The market is full of different door closers which come in various make and models. As far as their composition is concerned, these swinging arms are attached to a long shaft on two points. To make sure they function correctly, you have to open them by pulling the door back which ultimately creates a vacuum which pulls the main connector arm in and once you leave the door it goes back into the prone position.
In case one of these hydraulic door closer stops working, you become unable to access these doors right? But, here’s the good part, you can easily repair them by following a few simple maintenance steps.
Taking precautions beforehand, you won’t have to worry about the non-working door closer.
Step # 1: Check If the Hydraulic Arm is Working
One of the first things that can malfunction in a door closer is the hydraulic controlling arm. A door closer can suddenly stop working, if the control arm gets bent. It usually happens when the top mounted unit or the bar on the inside becomes rusty. As a result, you may experience vacuum not forming any longer.
The first thing you need to do is check whether the arm is moving freely or not. If the arm is working fine, the next step is to check the air pressure screw. In case, the arm is frozen or becomes unmovable, it’s because the arm’s pressure screw is too tight or has become stiff. You can easily fix that by lubricating the arm or removing any sort of obstruction which is coming in the hydraulic arm’s way.
Another thing which you need to check is whether the arm is snagged on something? It can be anything from a screw sticking out or some other foreign solid object creating an impairment in the movement.
Remove the obstruction.
Step # 2: Check the Air Pressure in the Release Valve
If you check a hydraulic door closer unit, you will find that there’s a tiny screw located in the back. The screw has a single purpose, which is to release the trap air pressure and manage the incoming amount of air pressure. You can try adjusting this functionality of the door in case the door starts acting up. In case, if that doesn’t work, then the only condition is that the door’s hydraulic arm has sized up and needs replacement.
Check if the inner arm has formed any rust. Rusty arms are one of the leading causes why the arm is unable to move in or out. So if the arm stops working, then you can use a rust remover to clean the unwanted rust from the arm. Apply proper lubrication to the outside element. It will stop this seizing up. The best way to do it is by dismounting the working joint and applying lubrication so it starts moving.
Step # 3: Check If There Are Any Snags or Hitches
Last but not the least, have a thorough analysis of the hydraulic door closer and make sure there’s nothing obstructing lying in the movement path of the door closer. If there exists any kind of interference, the closer unit can completely fail bringing the hydraulic arm to a sudden halt. Hydraulic arms are driven on air pressure and respond to a gravity pull. Once you remove the unit, you can test it off the door to ensure all the parts are in the best moving order. Make sure to add necessary lubrications, so it stays clear of rust. The inside damage caused is more likely a reason for rust build up.
If both the practices you implement do not work, then there’s a strong chance that the problem is more extensive and lies within the chamber. It may require a professional door repair service to fix it.
Door closers can easily be fixed. You can do it yourself by applying lubricants and removing obstructions. But just in case, if nothing works, then the only option you’re left with is to replace it in good faith.
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