How to Install La-z-boy Rocker Springs (& Base Removal) 

EXCELLENT INFORMATION AND VIDEO. I FOLLOWED YOUR PROCEDURE AND THE SPRING REPAIR WORKED PERFECTLY. THANK YOU. I did 1 thing differently, instead of cutting a 1.5 inch wood spacer, I used a wine bottle cork (plastic). The cork was 1.7 inch tall initially. Plastic corks don't compress as much as real cork, but the plastic cork compressed minimally to 1.5 inch (measured after the repair), which was exactly what I wanted.

From the day it was delivered, my now 2 yr old Laz-E-Boy has had too much pitch. I didn't really notice as my old recliner had the same condition, after 20 yrs of being 'broken in.' Not long after my new Laz-E-Boy was delivered my son-in-law sat down and actually tipped back to the floor - without reclining. When I sit in it my feet are 6-8" off the floor, and I am 6'3". I searched all over for a pitch adjustment instruction for my Laz-E-Boy, luckily I found this video that exactly matched my recliner. It has only an incidental mention of the pitch adjustment near the end. Thank you for that. I followed your instructions to EASILY move the springs back to the last holes, but unfortunately, you only get about 1MM, not even noticeable, which you also mentioned. But I had to try. Since that didn't help, I placed a 2x4 under the legs at the back of the base, it is like I just got a brand new chair. I can watch TV with my feet up and without falling back to full recline, and I don't end up on my head on the floor while taking a nap.

Thank you for making this video. My youngest decided to disassemble the base from the chair when my wife asked him to “take it apart”. What she meant was to take the top off so she could laid it into our van. I figured the springs had to be spread out after looking at it for a few minutes after work this morning, but would not have thought of the shims to keep the spring open. As they say, keep it simple stupid, (referring to myself as I usually overthink things)

I had to repair the base on my La-z-boy recliner/rocker. That was the easy part, but required taking the base off the springs. Then I realized that the springs were under tension and couldn't get them back together. Your trick of putting a spacer to hold them under tension. That worked and I was able to get the chair all back together. Thanks!

Thank you for making this video. It gave me clear, safe, directions on how to change my springs. My rocker feels brand new again!

Great video. Just what I needed. My new La-z-boy wasn't as comfortable as my old one that was way past worn out. I didn't like the pitch of the new one as it leaned back too far. I put a wedge behind the springs which limited rocking backward but it also limited how much the footrest would ratchet up. I noticed that my old great rocker had the springs mounted in the rear most holes meaning the springs were more forward, nearer to the footrest. My new recliner used the center hole position. This video was great for moving the springs forward to reduce the pitch, using the back holes. It was enough to make me happy, just like my old chair. I cut 1 1/2 inch segments off a wood paint stirrer and that worked perfectly for the spacers. Very easy to do and now I'm happy with my new chair.

One of the most clear, concise and thought out videos I have ever seen regarding a repair. Very well done. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

I wish I watched this before I took the bottom off, I had so much trouble trying to get tension back into the springs and line up the screw holes. I finally got it back with they help of multiple vise grips and various other tools. It took me about 2 hours and my back it absolutely killing me.

Thanks for the tips! They made the project simple! Used a shim turned sideways to prop the springs open. Saved us $700 + fixing the spring instead of buying a new chair.

Thx for putting this video online. I have to replace the springs on my recliner

My dad and i repaired or rocker because of you. We cut out our own wood for one of the rocker legs and repaired it. Thanks for making helpful videos

THANK YOU! excellent video, was hoping you mentioned the spacer measurements and you DID! True pro!

I’m restoring a really old delapidated rocker chair for young man. It belonged to his wives Grandmother. I’m replacing the rocker springs and your spread block idea is genius. Thanks!

The person that built mine used the end hole that tilted it way back. I was fixing the rocker block, which had no glue on the dowels and failed, when I found the springs weren't mounted neutral. I did the bolt fix to the blocks and moved the springs to neutral. WOW. What a difference. For the money paid, pretty unimpressed with the construction of the rocker assembly. And whatever genius decided to use a plastic bushing on the leg left needs fired too, already replaced one of those that disintegrated. I'm becoming quite experienced in lazyboy repairs. Thanks you for all the great videos.

Thanks for showing how to reinstall the base to the rocker springs. Your video has helped me out twice in recent years. I recently had to make a repair to a rocker panel. I had forgotten all about the spacers this time around. It was way easier to take it apart than it was to try to get it put back together, without them. Haha. Anyway, the original glue had failed & one of the dowel rods snapped in half. Apparently the additional three staples also installed didn't help keep it together. I just want to say thank you very much for sharing knowledge. I now have my happy space back! Lol! Hahaha!

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Thanks very helpful, I’m working on one of those old chairs and need to paint the base. 👍great video!

I did this just the way he said, and it worked fine. The tough part was putting the spacers in the new springs - they were stiff!

Had to stretch the springs with pliers and jam We the Living into the opening. That got me to the holes. As Rand once said, “The question isn't who is going to let me; it's who is going to stop me.” Those springs were quite hard to pull though.

Excellent. Thanks for posting!

Thank you! Great info.

Excellent! Thank you

I've replaced probably 2 dozen pairs of springs over the years (I like to rock), and whenever I bought new springs, they did come with a spacer. Been through 4 or 5 chairs, and La-z-Boy replacement springs were free if you had serial #. Otherwise, they cost me $15/pr. Only ran across 1 reamed out hole, and a wooden golf tee took care of that problem nicely.

First, it's timely that I find your site. Second, we have lived the deterioration of the quality of La-z-boy products and service. We have two "big guy" recliners from about 20 years ago that are better than the newest one which is only 5 years old. However, the current issue is that on one side, for whatever reason, the three screws that attach the spring to the rocker block are stripped out to the point that they just fall out. Note that this chair has not been abused and is seldom reclined, so it's not obvious to me how this has developed. And, it's only on the left side. My preferred solution is to completely remove the base and do a proper repair of the rocker block by drilling out and plugging the screw holes with some hard maple dowels. However, I won't be able to get to this until the spring. What would you think of this for a temporary repair: 1) replace the existing screws with longer ones that would extend further into the rocker block, and 2) add a second screw in one of the empty holes in the spring plate as you suggest in one of your videos. The holes are close enough together that I worrry about the new screw splitting into the empty (stripped) hole if I only did #2 without #1. (And, by the way, it appears there may have been some problems at the factory. I've not removed the spring completely, but it appears there may be some extra holes in the rocker block...) Our is there another more permanent fix possible?

Thank you

I agree the pitch adjustment is minimal. Ive got the springs as far forward as they will go and its not enough, so im going to drill 12 new holes further forward and that should bring the front of the chair down.

Question: I am trying to replace the base on my lazy boy. I wondered why when I took the "extra tall" base off and went to put he regular base on the screws didn't match up on the rocker springs. THEN I came across your wonderful video and realized that your advice about putting the wood pieces in place before removing would have solved this issue. NOW WHAT do I do to get the springs back to their more open position and get the screws in. I am not strong enough to leverage them open and neither is my husband. I found some wood but no point when you can't get the pieces in there. Thought maybe you might be able to help? I appreciate your videos btw. So easy to follow. Thank you for being here. :)

Hi Can you help Me please? i'm trying to reupholster my grandpa's a rocking chair. It had a singular rocking spring...... I Couldn't get Single spring here in the UK a-so I went for a double Rocking spring -similar to the one you use in your video. So obviously the screw holes will be in different places on the wooden base.I would imagine I am supposed to ,measured to the centre of the base to the centre of the wooden rocker???? Is this right ??? I really would appreciate any advice on this. Cheers Jo In the uk

This is a great video, it answers a lot of my questions. We have a new Lazy Boy but it rocks far too easily, as if the springs are under-strength for the weight of the chair. Is there a way to tighten the spring tension so it doesn't constantly rock back and forth? We love the chair but it is very annoying to be in a constant state of rocking when we just want to sit still. This also affects laying back fully to take a nap. It feels really unstable and my wife tipped back so the headrest hit the floor almost killing one of our beautiful kitties. Any suggestions?

I've been looking all around and keep coming back to your videos. I've inspected the cause of the "popping" noise when I rock back an forth in my La-Z-Boy and found that it is indeed from the rocker spring. There's no sign of damage or really any wear but no matter how much I spray it with WD-40, there's still that annoying popping sound. Is the only way to stop it to replace it entirely or do I just need a different tactic to dampen the noise?

Thanks so much for your excellent guides! I just received replacement springs "under warranty" (meaning super expensive shipping which basically pays for the part!) and it came with a plastic long and round piece with a hex head screw on one side and a Phillips/flathead combo on the side. It looks like two separate pieces held together by the screws and they are flared at one end. I noticed there are dimples on the frame at the locations in which you use your wood blocks to stretch the springs... are these pieces spacers which are supposed to be held by the dimples? It certainly doesn't seem to be useful for anything else and if left in place would restrict the frame movement... I'd attach a picture but sadly RU-vid doesn't support this.

I replaced spring on a wooden rocker and now the rocker wants to sit in the middle. If I push back then it pops back to center. If I lean forward it wants to pop back to center. Almost like my springs are way to tight. Any suggestions?

I have a question I hope you have answer to. I have a rocker recliner and our space is now limited somewhat and need to know how to, if possible, can we swap out mechanisms from the rocker recliner and have a wall hugger mechanism put in instead?

My 5yr. old recliner, both dowels missing on rocker block. How do i repair.

My floor base is a little different. There are two additional boards that run front to back with 2 screws in each board at the front. These 4 screws have pulled out of the boards. Should I replace with hex head bolts, washers and lock nuts? Also use wood glue? The chair also has a swivel base which I have to remove as well.

Can the rocker be inactivated? My 99 year old Dad says his chair started rocking after not rocking for the 10 years he's owned it

I am thinking about replacing the base on my La-Z-Boy with a swivel base for the nursery. Are these similar instructions or do you have other recommendations? I haven't ordered the kit yet.

Hello Sir, Thank you for the video. Quick question for you, wondering if it's common for the springs to where out over time? by that I mean soften up to the point where if you take your feet off the ground the chair leans back to the point of roughly a 40/45 degree angle even when the backrest is in the upright position. Reason I'm asking is I recently purchased a used Lazyboy rocker recliner and I'm wondering if this is normal or if I need new springs Thank you & Thank you for your previous advice on the question I asked regarding leather : ). : ) Tyler

I have a problem similar to Josh's. I have the dowel piece but I also wonder do I need to drill out the remains of the original dowel? Also is there a spring or other structure that I should release in order to better re-approximate the rocker block to the frame. What type of glue is best to use? I have gorilla glue and wood glue. I have not figured out how I will clamp it in place until glue dries,

Greetings from TX! I just found this video when one of my La-Z-Boy Rocker Recliners rocker springs SPRUNG! Now when I sit into the recliner, it feels like I am going to tip over backwards. My springs are covered under the La Z Boy Lifetime warranty, BUT I don't have the original receipt, and the La Z Boy store has no record of my purchase as it is more than 10 years old! (ugh). Changing/Repairing the springs seems simple enough and much less hassle than hauling the chair to a repair shop one hour away. Is there any link to the side install rocker springs (like in this video) that you recommend where I can purchase directly? I will use your video guidance to reinstall a brand new one(s)! A separate question - different issue. I have 2 Large/Big Man style Rocker Recliners. In their fully closed and upright position, my wife and I find that they sit too far back. Is there a way to make the starting position (before seating) sit more upright? Would replacing all of the rocker springs with new ones improve the upright postiion? Is there a shim to place between the rocker panel and the frame? Or, is there any suggestion or fix you might suggest? Have you ever thought about stocking and selling the parts needed to repair recliners on your website? If you did, I would have bought the springs, and the spacers (if you offered them) immediately from you! You deserve to get an income from this as your videos are exceptional! Thank you for your great videos! God Bless you! Mark

I got my grandpas old rocking la z boy when I moved out of the house. Tonight, I sat it in, leaned back, and just kept going back. I tipped it over to have a look, and the legs have completely detached from the chair, there were three screws and sawdust on the carpet. I know they just detached from the spring, but what kind of replacement screws can I get? It’s my favourite chair for using my laptop or snuggling with my cat 😢

Hi Repair guy, I want to make my lay z boy rocker recliner stationary. Is there a way to remove the rocker springs to do this or somehow lock the rocker mechanism? It is a 16yr old recliner rocker, wood frame. Thank you in advance! Please

Should both springs always be in tension? Mine has a clunk as it rocks as one spring transitions out of tension and the other one into tension. I’m thinking extending the mount point so they are both always in tension would make it rock smoothly.

Hi there! Great video, do you perhaps know if I can turn my lazy boy recliner (non rocking) into a rocking chair, or somehow make it rock? Thanks in advance if you get to this!

My springs have a bolt in-between the two springs. I haven't seen this on any others online. Not sure what it does, limiting the travel?

Once the springs have collapsed, is there a simple, easy way to expand them? I find I don't have the finger/arm strength to pull them apart. All three screws pulled out of the frame and the spring on that side collapsed. Thanks.

I know that your video states to use the same holes on the top and bottom if one tries to adjust the pitch from the center, neutral positions- however, that will move the base, either direction, only about 1/2 an inch. What if you use the opposite holes on the top and bottom of the rocker springs- it seems like this would then move the base up to 1 1/2 inches either way. Is there a reason not to do it this way for a greater pitch change? And thanks for the video!

I am working on a older not laz boy rocker, it is not a recliner, just a covered rocker with ottoman. I replaced my springs but not use the tension spacers. The chair pops when rocked backwards or forward. Is this due to not using the tension spacers?

Can I find out what size of torque screw is used to attach spring to rocker block. Appreciate your videos, thanks!

Could I remove the rocker assembly, install legs instead, and have the recliner remain functional?

I have a very similar rocker, almost looks identical (lay z boy Maverick). One of the rocker block's dowels failed. Would you suggest drilling out the remnants of the dowel and replacing with a bolt with some wood glue or construction adhesive in the joint?

Any videos on replacing the scissor mechanism or tightening it as mine make noise when simply sitting when foot rest is extended.

Hi, I think I have the same exact chair and you that was gifted to my son from my mother in law. Not sure what happened but something happened with the chair and my son said it was “broke”. I flipped the rocker over and the wooden base was whop jawed and the spring on the right was pulled away from the base and the base was crooked, not straightly aligned. I unscrewed the springs to realign but now the screws aren’t aligning with the brackets in the original holes so should I make new holes to realign the brackets or what’s your suggestion? I appreciate any help you can offer.

On my new rocker, there is a bolt that fell out from between the springs, and on the other side, its very loose. The bolt sits inside of plastic sleeves, which also fell out. I don't see this bolt on your rocker. Calling the LazyBoy shop is worthless... any thoughts? Also... I have a swivel plate mounted, so all of this is difficult to access......

My kids got me a La-z-boy Astor rocker for xmas. I'm 6'3 240 and top heavy. The only problem for me is when I sit back my heels barely touch the floor. Do you think changing the pitch would help? Also have you ever tried adjusting past the holes, maybe another quarter " or so? thanks

When would one know to replace the spring mechanism

I have a rocker that has stopped rocking. The little level you pulled just at the end of the video after you reattached the base, I'm pretty sure that's the same piece that has fallen off my recliner! I can't seem to find a video on how to reattach it! :(

My 5yr. recliner, rocker block has both dowls missing on one side. How do i repair

I'm going to ask a question that may or may not be related to this. I've had a Lazyboy recliner for about 5 years now. Even when I first got it, while rocking in the chair, it had a terrible popping and clunking sound, almost like something was slipping or it was changing gears. While under warranty, I had the lazyboy repair guy come out twice. All he did was say "There's too much wax on the rockers" and scraped it, and then it would come back immediately. I'm so tired of this sound. I can't sit in my recliner and rock without it sounding awful. What is the problem and how do i fix it???

What is the size of the rocker spring blocks

thanks .. just want to ask about the center hole because there is a big screw there and I see it's not useful for anything and it's head is broken .. what is it for

What can I use if I don't have spacers

Can you can the pitch of the seat for a shorter person

People are going to think I'm nuts for wanting to do this, but I HATE the "rocker" style chairs and much prefer it to stay still, but rockers are so popular that it is difficult to find a chair you want that is also a non-rocking chair. In my case, I am getting a La-Z-Boy James Power Recliner which only comes as a rocker. Would I be correct in assuming that I could use something like those spacers inserted at 1:45 to "disable" the rocking? If I did so for normal use, would it do any damage? I actually also prefer the wooden base of the rockers rather than the metal ones that the "wall" types have. I simply want the chair to be stable and not rock especially when getting up out of it or doing something like eating from a TV table. The rocking can really be annoying and I never actually "rock" back and forth in it. I wonder how many people actually use their chairs like rocking chairs. I'm guessing I'm not alone here. Anyway, if putting the spacers in that are used here during the repair, but simply left in permanently would work to stop the rocking without causing any damage to the chair, that would be a great help.

Looks like the lazy boy is made with high quality garbage wood😜

🫡