So, you finally treated yourself to that luxurious new recliner you’ve been eyeing for months.
But once you got it home and set up, you realized that closing the footrest feels like a wrestling match. What’s the deal?
Turns out – this is a common issue.
And the good news is there are usually some easy fixes.
In this post, I’ll shed some light on why your new recliner hard to close and how to fix it.
There are a few common reasons why that new recliner might be hard to close:
Many recliners have adjustable tension on the spring mechanism that controls the footrest. This is designed to make the recliner easier to use for people of different weights and sizes.
If the tension is set too high, it will require more force to close the footrest.
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Especially with wall-hugger recliners, using the right technique can make a big difference.
The idea is to use your body weight to push back against the backrest, not pushing down on the footrest itself. Try using your heels to hook under the footrest and push back that way.
Even brand new recliners sometimes need a little tightening up.
Vibrations from shipping/installation can loosen screws and mechanisms that help the footrest open and close smoothly.
Many recliners use a cable release system to control the footrest extension and retraction. If this cable gets stuck, frayed or disconnected, it can prevent the footrest from closing properly.
The footrest usually also has some springs that help it extend and retract with ease.
If these get gummed up or stuck, it makes it way harder to push the footrest back in when closing.
So, how should you go about fixing this issue with your recliner? Let me go over that now! Start with some easy steps and work your way up.
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Before taking your recliner apart, here are some tips that might fix a stuck footrest:
If those simple tips don’t work, it’s probably time for a deeper dive.
For most standard recliners, there are generally 4 main components we need to inspect when the footrest is being fussy:
1. The button/lever control
2. The power supply and wiring (if powered)
3. The base/footrest motor
4. The spring mechanisms
A good first step is replacing the button/lever control if yours is removable. Carefully pry off any plastic cover and unscrew the control. You should then be able to access and replace the entire button control mechanism.
For powered recliners, also check that the power supply and all wiring is properly connected between the motor, control, and wall outlet.
A bad power supply is one of the most common culprits. Swap in a fresh one and see if your footrest powers open/closed normally again.
If that didn’t help, it’s likely an issue with either the base/footrest motor or the spring mechanism. Time to get your hands dirty!
Also Read: Massage chair stuck in recline
Locate the access panel or move the recliner completely onto its side.
You should see the core motor that controls the footrest extension/retraction. It’s usually held in place by 4-8 bolts into the frame.
Before removing it, be sure to note the positioning and unplug any wiring connected to the motor unit. Then simply unbolt the motor, swap in your replacement part, bolt back into the same position, and reconnect the wiring.
If a new motor didn’t fix your recliner, chances are some internal springs are seized up. This repair is trickier and may require more disassembly to access the spring mechanisms.
Look for any locking pins, catches, or additional bolts/screws that may need to be removed or loosened to expose the footrest springs.
Use a lubricant like WD-40 to loosen up the springs and mechanisms if they seem stuck.
As a last resort, you may need to remove and replace the entire spring-loaded footrest unit. Consult any documentation for your specific recliner model for guidance here.
If your power recliner won’t close all the way, check the power source and for any objects blocking the footrest. If that isn’t the case, it could be loose connections or mechanical problems like worn gears – which you should call a pro.
Many recliners have adjustable springs that control the tension on the footrest. If the footrest is stiff and difficult to close, you can loosen the tension by adjusting the springs.
Friction can also make the footrest difficult to close. You can also use a silicone spray lubricant or a lubricant like WD-40 to reduce friction and make things move more smoothly.
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