Where Does The Spring Go On A Recliner?

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Has your recliner troubleshooting session gone wrong? Are you trying to place back your spring? Maybe, you’re trying to install your replacement spring on the chair?

If you’re incompetent or unsure about the steps you’re performing, don’t attempt to replace your recliner’s springs alone. Missed steps could cause recliner damage during spring repair.

That said, an expert’s help is quite costly. Hence, you may wish to fix your chair’s spring by yourself. So, where does the spring go on a recliner?

Dive into my simple guide to determine the location of a recliner’s spring and how to repair it when damaged.

Table of Contents

Where Does the Spring Go on a Recliner?

Each recliner primarily contains two spring types. Both spring types are typically in the same location and include:

Tension/serpentine/recoil spring: Absorbs the vast bulk of shock on the mechanism or recliner in general. It maintains the tension in your recliner, and if it breaks, the recliner fails to provide adequate support. As a result, the recliner slightly leans to one side. (Here’s how to fix a leaning recliner)
The sinuous/zigzag spring: Serves to maintain your recliner in place. If compromised in any way, you experience abrupt, unforeseen sinking. Hence, it requires keenness during replacement.

Now, to determine the location of the springs on a recliner, overturn your chair. Afterward, locate the bolts and unfasten them with a wrench or similar tool to access the springs.

Before reinstalling your new springs, assess their length against the old ones. If longer, trim the excesses with clean scissors, insert them through an end, and secure them on the opposite side.

Below are detailed steps for fixing recliner springs.

How Do You Fit a Spring on a Recliner Chair?

Repairing a chair’s wonky springs saves time, money, and uncomfortable sittings. To fix a recliner spring, identify the type you are dealing with and proceed thus:

How Do You Replace a Tension Spring on a Recliner?

Carry out the fixing in a place with ample lighting and ventilation. Get compatible and rightly-sized recoil spring and proceed this way:

Invert your recliner to gain access to its mechanism and inner components.
Remove the cover and locate the faulty spring.
Check to see if any coils are lacking, worn, or destroyed.
If so, disconnect them at their attachments using pliers. Wear goggles as they’ve high tension and may snap.
Before insertion, stretch your replacement springs. Gently pry your spring apart with two screwdrivers. Repeat this on the middle part and allow the spring to rest for some time.
Insert the replacement spring carefully in its proper location. To prevent an accident, lock adjustable pliers.
Ascertain that the tension spring is secure before returning the recliner to its upright position
Test if your recliner works well.

Want to learn more? Follow this simple DIY guide on how to replace a recliner spring by yourself.

How Do You Attach a Zigzag Spring?

To attach a zigzag spring, get a compatible and similar-sized replacement spring and:

Invert your recliner and detach the covering.
Remove its staples with a screwdriver or staple remover. Take care, as you’ll later return the same upholstery.
Peel away the padding and fabric to expose your recliner’s insides.
Locate the faulty zigzag recliner springs. Being large and running parallel to each other on your seat’s underside, these springs should be a cinch to spot.
Gently pull the broken spring’s top part until it unlatches.
Next, remove the spring’s bottom from the clamp.
Get your replacement spring and proceed by affixing the upper section and then securing the bottom (this section is more visible).
Reattach your upholstery after ensuring that the zigzag spring is secure.
Return your chair upright and assess for comfort.

Conclusion

Do you now know where the spring goes on a recliner? Did you proceed to fix missing, loose, or broken recliner springs? Indeed, repairing a recliner’s springs isn’t hard. It only needs patience and practice, and the results are worth it.

Even though replacing a recliner spring doesn’t demand professional help, sometimes you need assistance. The zigzag spring, in particular, is a tad challenging to fix. In such cases, you may opt for expert repair but assess if it’s worth the money.

Once you know whether it’s your tension or zigzag spring needing attention, handling the rest is quick. So, try saving the professional repair cash for a classy recliner slipcover or affordable reupholstery.

Author

Andrew Smith

Andrew Smith is the founder of CozySeating, is a father of 2, and an engineer from one of the leading furniture stores in the country. Due to his 10 years of experience, he has proved to be the best person to offer advice to clients regarding different seating furniture based on their needs and performance. Besides, he is a specialist in product reviews and always keeps up with the current trends in the market.

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