How to Replace Recliner Cable: Step-by-Step Guide

Recliners are super comfy until the point they break. There are mechanisms inside which help it move backward and push forward whenever you want. Here is the thing with mechanisms, unless they use some space-age technology, they tend to break from time to time.

How to Replace Recliner Cable

This guide will be all about how to replace recliner cable. If you like getting hands-on with your stuff or are a DIY enthusiast, you will love what’s coming up — not excited yet?

How does saving some money sound? Getting the cables replaced professionally can be expensive. Why pay someone to do a thing that’s so easy to do yourself. So, without further to do, let’s get on with it.

How to Replace Recliner Cable: an Easy Step by Step Guide

At first, the process might look cumbersome but if you know what you’re doing, replacing recliner cables is quite easy. All you need to do is follow the steps we are going to outline here.

Before we start, though, make sure you have the right tools at hand. You will need a Phillips head screwdriver or drill bit.

Step 1: Remove the Hook

Your first course of action is to remove the hook. You can’t take the hook out of its place right away, though. Turn the chair upside down and open the recliner arm. Now you need to apply a little force to turn the arm mechanism backward.

Once you have done this, it will allow you to take the hook away from the opener. The hook is located at the tail end of the cable. There can be two types. The cable can be just a spring or have an exposed wire.

Step 2: Pull on the Plastic Clip

You will see a plastic clip at the beginning of the tail. Find the clip and pull on it gently. Make sure to not apply too much pressure as that may cause it to break. Pull the clip to take it out.

Step 3: Unscrew Recliner Cup Handle

After you have pulled the plastic cable, you need to turn the recliner on its side. The recliner cup handle screws will become visible at this point. Remove the screws. This is where the Phillips head screwdriver will come in handy.

Step 4: Remove the Old Recliner Cable

We are almost done replacing the cable. But to replace the cable with a new one, you need to pull out the old one first. When you unscrew the cup handle, the old recliner cable can be taken out.

You will see the handle with the cable attached to it. Pull it gently, and the whole cable should come out with it. The tail and the hook will also come out at the same time. It’s sort of a single unit, basically.

Step 5: Install the New Cable

Now that you have taken the old cable out, it’s time to install the new cable. Place the new cable in the exact hole the old handle was. Carefully feed it through till the handle sits in place just like before. Move to the dustcover’s position and pull the cable through to the other end.

Step 6: Screw Everything Back in Place

Keep the cables hanging loose and put the handles back in place. Screw it down to keep it in place. Push the plastic clip in the place where you originally removed it from. Now, push back the little arm, and you will be able to see the hole for hooking to your tail end.

Do this, and voila! You’re all done. See, that wasn’t too bad, was it? As you can see, changing the cable really isn’t too difficult. Be sure you don’t break anything else in the process, though.

Otherwise, that will be a whole new situation you need to deal with. If you follow the steps we outlined here, it won’t be much of a problem. It might be a little overwhelming at first, but once you get started, it will all start to make sense.

Read Next: Tips for fixing driver seat recliners

Buying Recliner Cables

If you’re going the DIY route, which you probably are since you’re reading this guide, make sure to buy quality recliner cables. Otherwise, you will end up with a bad kit that will break again.

Check out reviews of the one you want to buy and see what other customers say about it. If you see they are satisfied, then you’re golden. That means it’s a solid piece of kit, and you won’t face any problems.

Buying online is a great way to save some money and check out all the available options. And of course, not to mention by replacing the cable yourself, you will also save money on top of that.

One thing to note is recliner cable replacement parts separate from the handle tend to break easily. You can look into buying cable replacements that come attached to the handle itself. This will ensure the whole mechanism lasts you longer.

You can also hit up relevant forums if you want more in-depth and expert advice on the specific cable you want to get. If you find a discussion thread with the exact model of your recliner you have, then you just hit the jackpot.

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

Recliner Maintenance Tips:

One of the best ways to avoid having to replace the cable is to take proper care of your reclining chair in the first place. That will eke out all the use from the chair and will make your day easier.

Recliners can be expensive. And you surely want to make the most out of them. Here are some easy and effective recliner maintenance tips.

1. Be Proactive and Take Proper Care of the Mechanics

If you want to make sure the handle, cable, and internal mechanics live a long and healthy life, taking care of it from the day you get it is important. The internal mechanism is the main difference between a normal chair and a recliner.

Don’t wait around to notice any creaks and squeaks before you start taking care of the mechanics. Oil the mechanism before any major signs of wear and tear show. As the old saying goes, prevention is better than cure. And that’s true in this case.

2. Do a Deep Clean

Deep cleaning your chair won’t do anything for the mechanism inside it. But who doesn’t like having a clean and fresh chair? A deep cleaning will bring your old chair back to life and make it almost like new. Well, depending on how well the deep cleaning you got was.

You can either go the professional route or do it yourself. While a professional clean will give you great results, if you want to save a bit of money, you can DIY it.

The thing to remember is to avoid water. Water and leather do not mix and can leave nasty stains. It’s best to use a steam cleaner. If you don’t already have a steam cleaner, you might need to buy one.

That can add to the overall cost, but trust us, it’s worth it in the long run. It will get rid of the smell and also the stubborn dust and grime. You can use saddle soap as well. This will prevent the seat from cracking.

3. Clean the Fabric Carefully

Cleaning the fabric is easier than leather. Just make sure to use caution when doing so. You can use baby wipes to clean seats since they do not cause much damage.

Another very effective way of getting clean fabric is just using a plain old vacuum cleaner. A soft brush also goes a long way when you need to get into those nooks and crannies.

Wrapping Up

Now that you know the recliner cable replacing, you can save some money if your recliner isn’t working and replace the cables yourself. This is a great option for those who like getting hands-on and for DIY enthusiasts.

Plus, you can learn a new skill. That’s always a plus. As easy as replacing the cable is, remember that prevention is ultimately better than cure. So, taking proper care of your recliner from the get-go is important.

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