Last Updated on May 30, 2024
When your commercial door has started to slam or close too quickly, a quick inspection that reveals the door closer is leaking oil immediately tells you that the closer needs to be replaced.
It is important to replace failed door control devices as quickly as possible so that you can remain in code compliance and be relieved of financial responsibility (liability).
If a Door Closer is Leaking Oil It Has Failed
Before making any door closer adjustments, it’s a good idea to inspect the hydraulic closer for other problems that may either be the root issue or may indicate that servicing is not going to be enough to correct the speed of the door closing.
You Cannot Fix a Closer Leaking Oil
If you see oil, there’s no need to go further. A leaking closer will always need to be replaced. It’s shot. Go no further, replace it.
A closer leaking fluid means only one thing: it’s time to replace the door closer. This is a sign that the oil reservoir is leaking. That will impact the ability of the closer to maintain pressure and perform within code compliance.
Why is the oil so important? See our Article: How do Door Closers Work?
Attempts to repair a door closer by replacing its oil is futile at best. You may resolve the problem for a short time, but it will come back again, which can be dangerous and your company will be liable. It’s also labor intensive, so in the end, it’s simply cheaper to replace it.
Sometimes you can easily see the oil (as in the photo) but for dark doors, it will be hard to spot a stain.
If you are in Phoenix, we will provide a free door closer replacement estimate in Phoenix.
Inspecting for Oil Residue
If there are no visible signs of oil on the exterior, inspect the interior for signs of leakage.
Surface-mounted closers (like the one pictured above) have a plastic or metal cover that is held in place by tension or just a couple of side screws. If you don’t see any screws try to gently pull it off so the closer itself can be inspected.
Concealed closers are harder to expose but you’ll need a good look at the closer to check for signs of damage. Concealed closers can be a little daunting, and you’ll want to hire a professional, commercial locksmith.
Other Signs for Door Closer Replacement
If you didn’t see any oil or other obvious issues needing repair, the next step is to adjust your door closer to see if that solves your door issue.
If, after a couple of attempts to control the closing speed or latch speed, the door still doesn’t work properly or it won’t work consistently, then there may be other issues with the closer that cannot be addressed with adjustments.
For example, you may find that your adjustment works for a few days but then the door reverts to whatever the original issue was. Or you cannot adjust the valves of the closer enough to resolve the issue fully.
Typically, it will need to be replaced, and while a repair MAY be possible, it would be labor intensive, making replacement a more economical fix. When in doubt, you can always have a good local locksmith come out and help you make these determinations.
Door Closer Items That May Be Repaired
Mechanical Components
When the door closer is not working properly, check for loose screws or bolts on the arm of the door closer or broken components within the arm assembly itself.
With loose screws and arm assemblies you normally won’t need to replace the door closer. Parts are typically available for replacement so long as that style of door closer is still available.
Can You DIY Replace a Door Closer?
You can likely replace a leaking surface-mount closer if you order the same model ensuring the existing holes line up with the new unit. You can find many door closers on Amazon for good prices. If you are not able to find an exact replacement, it is not a DIY job due to the company liability and exposure when not installed correctly.
As an Amazon affiliate we may earn a small commission if links in this article are used to purchase products.
More of Our Favorite Security Products
See our Amazon Store for Videos and Links to All of Our Favorite Security Products.
Door Armor: Reinforce your doors. This video on YouTube shows the installation of Door Armor, and you can buy this or similar products from Amazon at a great price.
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High-Security Safes: When you want a safe that is designed to protect the valuables you put inside, you want a high-security safe found on ACME Locksmith’s Safes for Sale website.
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