How to Repair a Bent Recliner Mechanism

in this video, I show a way to go about repairing a bent recliner mechanism. It is obviously ideal to replace the whole mechanism if that is an option, but they can be very expensive and hard to find. Always check with the store where you purchased it first to see if it is under warranty and the parts are available. If you absolutely have to, this is how you can straighten up the mechanism, however, keep in mind it will not be as strong as it was originally intended. thanks!

[@chadeller7189]

Finally someone posted a video on how to do that. 6’5” 280 and I’m on my second couch.

[@the323vlog4]

I figured it would help out a few folks. I get questions about it constantly.

[@ooofest]

This is similar to what I was thinking could work for a bent bar in our sofa bed, where a heavier person had been sleeping on the corner area for weeks and it eventually pulled down and away from the sofa's frame. So, removing the mechanism from the frame and hammering the bent area straight again seems a valid fix attempt, at least. Thanks for this video

[@the323vlog4]

Glad it helped

[@Dogg1512]

Just got my dual recliner reupholstered, however I just discovered that the backrest won't recline, just the footrest. Any suggestions on how to fix this, thanks 🙏

[@the323vlog4]

A lot of times the cord is disconnected underneath the back flap

[@TerryJohnson-bd1eo]

Anytime you bend steel without heating it to red to yellow-hot, it loses its strength. Bending the linkage straight means it’s now been bent twice. Heat the steel before straightening and weld an additional bead of steel across the bend to restore its strength or the linkage will be bent again, only sooner this time.

[@the323vlog4]

Thanks for the professional tip from a metal worker. My hope is everyone would purchase a new mechanism if able to, but the odds of any homeowner being able to complete that type of repair are slim to none, hence the solution I provided. In an ideal situation, I agree your option would most definitely be best.

[@techguy9023]

I have a push back recliner with a footrest that won’t retract because on the rt side a post that should drop in a groove to lock is caught between the scissor footrest extension. It appears it should ride on the bottom of the bar and drop into the groove. I don’t know how it got stuck. That side won’t fold because the part is wedged between.

[@the323vlog4]

I’m having trouble visualizing this. Are you able to send some pictures of the issue? [e-mail]

[@cheryladelmeyer8172]

My last recliner broke from too much pressure being put on the arm on the left side. I notice this may be going to happen again. The wood busted. Can I reinforce the wood by gluing another piece to it? I can feel it giving away when I force pressure on it standing up.

[@the323vlog4]

That sounds like a solid plan!

[@leebeasley7080]

I have one that didn’t bend much but just broke is there a easy way to replace just one piece

[@the323vlog4]

Unfortunately, no. They typically sell them as whole units

[@6xRedDevilx9]

I have a recliner where the pistons arm for the foot rest is catching the bottom frame any way you know to fix this?

[@the323vlog4]

I used to use a few washers between the metal frame and the mechanism to separate them. Assuming it’s not bent, otherwise, I’d remove it and straighten it out. Hope this helps

[@mariadelva6935]

Is there a way to stop a manual recliner from lifting the footrest too high?

[@the323vlog4]

Not that I’m aware of unfortunately

[@corryncalhoun6867]

Is there a way to reinforce the piece so it doesn't bend again so easily?

[@the323vlog4]

Not that I’m aware of. A welder may be able to think of something. Otherwise, that’s the downside of repairing a bent mech vs replacement.

[@Handygrrl]

Horizontal metal square tubing attached to lever broke off where it joins the "scissor" frame...reparable with Jb weld? Replaceable?

[@the323vlog4]

Recliner Drive Tube Replacement kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqXHhZWCmclofbM

[@Handygrrl]

@@the323vlog4 thank u so much 4 your kindness

[@the323vlog4]

@Handygrrl my pleasure! :)

[@katelatty3706]

I cant get the back of recliner off because one of the sides is so bent it wont slide off to even get apart! any suggestions?

[@the323vlog4]

I have a video on removing the backs you might take a look at to see if it helps

[@VyllenceGaming]

My recliner didn't come with that 1x2 stability bar and now the footrest mechanism is bent. How do I find a replacement?

[@the323vlog4]

I recommend checking with the store where it was purchased from because they are hard to find the exact replacement online.

[@jzipay1]

Is there any downside to using heat to make the metal more malleable?

[@the323vlog4]

That is a very good question, any metal workers have any input on this?

[@jeffreymalone5986]

Is it possible to do this repair, and at the same time modify the couch? I would like to put the loveseat back together without the center console. Would that work use the same 2 frame pieces?

[@the323vlog4]

Feel free to send me pictures of the connection points and I can try to help . My email is [e-mail]

[@redit5332]

My power recliner frame is bent. Why does it get bent? I wish you were near me to fix it. I'm handicapped and overweight somewhat at 250 lbs. It's my go-to chair for comfort and sleep.

[@the323vlog4]

It could be a number of reasons. The steel isn’t the best quality/guage. A lot of folks leave the footrest extended and their kids jump on them and bend them that way.

[@mariafenton7381]

Tēnā koe how do you know what’s meant to be bent

[@the323vlog4]

I usually compare side to side and what looks organic vs what doesn’t. I also try to operate a few times to see if anything is rubbing

[@vollyman1962]

This mechanism is a Regal 4302. I'm trying to make a recliner with one.

[@the323vlog4]

Good luck!

[@ashroman6163]

This wouldn’t be a lasting repair in most cases. Usually the metal bends because the rivet in the joint or joints nearest to the bent part are loose. To make it a lasting repair, you’d need to replace the rivets on each side of the bent part.

[@the323vlog4]

True, that’s why I stated that in the video description. It’s a last resort option

[@the323vlog4]

If you have any tips or videos on how to replace the rivets, we would all love to see it

[@calebhartz4469]

Damn that is a lot of work.