How To Fix A Recliner Footrest: Easy Steps 2026

Tighten loose screws, replace the release cable or spring, realign the ratchet, and lubricate pivots.

If you want to know how to fix a recliner footrest the right way, you are in the right place. I have repaired recliners for years in homes and shops. In this guide, I will show you how to fix a recliner footrest with simple steps, clear checks, and smart tips that save time and money. Stay with me, and you will feel confident tackling your recliner footrest repair today.

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Understand your recliner chair and what usually breaks

Most recliner ergonomic footrest issues come from a few parts. The release cable, the pawl and ratchet that lock the footrest, the tension springs, and the scissor arms. On power chairs, the motor, switch, and power unit play a key role.

Flip the recliner on its back. Use a towel to protect the floor. Check the mechanism from front to back. Look for bent arms, missing screws, loose bolts, and worn teeth on the ratchet. If you know how to fix recliner footrest, you start with a clean look at the whole path of motion.

There are three common types. Lever or handle with a cable. Push back with tension springs and cams. Power models with a motor and control box. Each has a simple fix flow. You will learn how to fix a recliner footrest height on each type below.

Safety and tools you need before you start

Work safe and slow. Unplug power recliners. Keep kids and pets clear. Wear gloves and eye protection. Support heavy parts with a wood block.

Have these tools ready:

• Phillips and flat screwdrivers for covers and plates.
• Needle nose pliers for clips and cable ends.
• Adjustable wrench and socket set for bolts.
• Allen keys for tension knobs on some chairs.
• White lithium grease or silicone spray for pivots.
• Replacement cable, pawl spring, torsion springs, and clips as needed.

I keep a small tray for screws. Label left and right parts. This one habit has saved me many repeat trips. It also speeds up a recliner chair footrest when parts look alike.

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How to fix a lazy boy recliner footrest on manual and push back models

Here is a simple process I use on most manual recliners. It covers the top causes and the exact steps to fix them.

Step 1: Inspect the release cable and handle

1. Remove the side panel if there is one. Pull the handle and watch the cable move.
2. Check the sheath for kinks or frays. Check the barrel end near the mechanism.
3. Tighten the clamp that holds the cable. A loose clamp makes the footrest not release.
4. If the cable is broken, measure the old one from handle barrel to end. Match length and end style. Replace it and test. This is the fastest way for fix a recliner footrest when the handle does nothing.

Step 2: Check the pawl and ratchet lock

1. Raise the footrest. Look at the teeth that hold it up.
2. Tighten loose screws on the pawl plate. Replace a weak pawl spring.
3. If the teeth are worn smooth, replace the ratchet bar and pawl as a set.
4. Lightly grease the contact points. Do not overdo it. Too much grease can make it slip.

Step 3: Examine torsion or extension springs

1. Look for a broken or stretched spring on the scissor arms.
2. Replace springs in pairs so tension stays even.
3. Use pliers to hook the new spring. Keep hands clear of pinch points.
4. This is a core move in a recliner footrest that will not pop up or will not stay up.

Step 4: Align and tighten the scissor linkage

1. Check for bent arms. A small bend can jam the motion.
2. Straighten minor bends with pliers. Replace cracked parts.
3. Tighten pivot bolts. Add nylon lock nuts if they loosen often.

Step 5: Lubricate only the right spots

1. Clean dirt with a dry cloth first.
2. Use white lithium grease on pivots and sliders. Use silicone on glide rails.
3. Avoid oil that runs. It attracts dust and gums up the action.

Step 6: Fix push back recliner tension

1. Turn the recliner over. Find the tension knobs or nuts near the back arms.
2. Tighten both sides evenly to add resistance. Loosen to reduce effort.
3. Check the striker plate and catch. Tighten screws and adjust the footrest locks cleanly.

These steps cover most fix a recliner footrest in a single session. In my experience, cables and springs account for most repairs. Keep the movement smooth and the locks firm.

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How to fix a recliner footrest on power recliners

Power models are easy once you follow a clear path. Think power source first, then switches, then the motor and linkage.

Step 1: Verify power

1. Unplug the chair. Wait one minute. Plug into a known good outlet.
2. Check the power supply light. Many show green when working.
3. Confirm each plug is tight. Follow the cord from wall to transformer to motor.

Step 2: Test the switch

1. Remove the switch panel. Check for loose wires.
2. Press the switch and listen. No click may mean a bad switch.
3. If you have a multimeter, check continuity at the switch while pressing it.

Step 3: Reset the control

1. Unplug the chair for one minute.
2. Hold the extend and retract buttons together for ten seconds after plugging in.
3. Run the footrest through a full extend and retract. This can fix limit errors.

Step 4: Check the motor and gearbox

1. With power off, inspect the drive rod and pins for damage.
2. If the motor hums but does not move, remove the clevis pin and test motor alone.
3. Replace the motor if it does not run under light load. Lube the sliders and pivots after you refit the pin.

Step 5: Clear jams and realign

1. Look for coins, toys, or remote cables stuck in the tracks.
2. Check the limit switch arms on some units. Make sure they touch at the right points.
3. Tighten mounting screws on the motor bracket and linkage.

This is reclining chair footrest without guesswork. Take photos as you go. It makes reassembly fast and safe.

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Parts that last and how to choose them right

Picking the right part is half for fix a recliner footrest. Bad matches cause repeat faults.

Use these tips:

• Match cable length, sheath length, and end type. Look for ball end or S hook types.
• Replace springs in pairs. Count coils and measure the free length to match tension.
• Buy pawl and ratchet as a kit if teeth look worn. Mixed wear makes a weak lock.
• For motors, match voltage and connector type. Many use 24 to 29 volts DC units.
• Keep extra E clips, washers, and lock nuts on hand. Small hardware fails often.

I prefer parts from the chair maker when cost allows. Generic parts can work if specs match. This focus on fit is key to recliner footrest that stays fixed.

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Preventive care to keep the footrest smooth

A little care keeps the mechanism quiet and strong. It also reduces how often you need to learn about fix a recliner footrest.

Try this simple plan:

• Vacuum under and around the chair each month. Grit wears parts.
• Wipe and lube pivots twice a year with white lithium grease.
• Tighten all visible screws every three to six months.
• Do not stand on the footrest. It is not a step stool.
• Teach kids to close the footrest before they hop off. It saves the lock teeth.

These small habits add years to the life of the chair. They also keep the motion smooth and light.

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How to Repair a Recliner Footrest or replace?

You want a fix that makes sense. Here is a simple guide I use with clients when we talk about how to fix a recliner footrest.

Typical costs and time:

• Release cable: 10 to 20 dollars. Thirty to sixty minutes.
• Recliner footrest repair kit: 15 to 30 dollars. Forty five to ninety minutes.
• Torsion springs: 8 to 15 dollars each. Forty five to ninety minutes.
• Power switch: 15 to 40 dollars. Thirty to sixty minutes.
• Motor or actuator: 80 to 200 dollars. One to two hours.

Replace the chair if the frame is cracked, or if many parts are worn at once. Fix it if the frame is solid and the issue is cable, spring, or motor. This is the smart way to decide to fix a recliner footrest with your budget in mind.

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Common mistakes to avoid when learning how to fix a recliner footrest

Skip these traps. They cause repeat work and extra cost.

• Using thin oil on pivots. It runs and collects dust. Use white lithium grease.
• Forcing the recliner chair hard to close footrest when it binds. Find the jam first.
• Mixing left and right parts. Sort and label as you remove them.
• Buying the wrong cable length. Measure end to end before you order.
• electric recliner footrest not working? work with the chair plugged in. Always cut power on electric units.

I have made a few of these mistakes. The worst was using the wrong spring pair. The footrest felt fine at first, then recliner footrest sagging. The fix was to match tension, not just size. That is a core lesson in about to fix a recliner footrest that lasts.

Quick troubleshooting checklist

Use this fast checklist before you order parts. It can shave hours off your day when you plan to fix a recliner footrest.

• Handle moves but footrest does not: cable loose or broken.
• Footrest pops up but will not stay: pawl spring weak or teeth worn.
• Footrest hard to move: dry pivots or bent scissor arm.
• Loud click or grind: loose bolts or misaligned ratchet bar.
• Power unit dead: check outlet, transformer light, and all plugs.
• Power unit hums: jammed track or weak motor.

Run one fix at a time. Test after each change. This keeps the process clear and calm.

FAQs of how to fix a recliner footrest

How do I know if the release cable is bad?

If the handle moves with no resistance, the cable may be broken. Check the ends for fray or a pulled barrel. Replace if damaged.

What lubricant should I use on the footrest mechanism?

Use white lithium grease on pivots and silicone spray on slides. Avoid thin oils since they attract dust and can gum the action.

Can I fix a power recliner footrest that is stuck midway?

Yes. Unplug the chair, clear jams, and reset by holding both buttons. Check plugs and test the motor after you reseat all connectors.

How often should I maintain my recliner footrest?

Do a quick check every three months and lube twice a year. Tighten screws and clean tracks to prevent wear.

Is it worth replacing a motor on an old power recliner?

If the frame and cushions are good, a motor swap can be smart. Compare the motor cost to the value of the chair and the price of a new one.

Why does my footrest not lock in place?

The pawl spring may be weak or the ratchet teeth are worn. Replace the spring or the pawl and ratchet bar as a set.

Do I need exact part numbers for cables and springs?

It helps, but you can also match by length and end type. For springs, match coil count, wire size, and free length.

Conclusion

You now know how to fix a recliner footrest with a clear, safe plan. Start with a full check, target the cable, pawl, and springs, then lube and align. For power units, confirm power and reset, then test the switch and motor.

Take one step at a time and test as you go. A careful check and the right part can bring your chair back in under an hour. Try one fix today, and share your results or questions. If you found this helpful, subscribe for more simple home repair guides.