Mend > Chairs

how can I fix a wiggly arm on a lazyboy recliner?

The arm of my lazyboy recliner is really wiggly and loose. It is loose at the back of the arm where it connects to the back rest and also where it connects to the side by the chair cushion. How would be the best ( and easiest) way to fix it? I can't seem to get to the place on the side where it connects because the cushion is in the way--can this come off? and also the back?? Please help!!

K Kizer
June 2009

Lazy Boy Furniture, Chairs Lazyboy Recliner Chair

Remove the back, the swivel platform, if equipped, and the rocker platform. (Other sites tell you how to do that.) Open the chair to the reclining position. With the chair upside down, pull the staples holding the upholstery and "undress" the area where you see all of the play while moving the arm in and out. This will be on the front vertical corner edge of the chair. Look carefully at the gap that opens and closes as you wiggle the arm. You will see the gap and staple legs that no longer hold the two pieces together. You will also see the remains of green glue that once held, along with the staples, the arm section to a inside panel. Carefully increase the gap so you can cut the staples with a pair of dikes. Since it was once glued, I used Gorilla glue in the gap and clamps to pull the gap closed followed by a 6 screw angle bracket and screws from the inside of the panel. Re-dress the upholstery and re-assemble the chair. Wish I could show pictures on this site so you could see exactly what I am talking about. It is now stronger than it was and you would never know I had worked on it.

Ron H.
October 2017