Repairing Guides

how to repair recliner mechanism

by Edyth Dietrich DVM Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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How to repair the recliner’s mechanism

  • Flip the recliner upside down. The first thing that you need to do when trying to repair your reclining mechanism is to turn your recliner over.
  • Examine the lever/cable. After you have tightened the footrest to the reclining mechanism, the next thing you need to check out is the mechanism itself.
  • Replace with new ones. If the cable or lever appears to be broken down, then it is in your best interest to replace it. ...
  • Test your recliner. After you have all of the parts in the right place, flip your recliner over and test it out. ...

Part of a video titled How to Repair a Recliner Mechanism - YouTube
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You can just pull it out from this side. But if you see that. This just sort of pops. Into thisMoreYou can just pull it out from this side. But if you see that. This just sort of pops. Into this little strict angular hole here and then once it goes far enough it snaps into place.

How to remove and re install a reclining mechanism?

How to Remove a Recliner Chair Mechanism?

  • Move the recliner chair to the open space. ...
  • You should securely attach to the bottom of the frame, you would like to replace them. ...
  • Remove the leather/fabric until you see the recliner mechanism.
  • Now look for the metal tabs. ...
  • Use a flat/standard slotted screwdriver to turn the screws in an anti-clockwise direction.

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How to fix the lever on a recliner?

Steps to Take :

  • To start, make sure you know the manufacturer and model name of your recliner. ...
  • But before, you should make sure that the lever is broken or unusable. ...
  • In this position, look all around the base and inside mechanism of the recliner to see where the lever goes or connects. ...

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How to recover a cushion on a recliner?

Now, it’s time for the official guide on how to reupholster your recliner:

  • Remove the main pieces of the recliner. ...
  • Take off the old material you’re planning on replacing. ...
  • Cut out your new pieces of fabric. ...
  • Iron your material once it’s cut out before you put it on the chair.
  • Use straight pins to keep the fabric in place before you start stitching.

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How to fix Lazy Boy recliner mechanism?

How to repair the recliner’s mechanism

  • Flip the recliner upside down. The first thing that you need to do when trying to repair your reclining mechanism is to turn your recliner over.
  • Examine the lever/cable. After you have tightened the footrest to the reclining mechanism, the next thing you need to check out is the mechanism itself.
  • Replace with new ones. ...
  • Test your recliner. ...

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How do you fix a broken manual recliner?

0:463:41Repair a recliner - Fix Your reclining chair! - Fix your la-z-boy - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYour first step is figuring out what parts you need so you're gonna flip the recliner over to get atMoreYour first step is figuring out what parts you need so you're gonna flip the recliner over to get at the bottom where you can get to the cables.

How do you fix a recliner lever?

1:112:36How to Replace a Recliner Handle - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipInsert the barrel end of the cable into its slot. Then clip the cable neck into the handle and refitMoreInsert the barrel end of the cable into its slot. Then clip the cable neck into the handle and refit the retaining clip. Securely place the handle into the hole in the furniture. And open the latch.

How do you tighten a recliner mechanism?

1:272:56How to Adjust Tilt Back Tension Springs on Your La-Z-Boy ReclinerYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo obviously just like a regular screw lefty loosey righty tighty. It's recommended that you loosenMoreSo obviously just like a regular screw lefty loosey righty tighty. It's recommended that you loosen or tighten the tension springs in half turns. At a time.

How does the mechanism in a recliner chair work?

In a single motor riser recliners chair, the motor controls both the back and the footrest, so that when the back reclines the footrest automatically adjust to an angle of approximately 45 degrees, providing a comfortable position for activities such as reading and watching television.

Can a broken recliner be fixed?

However, fixing a recliner is usually very easy, and takes only a few minutes. Broken or missing fasteners, such as nuts and bolts or screws will need replacing. A broken wooden frame can be patched or even rebuilt.

How much does it cost to repair a recliner?

Recliner Repair Cost Expect to pay $200 to $350 for recliner repairs, like fixing bent reclining mechanisms and replacing broken springs. For padding and upholstery problems, the same standard rates listed for sofas apply also to recliners.

How do you fix a recliner that won't stay up?

Step 1: Get the Chair Into Position. The first thing that you need to do is get the recliner into a position where you can comfortably work on it. ... Step 2: Check the Screws. ... Step 3: Lubricate the Screws. ... Step 4: Adjust the Tension on the Footrest. ... Step 5: Conclusion.

How do you replace the tension spring on a recliner?

1:3310:05Installing Recliner Mechanism Springs - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou start with a piece of solid steel stock. And you attach a metal stem. So that you can grab it.MoreYou start with a piece of solid steel stock. And you attach a metal stem. So that you can grab it. And this t-handle is like a mini or small version of a meat hook if you will.

How do you adjust a recliner footrest tension?

Turn the thumb wheels or wing nuts clockwise to increase the reclining tension. Turn them counterclockwise to decrease the tension. Both wing nuts and thumb wheels should be adjusted in the same way when you're dealing with recliner tension, so the basic instructions should remain the same.

How do you fix a recliner footrest that won't open?

5:539:52How to Fix a Recliner Footrest (3 Easy Solutions for You) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOr a screw may be loose. 3 with your screwdriver remove anything attached to the spring like pieceMoreOr a screw may be loose. 3 with your screwdriver remove anything attached to the spring like piece smaller Springs may also be around the spring remove them as well.

How do you manually recline a chair?

1:022:33Manual Recliner - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what you simply want to do is lean forward use your body weight. To close the mechanism. And it'sMoreSo what you simply want to do is lean forward use your body weight. To close the mechanism. And it's a very easy process to use the mistake that a lot of consumers.

How to fix a recliner mechanism?

Before starting to repair your recliner chair mechanism on your own, you need to understand several essential things. From time to time, the recliner mechanism is worn out. In this situation, there are not many options is left but to replace the whole thing. However, suppose your recliner mechanism looks new and doesn’t show visible damage signs.

Guide on removing recliner mechanism from an armchair

In some cases, you will need to disassemble and reinstall the back of a recliner when transferring it from one room to another to conduct a repair. The list of companies provides unique methods for their models. You can check this out in the user’s manual that came with your armchair or on the official webpage.

Easy way to reinstall a recliner chair mechanism

Reinstalling the recliner’s back is a simple procedure. All you need to do is place the brackets at a slight angle when fitting them together. This back may irritate you at first, but with practice, you’ll learn how to deal with it. Once the alignment is perfect, push the brackets together. That’s all. You can enjoy your comfortable recliner seat.

FAQs about recliners in 2022

This article discussed the process of repairing the recliner mechanism, and I want to answer some frequently asked questions about recliners in this section.

Conclusion

Recliners aren’t only enjoyable furniture; they’re also designed for comfort and relaxation. The repair procedure is straightforward, but people spend hundreds of dollars on fees for a repair person. This article has proven how to solve the most accruing problems without spending a little fortune. Grab the correct tools and get to work.

How to adjust recliner tension?

While the exact placement may vary, each connected to the tension springs, rotate the wing nuts/thumbwheels to adjust the tension. To increase the tension, rotate it in a clockwise direction.

Why is my recliner back broken?

If your recliner leans uncomfortably on one side, the back may be broken. Perhaps the chair is old or just used too roughly. Other causes of a broken back include uneven padding, leaning frame, or uneven floor. With the basic knowledge and a few tools, you can fix the recliner back mechanism in easy way.

How to fix lazy boy recliner?

To fix the problem, you must need a screwdriver, bolts, lubricant oil, and screws. So, follow below these step to fix or adjust a lazy boy power recliner footrest or other brand recliner chair footrest. If the recliner feels stiff, there’s probably no lubrication. The bolts and screws could loosen too.

Why does my recliner stop working?

If your chair doesn’t work, as usual, fix the power lift recliner motor. Simple power surges or overloads can damage your recliner chair mechanism. If the recliner stops in the middle, it means there’s a huge electrical issue.

Can a recliner chair get damaged?

But just like any other home furniture, recliners can get damaged. Most of these problems take no time to fix.

How To Remove A Recliner Chair Mechanism?

The first topic to discuss while answering how to fix a recliner chair mechanism is how to remove the back of the recliner. Shifting the recliner chair might require you to uninstall its back. Here are the basic steps you need to follow for a office recliner or a rocker recliner of some other brand:

How To Re-Install A Recliner Chair Mechanism?

Re-installing the recliner chair back is comparatively easier than taking it out. First, you need to align the brackets at a specific angle. Once it’s done, simply push the recliner mechanism in its place. The process can be finished by adjusting the levers, attaching the screws, and fixing tabs.

How To Fix A Recliner Chair Cable System?

If your recliner cable moves up and down on its own or doesn’t recline at all, then you’ll know that the cable is faulty. You can fix this in no time. First, loosen the stop of the cable and then pull and tighten it. Before doing so, make sure that you hold it in place against the piston bracket.

How To Fix A Recliner Chair Back?

If lately, you have noticed that your recliner doesn’t lean comfortably on either side, then chances are that its back has been broken. Some of the causes for the same could be uneven padding, uneven floor, leaning frame, rough usage, etc.

How To Fix A Recliner Chair Footrest?

A recliner footrest malfunctioning is a common issue but the good news is that you can fix it in no time. It can malfunction when you slam the recliner footrest time and again which destroys it permanently. It can also get damaged if it gets caught in a weird position, refuses to stay locked in place, or won’t stay up.

FAQs

There could be a lot of reasons as to why your reclining chair is not working. Some of them include the cable becoming loose or getting damaged, or the bolt that secures the arm in place has loosened, etc. In addition to that, there could be several other reasons that can cause your reclining chair to not recline or recline just partially.

Bottom Line

Recliners have been designed to offer optimum comfort and luxury. So, it surely can break your heart when it gets damaged. However, worry not because as long as you know about the basic mechanics of a recliner, the repair process takes only a few minutes.

How to know if you need to replace a recliner?

Old cushions can cause discomfort and excess sagging in the chair. If there feels to be a big hole or vacant spot in the cushions, particularly where you normally rest your body, this could also be a sure sign that it is time to replace the cushions.

How to fix a recliner that is too stiff?

To repair, you can simply: Flip over your recliner, locate the screws that are attached to the frame, and loosen all of them. Protect your cushion’s bottom with an old cloth, and then apply WD40 on all of the joints. Try out the handle for any stiffness and then reapply the lubricant as necessary.

What to do if your recliner is lopsided?

This type of repair is more ambiguous, to be prepared to problem-solve. Turn your recliner over and examine the springs by tightening and replacing them as needed.

How many parts does a recliner have?

Your recliner is not just a chair with four legs. Instead, it has about five different key features: springs, cable, pull handle, chair back, and footrest. Within these five components, different things can get broken or in need of extra attention. We have broken down the next part of this how-to article into a number of different sections so that you can easily determine which part of your recliner is broken, and then how to fix it.

What to do if your pull handle is broken?

Before starting, make sure the foot rest is closed: Flip the recliner over and search for the screw that goes to the pull handle.

Why do you flip a recliner over?

Before you go flipping your recliner over to check the bottom, or all out replacing your recliner, sometimes it helps to just get another person to try their hand at fixing the perceived problem. For instance, if the handle is having a hard time moving, have somebody else try to move it. It could be that the handle is slightly jammed, but a different arm is all it takes to get that stubborn handle to move again.

How to replace a cable on a chair?

If you need to replace the cable, flip the chair over, and unscrew the bolts that are on the foot rest and the ones that connect the squab to the chair’s frame. Once you remove the squab, you can replace the cable. Finally, attach the squab and bring the chair right side up.

What causes a recliner to malfunction?

A missing or broken handle can make the recliner to malfunction. The pull handle holds the footrest in position. Without it, the footrest is forced into a closed or upright position. You can actually fix the handle yourself. You do not have to engage the services of a furniture repairman.

What are the problems with lazy boy recliners?

Some of the problems that you might encounter while using a Lazy Boy recliner include footrest problems, broken springs, power recliner not moving, the hand control not working, over-tilting, leather damage, uncomfortable, and too high. In this post, I will discuss each of these problems and provide you with practical tips ...

How many types of recliner backs are there?

There are 3 types of recliner backs. These are backs that have locking levers, locking tabs or catches and bolted on backs. Here are the steps to repairing each of these types. • For the backs with locking levers, see to it that the brackets on the sides are well fixed.

Where is the thumbwheel on a chair?

The thumbwheels should be fixed on both sides of the chair, i.e. right and left. A thumbwheel occurs at the end of the bolt. You can also see the tension springs that stretch from the left bolt to the right bolt. Sometimes the adjusting mechanism isn’t found underneath the seat.

Can you put a recliner on the front of an armchair?

You have to put the recliner on the front of armrests. To rest the recliner on its armchairs, you’ll probably use both hands. • Checking Adjustment Mechanism: You can only adjust the recliner tension if thumb wheels are present underneath the seat. Without thumb wheels, you are unable to adjust the tension.

Does a lazy boy recliner have springs?

Just as with other items that undergo frequent use, these springs are bound to fail. When this happens, here are the steps that you can take. Things you need:

How to fix a recliner that is stuck in an open position?

To repair a recliner chair that is stuck in an open position, you’ll need to first turn the recliner upside down. Here you can check for any loose screws and tighten them up. Then, use a lubricant and spray it on any moving parts .

Why is my recliner stuck in upright position?

When a recliner footrest is stuck in the upright position, it’s down to a lack of lubricant in the mechanism. This can happen over time as the original lubricant gets worn out and new oiling isn’t applied.

What happens when your chair footrest is loose?

If your footrest is loose, you’ll simply need to tighten up the fasteners that secure it to the main mechanism.

How to get footrest back into working order?

Luckily, there’s a quick solution to getting your footrest back into working order. Turn your recliner upside down to access the reclining mechanism. From here, you can find the spring that connects the footrest to the rest of the recliner. Using a screwdriver, remove the screws that attach the spring to the recliner, and take out the old spring. ...

How to fix a footrest that leans to one side?

One you can do by yourself, the other may need some professional help. Start by flipping over your recliner. This will allow you to examine the mechanism that attaches the footrest to the recliner.

Why does my recliner spring come loose?

It’s not uncommon for a recliner footrest spring to come loose from time to time, whether it is due to a breakage or rust. The spring helps to adjust your footrest so that it sits in the perfect position for you to lie down. Luckily, there’s a quick solution to getting your footrest back into working order.

Can you put a lazy boy recliner in the middle?

Unfortunately, this means that you won’t be able to set the lazy boy in the middle position. It will either be completely upright all the way down.

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