Recliners are made for making your home comfy and pleasant aren’t they? But do you know that recliner is dependent on the spring for its movement and smooth performance. Many people often ask in wonder: where does the spring go on a recliner

For them, as the whole tension of the recliner depends on spring, it needs to be solid and reliable. So knowing the exact location bear some symbolic value to them. 

The spring of a recliner can be ineffective due to the excessive use. It can be broken, or damaged. In that case, you need to simply replace it.

But to do so you need to locate the spring and find a way to replace it. So where is the spring of a recliner? Let’s find out.

Finding Out the Recliner Spring

Every recliner uses mainly two types of spring. The first one is known as recoil spring, spring that absorbs most of the shock of a recliner or any other mechanism. 

This recoil spring holds the recliner’s tension and if it is broken, it won’t provide enough support. Eventually the recliner will sag slightly to one direction.

The other type of spring attached to a recliner is the zigzag spring. This is another main supporting spring that holds the recliner in position. If it is broken somehow, you shall face sudden, unexpected fall and sinking. That means it requires certain replacement.

So, to find out the position of these two types of springs, you need to flip the recliner upside down. Then you need to find out the bolts. Use a wrench or similar tool to unbolt them and to reach the springs.

Usually both types of springs are in the same place. So once you find where the spring of a recliner is, you can easily replace it without further ado.

finding out the recliner spring

How do You Measure a Spring? 

But if you wanna replace the spring you must replace it with a compatible one. But if the manufacturer guide doesn’t provide you any specific information then how can you do this. 

It’s simple. You need to measure the spring and buy similar sized one. To measure a spring, follow our simplified guideline.

Step 01: Firstly, the diameter of the spring should be measured with as much accuracy as you can. Use a caliper for this job.

Step 02: Now take the measurement of the outside diameter. Be precise not to make any miscalculation here. If you find contradictory reading take the bigger value.

Step 03: Now keep the spring freely without any pressure. Take measurement in this uncompressed condition.

Step 04: Then count how many coils are there. It is also important, because the more the coil numbers, the stronger it supports.

Step 05: Have a look at the ending of the spring. There are various types of ending. While buying you should buy an identical one.

Step 06: Last but not the least, you need to determine the type of material used in the spring. Some material draw magnet while others don’t. You need to know whether the material contains any alloy or not.

After all these assessments, you can get a good and hopefully accurate measurement of the spring. Then you’ll be able to replace your recliner spring with a matched one.

how do you measure a spring

Replacing the Recoil Spring 

To replace the recoil tension spring, follow these simple steps: 

Step 01: Turn the recliner upside down with a gentle move. Don’t put it hastily on the ground. Take help from others if necessary. 

Step 02: Find out the recoil spring. Check what is the problem with the spring. Is it broken, damaged or just worn out due to years of use? Or simply there is something else.

Step 03: Now if you notice something wrong, try to remove the old tension spring. Use a good wrench or plier to do the task. And beware not to hurt yourself while performing the job.

Step 04: Get a compatible recoil spring from any nearby shop. You should be sure not to buy an unmatched one, for they’ll only waste your time and money. You can measure the spring size by following the above mentioned process.

Step 05: Check the spring’s capacity and condition. If you find it to be okay, install it to the old place. Make sure you tighten the spring bolts properly, so that they won’t create further nuisance.

Step 06: Now flip the recliner to the original position and try it for a few times. If everything is okay, then you can take some rest. If not, something is gravely wrong and you probably need to consult a professional technician. 

But what if the problem lies with the other spring aka the zigzag spring?  It has its own solution too. If it has some problem, be it broken or damaged, you had better replace it. 

Replacing the Zigzag Spring 

If the zigzag spring has any faults, it won’t provide enough support to hold the recliner firm. The recliner will fall and not sag in this case. To replace the spring you have to follow the following steps.

Firstly, flip the recliner likewise. Find out where the retaining bolts are, and start loosening them one by one. However, you don’t need to remove them totally.

Secondly, check whether the spring is broken or not. You can easily find this out since the spring is large enough to be seen from the back. 

Thirdly, after you pull the upper part of the spring and let the rest comes off automatically. Remove the lower parts as well.

Fourthly, as done with the recoil spring, buy new zigzag spring that goes with your recliner model. You might have to buy a few springs depending on the necessity. You can take help from recliner manual for better understanding of the spring size.

Fifthly, you are now ready to replace the spring. First try to attach the top section part and then the lower part. Don’t haste while performing this.

Lastly, after the replacing procedure is complete, check whether everything is okay or not. Tightening the bolts attach the cover. Flip the recliner to its normal position. Test how the spring performs its mechanism.

In this way, you can locate the spring and replace them. Hopefully you shall get a better modified recliner footrest after the changes.

For better service form your recliner always try to avoid giving it extra chuck of load. Heavy loads can damage the spring and its longevity.

It is also advisable to adjust the tension of spring in a recliner according to the necessity. If you feel the recliner to be to rigid, loosen the spring like a bit, in a convenient position.

If you find the spring to be too loose and weak to hold necessary loads, try tightening it accordingly. If this doesn’t work, make sure to replace the spring before something serious happens.

Bottom Line 

Recliner spring is a vital asset to your comfy stuff. It needs proper maintenance as well as timely replacement in need.

A recliner spring always remains at the central back position to support the whole recliner and its master. Hopefully, you’ve got the answer to the question where does the spring go on a recliner

We’ve also given some crucial information about how you can replace the spring as well. Be happy in your couch and have a good day.