How can I tune up a recliner?

Below is a link to my sofa.
The recliner at the end(my chair) is starting to feel like it needs a tune up. When I try to lean back, i hear something scraping. It's not smooth like it used to be.
Also, lowering the leg rest is very hard. I feel like when I try to sit up, the back doesn't come all the way up, making it hard to lower the leg rest. I have to pretty much swing my body forward to make this happen

I flipped it over to see if there was something under there that needed greasing or tightening... but i culdn't see anything.

Any advice on what to look for?



http://www.homelivingfurniture.com/e...ig/1950340.jpg

 

You probably have a spring that came disconnected (or broken). It happens....
There are a number of springs that help with recline or footrest return. This could simultaneously be the sound of the scraping and reason for lack of return.

Or do your best to flip it over and take some pics.

 

If it is relatively new, a few years, it might still be covered under its warranty. I had the lower portion of my chair totally replaced no charge. But better yet, I watched. They come apart rather easily, at least mine did. Years later mine started doing as you describe and since it was beyond warranty I dug in. Most of the cloth was attached with velcro and there were a couple of snap brackets holding the back to the rest of the chair. What I have repaired on mine has been broken screws and busted wood brackets. When things break or let go, the mechanics starts to bind and scrape. The sooner you fix the problem, the less wear and tear on the mechanism.

Bud

 

I've had to do some "tweaking" to my favorite recliner. When I first got the chair it's spring tension was too strong and I could not stay reclined without effort. Apparently I'm too light, so I disconnected one of the reclining springs.

Then last year I leaned back and heard a "sproing" and heard the metallic clank of spring bits hitting the floor. I flipped the chair over and after a bit of searching found where there should be a spring. I measured the other springs that were in a similar position. Important was the length from end to end and the diameter of wire. Then I ordered replacements from Manhattan Supply but there are many other spring websites and industrial suppliers like Enco and McMaster Carr you can also check.

 

So I've been fighting this recliner with a broken (up to now irreplaceable) spring for years, and you come up with a good supplier.....thanks Dane. I have searched locally with no results. I have had the spring in the side cubby just waiting on this day. Hopefully the OP will benefit as well on his "tune up" without the normal spark plug change, etc.