Window Track Repair: 3 Ways to (Actually) Fix Your Broken Window Track
Prevent yourself from “going off the rails” by following our DIY guide
A broken window track is most likely what you’re dealing with when a window that glides along a set groove stops working. This could be because of a dirt buildup, failing mechanical parts, or even a bent track. Keep reading to explore a few easy steps to effective window track repair, mostly for horizontal sliding windows, that’ll have you back on track in no time.
Why Do I Have to Fix a Broken Window Track?
There are a number of reasons you need to fix a broken window track. Despite the intense frustration that arises when you can’t quite open your window, that is not the main reason. Over time, a warped track or broken window wheels will lead to the degradation of the housing that the window sits in.
If you go too long without embarking on a little window track repair journey, you may find yourself measuring the space for replacement windows much earlier than you’d like. This is much more expensive than greasing a stuck wheel or straightening a track, so make sure to stay on top of any window track issues as soon as you see them.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix?
Like many home repairs, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. For example, if you only need to hammer a track back into alignment, that could cost theoretically nothing if you already own the tools. A spritz of lubricant on a squeaky wheel is a low-cost solution, as well.
If you need to replace a wheel, that shouldn’t cost too much either—between $1 to $30, depending on your window. The good news is that the most common windows have inexpensive wheel housing kits at around $5.
It becomes a different issue entirely if the frame itself is broken. Those repairs or replacements can cost between $175 and $1,000 to repair. The problem could also be a stuck latch or even a loose screw. Pieces like a screw are very inexpensive, but latches and other more complicated hardware can end up costing anywhere from $75 to $200. Although it’s less than an entire window replacement might cost, you can usually avoid having to pay for hardware issues with proper maintenance and quick repairs.
3 Steps to Quick Window Track Repair
The good news is, if you can catch and diagnose the issue early enough, most fixes are quite simple. We’re not talking about replacing an HVAC system here. Most window track issues can be fixed with a straightforward cleaning or by replacing a stuck or bent part.
Thoroughly Clean the Window and Track
Obvious, maybe, but this always needs to be the first step. Even if you see a broken wheel or notice there’s a pencil stuck in the track (it happens), give it a thorough cleaning before attempting any repairs.
This serves two purposes: making sure your fix has the best chance of success and potentially finding a new, separate issue while cleaning. These little discoveries could save you hundreds of dollars down the line if you address them immediately, making your windows last longer than you may have initially thought possible.
Fix Any Broken Pieces
There are not that many pieces that can break on a window track. Below you will see the fix for each individual piece.
Check for Track Bending or Cracking
If the window track is cracked or warped beyond fixing, you will need to replace it. If the track has been bent for any reason, you can line a piece of wood against it and lightly tap it with a rubber mallet, book, hammer, or other item until it is bent back into place. Replacing a track itself is different for every window, but it involves removing the old track and installing a new one. Important: Make sure any replacement you may get is the same brand and model.
Repair a Broken or Loose Assembly or Wheels
The second most likely issue will be the wheels that sit on the bottom of the window. These wheels are usually made of thin plastic and break easily. If you notice any issue beyond dust and grime buildup, it’s better to replace the entire assembly. It will only be a few dollars more, and it can be a much faster and more effective fix than breaking the broken pieces down and attempting to remedy the issue.
Fix Broken Hardware
This includes window clips, latches, locks, and anything else that won’t move when you push the window. The fix is the same as above; give it a few minutes and see if a jiggle and some lubricant won’t solve the issue. If it isn’t clear or fixed after that, it’s usually both cost-effective and time-efficient to just replace the broken piece.
Check the Window Balance
If, after performing the above checks, the window still won’t move (or won’t move easily), you may need to check on the part of the window that allows it to open and close smoothly. This is called a window balance, and your window won't stay up or operate properly if the balance is broken. Luckily, fixing a window that won't stay up isn't too complex.
Lubricate the Track and All Hardware
At this point, you have thoroughly cleaned the window track and fixed any pieces of hardware that may have broken. Don’t consider the job finished until you have lubricated the track itself, as well as any moving parts.
WD-40 is a product you will find in most homes, and although it’s a workable option, you can’t use just any WD-40 variant. Consider an item from WD-40’s Specialist Range—white lithium grease.
It’s slightly more expensive than the regular WD-40, but it won’t run and is both water- and heat-resistant. Plus, it’s better suited for long-term applications, as it’s less messy than the regular grease. Because it doesn’t run, the white lithium grease won’t collect as much dirt or dust, so over time, there will be less “gunking up” than you would get with standard WD-40.
How to Prevent Your Window Track From Breaking
The best way to prevent your window track from breaking is to treat the window track like the glass it surrounds. That means treating it will care and with the assumption that it could break with less force than you think. Prevent disturbing your window track by following the tips below:
Perform regular checks. You may notice something in passing that you can fix in ten seconds, potentially saving you ten hours of work down the road (and a good chunk of money).
Inspect the tracks to make sure there is no bending or warping.
If you feel any sticking of the wheels, give them a clean and grease. If that doesn’t fix the issue, replace the wheel assembly.
Regularly wipe the track so there is no debris or excessive dust that could get caught in the wheels.
Avoid placing heavy objects on the window stool (often confused with the windowsill) that, over time, could bend the track or pull the frame out of alignment.
Address any condensation or excessive moisture issues when they arise. If the problem looks too involved, it’s probably best to call a local window contractor.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
If you’re a handy DIYer, you might be inclined to fix these problems yourself. For many of you, that’s great! Learning how to fix issues like a broken window track will help prepare you for more complicated projects down the line, and depending on the time the fix takes, it could result in substantial cost savings, as well.
That being said, with every home repair project, there is always a time to consider hiring a pro. Yes, labor alone averages $30 to $90 an hour, but if you’re dealing with something like moisture leaking into your wall, it really is the most cost-effective solution.
Fixing sticky windows is usually not a big deal, requiring only a little elbow grease. However, complications can quickly become worrisome if there is any water damage to the surrounding framing. Like most DIY projects, if you feel like you may be in over your head, it’s better to call a pro.
Frequently Asked Questions
A window track is the groove that the window slides in. Tracks can be horizontal or vertical and need to be kept clean and greased in order for your window to function as it should. It’s a difficult area to clean well, but it’s important that you do so to ensure debris doesn’t get lodged in other, more cumbersome sections of the window.
Fixing a window track can either be very inexpensive—around $1 in some cases—or can result in the replacement of the track or the window itself, which can be hundreds of dollars. While not all problems are avoidable, regular cleaning and maintenance of the track will help prevent some of the larger problems from getting worse or happening altogether.
Good news! Window tracks can be replaced and are generally inexpensive. The first step is finding out which window you have by locating the brand or model, sometimes located on the backside of the central window pillar facing you. Make sure to measure both the space and the old track. In fact, bring the old track with you to the store, as employees can be surprisingly excited to help you solve your window track issues.
A window can fall off a track for a large number of reasons. The most common ones usually involve an issue with the track itself or the wheels that glide along it. If the track is bent or broken, the wheels can’t slide. If the wheels are broken or are full of debris, they won’t spin, and you will have to force the window open. The good news is that most window track issues are easy fixes, even for beginner DIYers.
WD-40, much like duct tape, is not truly meant to fix everything. WD-40 is a lubricant, sure, but the famous spray shouldn’t be used directly on the window track because, over time, it will collect dirt and dust, forming a sort of toothpaste that will not only slow down your window sliding but will also damage the wheels over time. Your best bet is to keep the track dry and only lube the wheels if they are sticking (and only after you’ve cleaned them).
Water in a window track is normal due to the natural process of condensation. When there is a significant difference in temperature between the inside and outside of a window, moisture can form on the glass and collect in the track. But what if there’s a significant amount? If it’s after a storm, that’s normal too, and it will bleed away through holes in the bottom of the track. If you notice an excessive amount of water pooling around the window, call in a pro ASAP.