7 Best DIY Repair Tips to Fix a Recliner Footrest

A recliner footrest is one of the best features of a comfortable chair—until it stops working. Whether your recliner footrest is stuck, won’t stay up, or doesn’t retract properly. Then it can quickly turn your relaxation time into a frustrating experience.

The good news is that most issues with a recliner footrest can be fixed with a little DIY effort. In this website article, we’ll guide you through how to fix a recliner footrest with some quick and easy tips.

Common Recliner Footrest Problems

Before jumping into the solutions, let’s take a look at some of the most common issues people encounter with recliner footrests:

• Footrest won’t stay up – This usually happens when the springs or tension mechanism are loose or broken.
• Footrest is stuck in the up or down position – This could be caused by a jam in the mechanism or a problem with the lever.
• Footrest won’t retract fully – This issue is often due to misaligned parts or broken springs.

Now that we know the common problems, let’s move on to some easy DIY fixes to get your recliner working again.

1. Check for Obstructions in the Mechanism

The first step in fixing a recliner footrest is to inspect the mechanism for obstructions. Often, dirt, debris, or small objects can get lodged in the moving parts, preventing the footrest from functioning properly.

How to fix it:

• Flip the recliner onto its back or side to access the mechanism.
• Inspect the area around the footrest’s springs and levers for any foreign objects that might be blocking its movement.
• Remove any debris or items and test the footrest to see if it operates smoothly.

Pro tip: Keep the area around your recliner clean to prevent this from happening in the future.

2. Tighten Loose Screws and Bolts

Over time, the screws and bolts that hold the footrest in place can become loose, causing it to malfunction. Tightening them can help restore proper functionality.

How to fix it:

• With the recliner still flipped over, use a screwdriver or wrench to check all the screws and bolts in the footrest mechanism.
• Tighten any loose screws or bolts.
• After tightening, test the footrest to see if it stays up and retracts properly.

Pro tip: Regularly check the screws and bolts on your recliner to prevent future issues.

3. Lubricate the Moving Parts

If the footrest mechanism feels stiff or is stuck in place, it might need lubrication. Over time, the joints and springs can lose their smooth movement due to rust or lack of lubrication.

How to fix it:

• Use a lubricant spray like WD-40 to apply a light coat to the moving parts of the footrest mechanism.
• Focus on the springs, hinges, and any other parts that pivot or move.
• Manually move the footrest up and down a few times to distribute the lubricant evenly.

Caution: Be careful not to spray lubricant on the recliner’s upholstery or fabric to avoid staining.

4. Adjust or Replace the Tension Springs

One of the most common reasons a footrest won’t stay up or won’t close properly is because of worn-out or loose tension springs. These springs are responsible for keeping the footrest in place when reclined and for retracting it when needed.

How to fix it:

• Locate the tension springs under the footrest mechanism.
• If the springs are loose, try adjusting them by tightening the screws or bolts holding them in place.
• If the springs appear broken or overly stretched, you’ll need to replace them with new ones. Most recliner manufacturers sell replacement springs, or you can find generic ones online.

Pro tip: When replacing springs, make sure you get ones that match the tension of the originals to ensure smooth operation.

5. Fix or Replace the Recliner Handle or Cable

In many manual recliners, a lever or handle controls the footrest’s movement. If the handle is loose, broken, or if the cable that connects it to the footrest mechanism is damaged, the footrest won’t work properly.

How to fix it:

• Inspect the handle and the cable that connects it to the mechanism.
• If the handle is loose, tighten any screws holding it in place.
• If the cable is frayed or broken, you’ll need to replace it. Cables are often available through the manufacturer or online, and replacing them usually only requires basic tools like a screwdriver.

Pro tip: Replacing the handle or cable is typically a straightforward repair, but make sure you get the right replacement part for your specific recliner model.

6. Reset the Recliner Mechanism

If your recliner footrest is stuck and none of the above fixes seem to work, resetting the mechanism may help. Sometimes the parts inside the recliner can become misaligned, causing the footrest to get stuck.

How to fix it:

• Stand behind the recliner and gently rock it back and forth while pushing the footrest down.
• This movement can help realign the mechanism and get the footrest unstuck.
• After resetting, test the footrest to see if it moves properly.

Pro tip: Be gentle when rocking the recliner to avoid damaging any internal parts.

7. Seek Professional Help if Necessary

If you’ve tried all the above DIY methods and your footrest is still not working, it may be time to call in a professional recliner repair service. Some issues, like severely damaged parts or complicated mechanical problems, may need expert attention.

Most repair specialists can quickly diagnose the problem and either fix it on-site or order replacement parts if needed. This is a good option if your recliner is still under warranty, as the manufacturer might cover the cost of repairs.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to fix a recliner footrest is essential for keeping your favorite chair in top condition. From checking for obstructions and tightening screws to replacing springs or cables, most repairs can be done with minimal tools and effort.

By following these quick DIY repair tips, you can save time and money while restoring your recliner to its former glory.

With a little bit of maintenance and care, your recliner will continue to provide the comfort and relaxation you deserve. So next time your recliner footrest gets stuck or refuses to stay up, you’ll be well-equipped to handle the situation!