What’s the first thing you look for after returning home from a stressful day at work? That answer depends on whether you own a recliner or not. In case you do, then the answer is obvious.
After owning this amazing piece of luxury for a long time, there is a high chance that it may start to lean slightly towards one side or another. This might hamper your relaxing experience of using the recliner.
So it is kind of crucial to know how to fix a leaning recliner. Lucky for you, this article will not only show you how to fix it but also talk about the causes of this leaning.
As for providing the solution of a leaning recliner, we will tell you what you will need to get the job done and provide you with extra tips.
Table of Contents
Why Does It Lean?
There’s actually quite a number of reasons this may be happening to your recliner. Some causes might be directly about the mechanism itself, or maybe its surroundings. Here are the top reasons you might be dealing with a leaning recliner.
Uneven Weight Distribution Because of the Floor
Sometimes the floor of your house might be uneven. When you keep a recliner on such a surface, chances are that with time, the recliner may start leaning more toward the side that seems lower level.
This is an issue with houses with wooden or marble floors. So if you live in such a house, check for the plainest surface, with no unevenness, to place the recliner on.
Low-Quality Chair Frame
This one can somewhat be identified right off the bat. And it makes sense that a low-quality chair frame would be more likely to cause the recliner to bend or lean to one side.
You will experience this issue with most lower-end products and notice this happening after sitting a few times right after purchasing it.
However, if you own a recliner from a renowned brand that is made of high-end materials, you need not fret over such an issue. For your recliner, the reason for leaning is probably something else.
Faulty Reclining Mechanism
The reclining mechanism of the recliner is what does all the work. If there are defects in it, you are bound to face issues such as leaning toward one specific side. In the mechanism, there is a sliding frame, which may get broken.
If it does get broken, there is a high chance that your recliner would be leaning to the side. Of all the reasons you would be facing this problem, this is the most direct one.
How to Fix a Leaning Recliner: Step by Step Guide
You might be having to deal with a leaning recliner for the above reasons now, but we’re sure you don’t want to keep it that way. Now let’s talk about the ways you can fix a leaning recliner, the stuff you will need to do so, and how you will do it in the first place. Let’s start fixing this!
Stuff You Will Need:
You won’t be needing anything fancy, but you do have to own a few basic tools for this purpose. They are:
1. Screwdriver
As a recliner has mechanical parts, it may not come as a surprise that you would need a screwdriver for this job. We are pretty sure this is something literally everyone owns and has in their house. If you don’t, go grab one from your local hardware store.
2. Lubricant
Lubricating is something you might have to do to the joints that have gone old or rusty. You can go for liquid lubes or spray lubes, depending on your preference.
3. Wood Glue
If you want reliable glue that will keep the fixed parts together, we recommend wood glue over regular glue. For fixing the issue with a leaning recliner, wood glue would be a more suitable option.
Step by Step Guide to Fixing the Leaning Recliner
Now, to the main event. Here’s what you need to do to fix your recliner. Follow the steps to know better.
First things first, you have to turn over the recliner to expose the mechanism side to you. Most of the issues regarding a leaning recliner are from the reclining mechanism panel.
Remove the Covers:
To prevent messing up your recliner’s look, we recommend you get rid of all the covers and/or upholsteries from the recliner. This would also allow you to get a better view of the wooden panel you will be working on.
Lubricate the Springs:
You might find that some springs and joints have gone rusty throughout the years. It might be one of the reasons the recliner is leaning like this now. So you want to start by lubricating these joints and springs.
Make sure to place a paper towel or a piece of cloth on the floor to prevent making too much of a mess from the oil dripping.
Screw the Joints Tight:
Sometimes the screws of the joints get loosened, resulting in the given issue. After lubricating the joints, you want to use your screwdriver and tighten those screws that are keeping it all together.
Be a bit careful while doing so, and make sure you don’t lose the springs in the process. You might poke the springs accidentally and make them release tension and spring out of the panel.
Check for Cracks:
After doing all that, check for any hairline or large cracks in the recliner frame. This step is crucial, as it would determine whether you have to fix it or replace any part.
Check for Fixes and/or Replacements:
If the cracks are present, and if they are rather small and can be considered hairline cracks, you will have to fix them. But if the cracks seem too big, we recommend that you replace the wooden panel.
You will have to inspect around the place and see what else is wrong. Sometimes you might even have to replace the joints and springs, as they get old, rusty, and fragile. These are parts that obviously cannot be fixed but only replaced. So, check for such issues.
Fix Wooden Parts with Wooden Glue:
As previously mentioned, if you find a hairline crack in the wooden panel, you are going to have to fix those. To fix such cracks, you can’t rely on normal glue or adhesives. Wood glue would offer the best results. As these are used in construction settings, you can rely on their robust adhesive power.
However, if the cracks are too large and not negligible, get the wooden panel replaced, as we mentioned. See how severe the case is, and then decide whether to fix or replace it.
Replace the Parts Required:
Any joint, lever, spring, or any other part, that seems like they will fall apart if kept that way NEED to be replaced. If your recliner came with a warranty, then you can rest assured that you can get this replacement done without even spending a dollar.
However, if your warranty has expired at this point, assuming that the recliner is very old, you will have to take it to a servicing store and have them replace the parts. This shouldn’t cost you a fortune, but you will have to spend some money on the repairs and replacements.
You can also buy the parts and replace them at home. But we recommend being very careful and following the manual while doing so.
Flip it Back up:
Considering that you got it all done at home, flip over the recliner back to its regular position. You’re done with fixing the issues and should have yourself a straight recliner with no leaning problems.
Clean Up Your Mess:
Get rid of the oily paper towel or cloth you used while lubricating, and wipe anything that got messed up. Put the covers or upholsteries back onto the recliner, and put it all back in the right position.
Read Next: Tips on How to Replace Recliner Cable
Extra Tips:
Some extra tips to get it fixed right and to ensure no hazards occur:
- Be cautious about tightening the joints, and don’t leave them even a little bit loose
- Ask for help while flipping the recliner over or while moving it from one place to another
- Seek professional help when you can’t pinpoint the exact issue
A Video on Fixing a Recliner that Leans to One Side
Read Next: How to Fix Recliner Pull Handle
Final Words:
That pretty much sums up the things you need to do to fix this issue. We hope now you can fix a leaning recliner correctly. Be sure to follow our advice while performing the task, and do not shy away from asking for professional help.
Don’t forget to check for the warranty if it is still available. This would reduce your problems immensely and save you from spending a lot of money on replacements.