Recliner chairs boast incredible comfortability and extra features for an improved relaxing experience. That’s why they are suitable for many professional and home environments.
But we have to say; after extensive use, it’s not uncommon that your recliner might take a beating. Accordingly, they probably lean towards one side, dampening your unwind experience. It is a sure-fire reminder to repair and maintain your recliner.
To make everything easier for you, we have compiled some tips to fix a leaning recliner along with other helpful information. Let’s check it out.
What are Possible Reasons?
First, we will talk about several causes why your recliner can lean to the side. By knowing these reasons, you can feasibly repair it. On the other end, a few issues might call for expert help. Here are some possible causes:
1. Uneven Floor
Over time, uneven weight distribution can result in a leaning recliner. If a leg/area of the floor appears to be more elevated than the others, the weight could be more favorably put in one place than another, causing pressure on the components in this area.
Replacement parts are available, yet relocating the recliner soon is the best solution you can do.
2. Weak or Broken Reclining Mechanism
There’s a sliding frame in your recliner, letting it go back and forth. If any component built-in this sliding frame is faulty or broken, your recliner can lean to one side.
3. Badly-built Or Weak Frame
Poor construction and design can be, normally, noticed after you sit on it several times. This reason is popular among lower-end recliner chairs as the manufacturers have to compromise the quality of materials for an affordable price.
Accordingly, they offer a period of warranties, so we recommend you to take advantage of this benefit whenever your recliners have any problem.
5. Uneven Padding
It seems to be more of a cosmetic issue than a structural problem. However, it probably gives you the wrong impression that your chair is broken.
Plus, it can agitate your back pain as opposed to alleviating it. Any simple padding change of arrangement can usually solve the problem.
How to Fix a Leaning Recliner
As we mentioned above, it is quite simple to repair a leaning recliner. Regardless, you need to follow certain steps to get everything done perfectly. Should you adhere to the following steps, you can have your recliner fixed flawlessly.
But before we dive into the instruction, let’s see what you will prepare first.
What to Prepare
1. Screwdriver
It is a popular, multi-tasking household tool that every household must have at least one if not a whole set. You will need a screwdriver to unlock all the joints of the chair and panels.
2. Lubricate Oil
It is necessary for lubricating old or rusted joints to make them move around or come off more easily. It can be used either in drip or in spray form.
3. Newspaper/Towel
Remember to prepare an old towel or newspaper to prevent oil spills during the process from staining your floor.
4. Wood Glue
Wood glue is better than conventional glue. It can hold objects together with a better adhesive. It is helpful to reconnect wooden panels or stiffening wooden joints effectively.
5. Wooden Panels
You will need wooden panels to cover the mechanism and put the upholstery of the recliner back down.
6. Pry Bar
A pry bar will help you to force some unbolted components open. That said, extensive care can be used when utilizing this tool as you will not want to damage the recliner more.
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1
Put your recliner in a place in which you can access its hidden wooden panel effortlessly. Remember to loosen its screws on this panel and the footrest in case this place is affected.
Step 2
Don’t forget to remove any coverings or upholstery hiding the frame to deliver a greater view.
Step 3
Apply oil to every joint and spring that is creaky or rusty. Next, you should put a newspaper or towel on the floor to catch all oil drips (if any). Remember to wipe away the excess oil.
Step 4
Put back the joints taken off or loosened in the process with a screwdriver. It is better to be careful with the joints next to springs. Moreover, it is important to remove the tension from any coils for the spring and then shoot off.
Step 5
Check the perimeters of the joints and your chair frame to ensure if there is any big crack or hairline crack. If yes, you need to alter them early.
Step 6
With all the parts you remove from your chair for replacement, remember to clean out the places where the parts were. After cleaning these areas, you want to refer to the chair’s manual for instructions when setting up.
Step 7
If there is any broken/disconnected wooden part, it can be easily mended with wood glue. You will need the additional support of metal braces.
Step 8
After fastening all the parts, you need to use wooden panels to cover the mechanism and put your chair’s upholstery back down.
So you have gone through the steps to fix your recliner’s leaning problem. It sounds easy to do, yet there are some concrete rules that you want to remember.
Rules to Follow
The following rules can keep you from risks and help your job done effectively. Some might find them obvious, yet it is nonetheless crucial to point out what they are.
- Remember to secure the joints tightly and properly after replacing or unfastening them. Tight screws and joints will hold all the components of your recliner in place.
- Use oil on every rusty/creaky joint to replace and unfasten it easily.
- Ask for help to get your job done safely.
You might wonder, “When do I need expert help?” Keep reading the next part of our article to know.
When to Ask for Professional Help
You might reach a point where you think you try everything, but you can’t fix some specific issues. They can be extreme for you to try to repair on your own. Below are some circumstances you want to ask for a professional.
- You can’t physically move the recliner around or examine it by yourself.
- You can’t pinpoint why your recliner is leaning, although you checked all possible causes.
- You have tried to alter a component you believe is the problem’s root. However, you find it difficult to take the matter into your hands, possibly creating more problems down the line.
- You have already checked stuck or debris objects that can make your chair lean to one side.
In case you need to replace several parts of your recliner, we have listed some great options for your consideration below.
Recommended Replacement Parts
1. Stander Recliner Lever Extender
It is an oversized handle to put your recliner lever within easy reach. It features a big curve grip, providing leverage to make lowering and raising leg rest much easier.
There is also a padded design to protect your chair handle. With this product, you will not need any extra tools for installation.
Another plus point is that its versatile black color matches your home’s look and feel.
2. Recliner Replacement Parts Mechanism
This multi-purpose recliner replacement kit comes with cables and handles, fitting most sofas. It is made of sturdy materials, delivering a long life.
These replacement parts are not suitable for every piece of furniture. Before buying them, it is better to know if your handle and cable’s sizes are similar to those of this set.
The handle’s big face is 4.3 inches x 2.7 inches, while the cable boasts a total length of around 38.2 inches and an exposed length of 4.72 inches.
How to Avoid Such Problems
If you are aware of possible issues that can arise in your chair after extensive use, you can do several things now to avoid the same problems happening in the future. Take a look below:
- Keep your chair on an even surface to get even distribution of weight.
- Frequently check your recliner’s structure and frame. We highly recommend you maintain a monthly examination schedule.
- Ensure to buy high-quality recliner chairs from prestigious providers. Low-end recliners can deteriorate more quickly than others.
Final Thoughts
That’s all about how to fix a recliner that leans to one side. Don’t rush to throw away your leaning recliner. Leaning is not a big deal to repair. You only need to prepare several basic tools and simple repairing skills to make your chair live again!
You can do it by yourself, but if there is any issue you find hard to deal with, it is better to call for professional help. Remember to check for all common causes mentioned above and try out our step-by-step instructions prior to calling help.
For more maintenance tips, you might also want to read:
- Easy Steps to Restuff Your Old Recliner
- 9 Simple Steps to Stop Your Favorite Recliner From Squeaking
