How to Fix a Recliner That Won’t Stay up

Recliners are one of the most popular pieces of furniture for people who want to relax after a long day at work or school. They’re also very useful if you have trouble getting out of bed and need something sturdy to support your weight while sitting on them. But what happens when they stop working and won’t stay up? Here’s how to get your recliner back into action again.

How to Fix a Recliner Footrest that Won’t Stay Up

When trying to figure out why your chair isn’t staying put, start by checking whether there is anything blocking its movement. If not, then check each part of the recliner separately. The problem could be with any of these parts. Make sure none of them are stuck under other objects like beds or tables so you don’t accidentally move them around during daily use.

The easiest way to fix a recliner is to try moving your chair manually first before giving all the mechanisms inside the chair a shot. This should give you an idea of where exactly the issue lies within your recliner.

Once you’ve done this, take off everything from underneath the seat (including the footrest) and see if the recliner will still function as intended.

Sometimes, problems occur due to dirt buildup between the tracks on which the mechanism moves. To prevent this kind of occurrence, clean the track surface using compressed air once every two months or whenever necessary.

In case this doesn’t solve the problem, wipe it down with some cloth dipped in mild soap solution. Also, regularly change the oil used in the motor. Cleaning the grease and keeping it lubricated helps reduce friction and wear on the gears. When replacing the oil, avoid greasy substances such as cooking oils because they may damage the internal workings of the chair.

Another common reason that causes your recliner to malfunction is loose screws. Use pliers to tighten bolts holding the legs onto the seat frame. However, if you notice that tightening them often results in screw loosening further down, replace those nuts with new ones. Also, ensure that the bolt holes in both ends are aligned correctly. A misaligned hole can cause the leg to come to lose, especially if you frequently lift heavy things over it.

In addition, check the tightness of springs on chairs. Sometimes, their tension becomes too weak and causes the chair to sink down. Try adjusting the height of the seat slightly upward to relieve pressure on the spring completely. Then, lower it down again to test whether it stays standing without assistance. If it does, loosen only one side’s spring at a time until the desired effect occurs. If the chair sinks down even after making adjustments to both sides’ springs, consider having professional help.

How do You Fix Reclining Mechanisms in a Recliner?

Once you’ve figured out what went wrong, inspect the recliner closely to determine the cause. Inspect the entire unit carefully to locate any frayed wires, damaged hinges, broken gaskets, and missing screws. Replace damaged parts immediately to restore functionality. While doing so, note that fixing small issues usually costs less than buying a brand-new piece altogether. For example, instead of replacing the main motor assembly, just buy a replacement belt. It’ll cost much lesser but perform the same task.

It’s important to know that faulty motors can affect many different aspects of your recliner, including turning, locking/unlocking, sagging, and lifting ability. Before taking drastic measures, consult a service technician to rule out any mechanical malfunctions. Otherwise, if the problem persists, contact customer care services to schedule repair work.

Some manufacturers offer free repairs on defective products if reported within 90 days of purchase. Take advantage of this option since it saves money on unnecessary replacements. Don’t forget to ask about return policies in stores you plan to visit. Most retailers allow customers to bring back items bought online as well.

How do you Tighten a Loose Recliner?

Tightening loose joints in your recliner requires patience. First, remove cushions and pillows to expose the fabric covering. Next, pick up either end of the recliner and pull downwards gently. Keep pulling until you feel resistance. Afterward, let go and examine the result. If the joint has been tightened enough, it shouldn’t bend anymore. On the contrary, if it seems loose, continue tightening.

To achieve proper tightening, remember to apply uniform force along the length of the joints. Pay special attention to loose areas first. If you encounter difficulty, enlist someone else’s help to hold the section being adjusted securely. Alternatively, place a block or object beneath the area to minimize the risk of injury.

Afterward, adjust the headrest and footrest according to your preference. You can opt to raise the footrest higher, tilt the headrest forward, or lean back slightly to create more space between yourself and the floor. Finally, add extra padding below the footrest to protect against potential injuries.

How to Fix a Recliner that Won’t Lock

Most recliners lock automatically when turned far enough backward. However, some require manual operation. Regardless of the type, try rotating the lever upwards in the direction opposite to the direction your recliner turns in. This ensures that the mechanism locks properly.

If your recliner keeps going back and forth in circles, check the pivot bearings located near the base of the turners. Pivot bearings absorb the stress created by continuous rotation. Weary pivots can break easily causing the chair to malfunction. To prevent this from happening, replace old bearings with fresh ones. Remember to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on fitting new bearings to accommodate various sizes.

Also, inspect the pivot shaft itself. If cracks appear anywhere on the metal rod, replace it entirely. Cracks indicate worn surfaces caused by extensive usage. Since older models tend to show signs of aging faster than newer ones, chances are high that they already need replacement. Nevertheless, it’s worth mentioning that certain factors can influence the lifespan of your recliner. These include material quality, size, temperature fluctuations, climate conditions, and improper maintenance.

Worn or cracked seats can also lead to malfunction. Fortunately, most manufacturers provide spare seats alongside original units. Simply swap the ones that fail with new ones and enjoy smooth functioning for years to come.

Final Words

Whenever you use a recliner, make sure to recline smoothly. If you want your recliner to work properly for a long time, then treat it with care and no sudden jerking movements.