Replacing Window and Sliding Door Wheels During Aluminium Respraying

The Behind-the-Scenes Fix That Transforms More Than Just the Look

“We are not here to sell you anything. But we are here to solve the problem of what to do with those ugly windows that don’t match anything anymore!”

When people think of aluminium window painting, they picture the finished frames — fresh colour, smooth sheen, and a modern transformation that lifts the whole home. But what most homeowners don’t realise is that some of the biggest improvements happen where you can’t see — and more importantly, where you feel.

This post dives into a job where we not only prepped and sprayed aluminium windows and sliding doors, but also replaced the old, worn-out wheels in each frame while they were removed. The result? Not just a cosmetic upgrade — but an immediate improvement in how smoothly those windows and doors slide, open, and lock.

It’s the kind of thing most painters don’t touch. But RepaintPro isn’t like most painters. We’ve built our process around doing the job properly, including small upgrades that make a huge difference in day-to-day living.

Why Do the Wheels Matter?

Aluminium windows and doors run on a system of rollers or wheels that sit underneath the sliding sections. Over time, these components wear out due to:

Constant use over decades Dirt and debris buildup in the tracks Exposure to water and salt (especially near the coast) Plastic fatigue from UV and age Rusting of bearings or axles

The result? Frames that grind, catch, or get stuck halfway, making it hard to fully open or close your windows and doors. It becomes one of those minor annoyances you put up with — until the day they jam entirely or fall off the tracks.

While we’re in the process of removing the frames for spraying, it’s the perfect opportunity to inspect and, if needed, replace the wheel systems entirely.

We Don’t Guess — We Check Every Frame

Before we spray any aluminium window or sliding door, we fully remove the panel to clean, prep, and mask the surrounding structure. While that frame is out, we take the time to:

✅ Inspect the existing wheels

✅ Spin-test them for noise or drag

✅ Check for flat spots, seized bearings, or corrosion

✅ Confirm whether they are adjustable, fixed, or offset systems

If we find damage or deterioration, we replace the wheels on the spot using a like-for-like match. This isn’t just a maintenance step — it’s a service that dramatically improves how your home feels to live in.

What the Video Shows

The video for this job captures our team mid-process — wheels removed from old window frames, fresh replacements going in, and test slides to confirm the perfect fit.

You’ll see:

Frames being laid flat and the wheel assemblies accessed Removal of rusted, clogged, or broken wheel systems Fitting of new rollers Frames being returned to the tracks for test operation Full respray prep continuing from there

This all happens while your windows are already out for spraying — which means no extra inconvenience for the homeowner, and no extra mess.

Why Other Painters Don’t Do This

A lot of painters — even those offering “respraying” — avoid touching the window mechanisms at all. They’ll mask around what they can, spray in place, and avoid dismantling anything. Why?

Because it takes time.

Because it requires knowledge of hardware systems.

And because once a painter is in and out in 1–2 days, they’re not the ones dealing with a sticky door or window that won’t shut properly.

But we take a different approach.

We’re not just here to change the colour — we’re here to restore function, confidence, and comfort in your home.

“My Doors Haven’t Slid This Smoothly in 20 Years!”

That’s the kind of feedback we get regularly after replacing old roller systems. One client couldn’t believe it:

“I was expecting the colour to be the big wow factor, and it is — but what I really love is that I can now open every window and door with one finger.”

Old, seized, or cracked wheels can feel like you’re dragging concrete. Replacing them feels like your house has had a hardware upgrade — without having to rip anything out.

What Type of Wheels Do Aluminium Frames Use?

Over the years, aluminium window and door manufacturers have used many types of wheel assemblies:

Nylon rollers (common, but wear quickly) Metal or steel rollers (durable but can rust) Ball-bearing assemblies (smooth and quiet, but prone to seizing if not cleaned) Double-wheel systems (used on larger sliding doors for weight distribution) Offset or adjustable rollers (to fine-tune the height and operation)

Each requires a different approach when it comes to removal, replacement, and correct seating back on the track.

Because our team has worked on every style of window and door out there, we know what to look for and how to source the correct hardware — fast.

How We Replace the Wheels — Step by Step

Here’s what goes into every roller replacement:

1. Remove the Panel

We carefully lift out the sliding window or door after masking and prep. We avoid twisting the frame and protect nearby glass during handling.

2. Identify the Existing Roller Type

We check the wheel style, mounting system, and any brand markings. Many are standard, but older homes can surprise us with discontinued or obscure fittings.

3. Remove the Old Assembly

Using the correct tools (not brute force), we extract the damaged or worn rollers and clean the track cavity.

4. Fit New Rollers

We insert the new wheel assemblies and make sure they align and seat correctly, sometimes requiring slight track or screw adjustments.

5. Test on the Track

We place the panel back into position and roll it open and closed multiple times to ensure the glide is smooth, silent, and aligned.

6. Lock Check

We verify that the locking mechanism still aligns properly — sometimes the height changes slightly with new wheels.

Then, we continue the painting process as normal — sanding, cleaning, priming, and spraying, knowing the panel is now 100% functional and smooth.

A Huge Benefit That’s Built Into Our Process

Most homeowners don’t expect this kind of attention to detail. But we’ve made it a standard part of our workflow because it:

Makes a noticeable difference in functionality Extends the life of the frame Avoids costly repairs down the track Adds real value to your home’s liveability Helps maintain air sealing and lock alignment

And because we already have the frame out — there’s no extra labour or call-out fee. We just do it properly the first time.

Common Questions About Window and Door Rollers

“Can you fix the wheels without repainting the window?”

Yes, we can — but it’s much more efficient when the window is already out for spraying. Doing it as a standalone job adds labour and often requires extra access and reinstallation.

“How do I know if my wheels need replacing?”

If your sliding door or window:

Scrapes along the track Won’t move without a shove Makes grinding or clicking noises Doesn’t shut flush or align with the lock — chances are the rollers are shot.

We’ll always let you know if we find wear during removal.

“Can you get the parts for older windows?”

Yes — we carry a wide range of replacement wheels and can source or adapt most styles, even for discontinued systems.

Bringing Old Homes Back to Life — Inside and Out

It’s one thing to paint your aluminium frames and give the home a visual lift. But replacing wheels during the process completes the transformation:

Your house looks new Your windows feel new Your doors close like they should Your locks engage perfectly And you get years more life from your existing frames

If you’re investing in the look of your home, why not restore the feel at the same time?

Locations We Service

While this particular job was filmed during one of our Gold Coast projects, we’ve completed roller replacements and window spraying across:

Mudgeeraba Reedy Creek Robina Varsity Lakes Bonogin Ashmore Maudsland Burleigh Waters Pacific Pines Hope Island Coomera Elanora Mermaid Waters And everywhere in between

Wherever you are, if your windows or sliding doors look dated — or just don’t function like they used to — we can help.

Not Just a Paint Job — A Whole-Home Upgrade

RepaintPro is the only aluminium window respraying team on the Gold Coast that builds this kind of care and attention into every job:

✅ Sanding every frame

✅ Cleaning with wax and grease remover

✅ Professional priming with dedicated adhesion products

✅ HVLP spraying — not brush or roller

✅ Tight masking and sharp lines

✅ Removal of flyscreens and hardware

✅ Wheel inspection and replacement if needed

✅ Optional re-meshing of flyscreens

✅ Colour updates that match today’s trends

It’s not a paint job. It’s a process.

A Warranty That’s Backed by Our Licensing Authority

We’re fully licensed by the QBCC (Queensland Building and Construction Commission), and our workmanship warranty is backed by them for 6 years. That means if anything goes wrong with the application, you’re covered — not just by us, but by the licensing body that oversees every professional builder and painter in Queensland.

You’re not just getting a new colour. You’re getting peace of mind.

Ready to Feel the Difference?

If you’re planning to repaint your aluminium window frames, let’s talk about getting the entire job done right — from surface prep to finish coats to smooth-sliding tracks that work like new.

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Just send us a photo of your windows or doors, your location, and whether you want to include flyscreens. We’ll reply with an exact price — materials, GST, and options included. No itemised extras, no gimmicks.

“We are not here to sell you anything. But we are here to solve the problem of what to do with those ugly windows that don’t match anything anymore!”

And sometimes, while we’re at it, we’ll fix the annoying grind in your sliding door too.