately measure the wheel unless I pry it out (which would destroy the cartridge), but based on the measurement from the exterior to the center of the axle (about 7/16"), the wheels look like they're slightly less than 1" in diameter. It's probably better if I go with the smaller wheel size, because there's really no extra clearance when prying the door out.

With the well where the cartridge is installed being exactly 1 1/8" from interior to the exterior, it's probably best if I err on the side of caution and get the smaller cartridge.

Thank you for your help!
Tom
Tom from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert

In my experience, you need the housing to be the exact same size as the original. The housing size matching is much, much more important than the wheel size matching. When it comes to the wheel, you can always adjust it higher or lower to make up for a difference in size, but if the housing isn't identical then it won't fit in the door properly and the whole thing is rendered useless. Make sure to triple check your housing height and width before you buy anything.

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