How to Fix a Recliner that Leans to One Side? | Step-by-Step Guide (2022)

A recliner is an intelligent choice of furniture for someone that craves comfort after a long day at work. This piece of furniture is made from the ground up to provide for consumers that want something a little more comfortable than your average couch. They have additional features and are well-suited in professional and domestic environments.

It’s a cozy piece of furniture, but it’s not immune to damage over time. If your recliner has a bit of a tendency to lean over one side, you’re at just the right place. Here are a few steps you can use to fix your recliner that is leaning over one side.

What Causes a Recliner to Lean at One Side?

Before we actually move towards the solution, let’s first talk about why exactly a recliner might lean towards one side.

Manufacturing Default

The problem might be a lot less complicated than you might think initially. The reason behind a new recliner leaning over the side could just be a manufacturing defect. Even if you’re purchasing a product from one of the best vendors in the market, it never really rules out the possibility of getting a defective product. If this is the case in your situation, you can claim the warranty with the manufacturer.

Poor Design and Cheap Materials

If you’ve been using your recliner for a few months and you’ve just recently started noticing the tilt to the side, there’s a pretty good chance that you bought a cheap recliner or a recliner made with cheap materials. These recliners are made to look good and are difficult to tell apart from an expensive recliner. If you do end up purchasing a cheap recliner, you’ll see it deteriorating in quality over time.

How to Fix a Recliner that Leans to One Side?

If you want to fix your recliner chair so that it doesn’t tilt to one side, you’ll need the right equipment for the job. Some of these tools are likely already in your home, but if not, you can easily find them at your local hardware shop.

Screwdriver

A screwdriver is a versatile household item you’re likely to already have in your home. You’ll use a screwdriver to remove screws that unlock panels and joints. 

White Glue

Regular glue is less effective than white glue. So, white glue is commonly used in construction situations to keep items together as a strong adhesive. White glue can be utilized to reattach stiffening wooden joints and/or wooden panels.

Lubricant

Oil will be needed to lubricate rusty or aged joints, allowing them to come off / move around more freely. This can be applied as a drip or as a spray. As previously said, preventing your recliner chair from leaning to one side is rather simple.

Step-By-Step Guide to Fixing Your Recliner

Step 1: Position the recliner so that you can easily reach the hidden wooden panel. Loosen the screws on the panel as you go. If the footrest is impacted as well, repeat the procedure.

Step 2: To better view the frame, remove any upholstery or coverings that are obscuring it.

Step 3: Add oil to any rusted or creaking springs and joints if necessary. Use a towel or newspaper on the ground to catch any oil drops. Excess oil should always be wiped away.

Step 4: Use your screwdriver to reattach any loose or missing joints that occurred during the operation. Joints near springs should be treated with great caution. The last thing you want is for the spring to lose tension and fly away from the coils.

Step 5: Look for hairline cracks or large cracks along the perimeters of your recliner’s frame and joints. If any of them appear to be cracked, you should replace them as soon as possible. It is a very important step in finding how to fix a recliner that leans to one side.

Step 6: Before removing any part from your recliner for replacement, make sure to clean out the area where the part was. After cleaning the area, consult the recliner’s manual/new part handbook for additional installation instructions.

Step 7: If any wooden parts break or get disconnected, white glue can be used to repair them. Metal bracing can be used to provide additional support.

Step 8: After all parts are in working order and secured, cover the machinery with wooden panels and replace the upholstery. When repairing a chair, there are a few basic guidelines to follow.

Precautions to Keep in Mind

After you’ve unfastened or replaced a joint, make sure it’s properly secured. The chair’s components will last longer if the joints and screws are tight. Rub them with oil to make them easier to unfasten and replace any rusted or creaking joints.

To complete the job more safely, enlist assistance. You may easily move the recliner around as needed with the assistance of others. Always look for debris or stuck things that could be causing your chair to lean and not work properly.

Final Verdict

There are several reasons for the leaning of the recliner to one side. Broken parts, a bad design, poor structure, and cheap material are the leading causes. The first remedy is the manufacturer’s warranty, if available.

A simple screw tightening or lubrication may fix the leaning problem of your recliner. On the other hand, it might not be fixed despite professional help.

Generally, it is a much easier and simpler tip that works perfectly well. How to fix a recliner that leans to one side is answered here professionally. So read entirely and act accordingly to avoid problems.