How To Fix A Recliner Footrest

There’s no question that sitting on a recliner with a footrest is a great experience. Not only if you are simply trying to relax after a long day at work or if you are reading a book or listening to your favorite songs on Sunday, a recliner with footrest is a must-have. 

Check out the best recliners in 2020. 

However, the wear and tear also tend to affect recliners, especially in the footrest. So, how to fix a recliner footrest?

Sometimes, you just want to relax for a couple of minutes and you discover that your footrest is stuck, stiff or it simply won’t adjust. And it’s terrible. However, you will be glad to know that there is an easy solution most of the times. 

#1: How To Fix A Recliner Footrest Adjusting Mechanism:

One of the problems that you may start noticing is that your footrest is stuck. And this usually happens because of the springs that tend to loosen up from time to time or they simply break. But this doesn’t mean that you have to replace your recliner with footrest. 

In order to fix a recliner footrest, you need to have replacement springs for recliner chairs, a Philips screwdriver, and an Allen wrench. Then, you just need to follow the next steps:

#1: The first thing you need to do is to turn your recliner upside down so that you can easily take a look at the footrest.

#2: Now, you’ll need to search for the spring-type piece that links the arm of the footrest to the bushings. As you see it, you will be able to notice that it should have some rust or be broken. And this may be the reason why it isn’t working correctly. In the best situations, you may only need to screw a loose screw. 

Check out the best reclining office chairs reviewed. 

#3: Now, it’s time to unscrew everything that is connected to the springs. 

#4: Now, you’ll need to get the spring out and then replace it with the new spring. Make sure that you place the new spring as the old one was. Then, you need to tighten everything. 

#5: Now it is time to test how your recliner with footrest is. So, make sure that you put it in the right position again and try to use the footrest to see if it is working well again. 

The ultimate guide to find the perfect reclining office chair.

#2: How To Fix A Recliner Chair Footrest That Feels Stiff

When you buy a new recliner with footrest, you know that the footrest goes up and down smoothly. However, when you notice that the process isn’t that smooth anymore, then it may need lubrication. However, this situation can also be due to bolts or screws loosening. 

No matter what the problem may be, you need to make sure that you discover what it is to fix it soon.

In order to fir the recliner footrest that feels stiff, you will need to have lubricant oil (WD-40 or grease preferably), bolts or screws, a Philips screwdriver, and a towel cloth. Then, you just need to follow the next steps:

#1: You need to turn your recliner chair upside down so that you can have access to the footrest and its mechanism.

#2: As you look at the footrest, you should be able to see some bolts, screws or pins. In case you notice any or some of these loosen or rusted, you should tighten or replace them. In this case, this should help you solve the problem. 

#3: In case you decide to change the rusted or broken screws for new ones, you should consider using bigger ones. This way, they will be tightened to the wood for more time and your footrest should work flawlessly without any problems for a very long time. In case you notice some parts are loosen, you should take the time to make then tighter as well. 

Discover the best reclining office chairs in 2019. 

#4: While this should have solved your problem, it is always best to be safe than sorry. So, our advice is to use some lubricant on the brushings of the footrest. 

#5: Before you start applying the lubricant, you should make sure that you have a clean towel cloth to clean yourself. In addition, you should also use a newspaper or a large towel below the recliner. This will prevent you from damaging your floor. 

#6: While you may think that some parts don’t need lubricant, you should really apply it to any brushings and joints that you see. The truth is that this process will help you remove any rust and dust as well as it should get the part working again as it should. 

#7: When you are finished, you should make sure that you test the components to see if they are already working well. Then, you simply need to put all the screws together and make sure that they are tight. 

#8: Before you turn your recliner up again, you should use a clean towel cloth to remove the excess of grease or oil. 

Bottom Line

As you can see, it’s not difficult at all to fix a recliner footrest. In most cases, you only need to tight the loose screws or add some lubricant to ensure that the footrest continues to work as it should. In the worst case scenario, you will need to replace the springs. However, we believe that even in this case, this DIY project is completely worth it. 

The reality is that a recliner with footrest tends to last for a very long time. And considering that the recliner is still delivering the right amount of comfort and support as in day #1, then these simple DYI projects should help you make it work like day #1.