How to Fix a Recliner Footrest: Step by Step Guide

A recliner isn’t like your other furniture. It is more like that safe spot, that one place you come back to rest and relax after a stressful day. And the footrest of a recliner is undoubtedly one of the essential parts of it that add to that stress-relieving process.

So it’s a shame if it goes out of order or gets broken. While you could always call an expert to fix it for you, it would be pretty nice to know how to fix a recliner footrest.

how to fix a recliner footrest

But the thing about these footrests is that there are many different ways that they may malfunction. We will cover most of those situations, if not all, in order to help you fix it at home. Sounds cool? Let’s get on with it.

How to Fix a Recliner Footrest?

Before we get started, we are going to need you to grab a couple of tools. Fetch a screwdriver, possibly a universal one, and also a good lubricant. You’re going to need these for most, if not all, methods of fixing the footrest.

Fix a Recliner Footrest

If you’ve gathered the equipment, let’s get started!

1. When the Spring Doesn’t Work:

If the spring isn’t working, it doesn’t mean that it is broken per se. But sometimes, these springs may come loose due to rust or breakage. There are a few things that you can surely do to solve this issue, so you need not worry about it much.

Remember we told you you’d need a screwdriver? Well, it is time to put that to use now. Let’s go over this step-by-step process on what you will have to do when the spring of your recliner is not working.

  • First of all, you will have to flip your recliner upside down so that you can access the mechanism of the reclining. Maybe take someone’s help for this, as recliners can be heavy
  • Find the spring that connects the recliner to the footrest. It shouldn’t be tough to find
  • Use the screwdriver and remove all the screws that keep the spring attached to the recliner, and then remove the spring
  • Don’t forget the pattern in which you removed the spring
  • Now get a new spring, and attach it in the same manner you removed the old spring
  • Tighten the screws properly

And you’re good to go! By now, you should have yourself a fixed footrest with a new spring.

2. When the Footrest is Sagging:

The footrest starts to sag because of a few loose screws and ratchets. It is also pretty common for recliners that have been used for some time now. Fortunately, it is something that can be fixed without breaking a sweat.

Like the spring issue, you are going to have to replace the main part to solve the problem. In this case, the bar inside of the ratchet is what needs replacement. Here’s exactly how you are going to do it:

  • Similar to the last method, flip the recliner over and find the mechanism of reclining
  • This time, you need to find the ratchet. The ratchet is the component that helps keep the footrest locked in position
  • You have to remove all the screws and springs that you find before it to access the ratchet. It will be a little tricky, but you have to remember the way you unscrewed everything for when you put it all back together
  • After finding the ratchet, remove the bar that is connected to it
  • Remove this bar and replace it with a new one
  • If it is fixable, you can fix the bar and then reattach it
  • Put the ratchet in place and set everything else back into place as well

Screw everything back together; you should have yourself a non-sagging footrest.

3. When It Won’t Stay Down:

A lot of times, the footrest of a recliner will not close properly or stay down. If your recliner is stuck in an upright position, you might have to grab that lubricant now. This one is also pretty simple as the first two fixes, so you won’t have to worry about anything.

We must warn you, though, be sure to get some plastic wrap or any kind of protective cover for the recliner, as this step might be a little messier than the last ones. Anyway, let’s go over the steps of this process now, shall we?

  • You know the first step already, flip that baby over again
  • This time, you are going to have to find the wooden chassis
  • Next, you have to unscrew every screw that is holding the chassis to the footrest’s ratchet’s metal bar
  • Get that lubricant. We recommend getting a spray type bottle for the lubricant and use it instead of the direct liquid ones
  • Spray the lubricant on the important joints that seem to have gotten stiff
  • After spraying properly, you’re going to have to screw all the screws back in and tighten them firmly

After that, take off the protective wrapping and test out the footrest to see if it is still stiff as before. If it’s moving again, it’s fixed.

Read Next: How to Fix a Leaning Recliner Step by Step

4. When the Footrest Has Become Loose:

Moving on to the next issue that most recliner owners face is when the footrest becomes loose. It is also another pretty common problem that happens to recliners over time, just like the previous ones. And lucky for you, it also has an easy fix.

You’re going to need a few screwdrivers, wrenches, and other similar tools for this task. Since these are rather common tools everyone has, it shouldn’t be a hassle. In case you don’t, you can get them at any hardware store.

Let’s go over the steps of how you will fix this problem:

  • You know the drill, flip it over already, and access the adjusting mechanism parts
  • First, you need to observe around those parts and see which joints and fasteners seem loose. It is the most important part, as you will need to identify the problematic areas correctly
  • Once you have identified the problem, use the screwdrivers and wrenches to tighten the screws and nuts that have come loose
  • Look for the metal brackets at the back and tighten the fasteners there

That is it, and you’re done.

5. When It’s Gotten Bent:

Now we are slowly transitioning to the more complicated issues. The previous three problems were easily solvable at home with the help of everyday equipment. However, this one is going to take a bit more than a little DIYing and screwing in.

A lot of times, the footrest might be leaning when your recliner is open. And in those times, the scissors may get bent or even broken at times. Firstly, you have to be careful with your recliner and prevent this from happening in the first place.

Secondly, if this does end up happening, you are going to have to replace the mechanism altogether. There’s no actual fix if the scissors get bent or broken. Well, you could hammer them back in position if they get bent, but we REALLY discourage that and DO NOT recommend you do that.

You might end up doing more damage than good. So we suggest that you get a replacement for the machine instead of trying to fix it.

In this case, we recommend that you check if the recliner came with a warranty. Most warranties cover these replacements for free, so definitely check for the warranty. Otherwise, you will have to buy a new one, which can be a little expensive.

6. When it Leans to One of the Sides:

When the footrest of your recliner is leaning to one of the sides, chances are the scissors of the mechanism are either bent or broken. However, this may also be caused due to loose fasteners or screws, so you have to check properly.

It is an issue that occurs for either of these reasons, one of which can be fixed easily at home, and the other will require professional help.

In any case, you will have to flip the recliner over and examine the mechanism to check what exactly is causing this. If it is because of loose fasteners, you can easily fix this by tightening them. After tightening, you should see the footrest is now straight.

But if you see that the scissors are bent or broken, we have already explained what must be done.

Read Next: How to Fix Recliner Pull Handle Step by Step

Final Words:

Recliners are a lifesaver on tiring and stressful days, so it is crucial to know how to save its life. As important as the headrest is, the footrest is something you cannot neglect either. Now that you know fixing a recliner footrest, you don’t have to worry about having to take it to a mechanic anymore.

However, for the issues that do require professional help or replacement, please take those seriously because those do not have any quick fixes. Don’t forget to check if you got a warranty on your recliner, as that will surely save you a lot of money. In any case, good luck!

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