Find a recliner repair service near you

Reclining chair repair involves a number of different tasks, depending on the chair’s style and problems. Your handyman will assess your recliner and recommend a solution that will restore it to working order. Here are the most common repair services (aside from upholstery repair):

Cable check/replacement

The cable is a wire that activates the reclining mechanism. It’s normally the first part of the recliner chair to break down or malfunction. Your handyman will first flip the recliner onto its front and release the locks that hold the back of the chair in place. Then they’ll open up the recliner and check the cable, which sits on the inside wall of the chair. This cable is put back into the correct position if it’s been dislodged. In some cases, the cable may need to be replaced entirely. If this happens, your repairer will dislodge the cable hook, separate it from the clips, and remove the screws from the handle to remove the entire cable mechanism. They’ll place new cable through the hole and screw it into place, feeding the cable wire through the same clips and putting the hook back into position.

Reclining mechanism

If the reclining mechanism is damaged, your handyman may recommend replacing the mechanism. To do this, they'll first flip the recliner onto its front and release the locks that hold the back of the chair in place. Then they’ll flip the chair completely upside down and remove the bolts that hold the reclining mechanism to the rail system. This gives your handyman access to the inside of the recliner chair. Next, they’ll remove the cable and bolts that hold the reclining mechanism to the footrest before securing a new reclining mechanism.

Electric recliner chair repair

First, your chair repairer will connect the transformer and power cord and flip the chair over to check that all the chords are connected to the motor that powers the recline. Most of the time, electric recliners stop working because a plug has become loose. If it still doesn’t work, your handyman will check all the wires and repaired them if damaged. To repair the wires, your handyman will strip them of insulation. They’ll use a soldering iron to reconnect exposed wires and protect them using a heat shrink. Alternatively, if you need your motor replaced, your handyman will disconnect the old one and reconnect a new one in its place.