Repair of the sofa mechanism: preparation, steps and tips

Alas, even high-quality upholstered furniture after a number of years of intensive use can become uncomfortable and unsightly. Only at a cost it is not cheap, in this regard, the repair of sofas is a very hot topic. It can be done both with the help of professionals, and on your own in a home environment. Actually, about how to repair the mechanism for transforming the sofa with your own hands, and we'll talk in this article.

Repair begins with disassembly. In the course of work, it is advisable to take a snapshot of each step so that during assembly you can see if everything is done correctly. Sequence of operations.

1. Removing the armrests. They are mounted on the structure using bolts on the sides of the wooden frame. To make them accessible, they lift or extend the seat (based on the structure of the sofa), then unscrew the fasteners with keys of a suitable size.
2. Then you need to dismantle the remaining parts of the sofa, so that only the frame remains. All seat and backrest components are either bolted or loose in the grooves.
3. Dismantling the transformation mechanism. It is fixed on the longitudinal side surface of the frame, support for the back and seat. Using a screwdriver or a Phillips screwdriver, unscrew the fasteners.
4. Removing the seat with backrest. Both parts are interfaced with a transformation mechanism. After its dismantling, it is very simple to disconnect them from each other and disconnect from the frame. In some versions, the backrest is screwed to the frame, in which case it is necessary to remove the screws holding it.

Thus we got to the mechanism of interest to us. Now you can find out the reason for its failure, assess the degree of damage and proceed to fix the defect.

First of all, prepare the tool so that everything is at hand. You may need the following devices:

• flat and Phillips screwdrivers;
• set of open-end wrenches for 12/14 and 8/10;
• pliers;
• furniture stapler with brackets 10 and 16 millimeters;
• hammer, lineman and scissors;
• self-tapping screws 35-45 mm;
• an electric drill with a set of drills or a screwdriver;
• technical oil or other lubricant.

The most common sliding mechanism. Its relevance is associated with practicality and low cost of execution. It is named so thanks to the method of rolling out the section to organize a berth. Includes castors on the auxiliary section, guides with a fixing bracket on the body. In addition, there is a lifting device or an extra leg. Frequent defects - slowing down or jamming of a section, creaking when rolling out. It is decided by changing wheels and guides. Fixation in the “bed” state also fails. In such a situation, repair of the retaining bracket is necessary.

Known from the time of the USSR and is now considered obsolete. As a result of this, it is difficult to find details for this mechanism. Often the fault is a loose fastener to the bar of the supporting structure. When these are bolts, they can simply be tightened by first substituting additional washers. If the locking mechanism is attached to the bar using screws, then:

• they are replaced by analogues of a larger diameter;
• make through holes in the beam and apply bolts;
• reduce the diameter of the holes by means of wooden choppers.

Much less often, the collapse of the folding mechanism becomes the ripping of the rivets directly on the mechanism for fixing the positions of the book. As a result of the inspection of the removed mechanism, even the layman becomes aware of the scale of its wear.

Based on the situation, rivets:

• condense;
• set new ones;
• if the design allows, flat-head bolts are changed to the appropriate size.

Sometimes the sofa is not spread due to the fault of a foreign object that has fallen into the mechanism. This usually happens in systems equipped with springs. This problem is solved simply - it is only necessary to eliminate pollution, and the sofa begins to function normally.

Factory marriage is often the reason for the use of great efforts in the transformation of furniture. As a result, traction may be bent. They are aligned with a simple hammer.

In modern versions, a rocking mechanism with springs is practiced. She is the most durable. However, if damaged, a complete replacement is necessary.

The most modern transformation mechanism for mass samples of upholstered furniture. This name is associated with the sound of transformation. In appearance it is similar to the folding book mechanism. Only practiced in it specific folding mechanism without wheels. Since the perfect adjustment of all moving elements of the mechanism cannot be carried out at home, it is more reliable to replace the device completely.

It has three positions. Folding out and fixing are carried out by means of locks and moving axes. For dismantling you only need an open-end wrench at 10.Locks themselves are similar to clamps in which there is no bolt for a coupler.

Frequent irregularities in operation are identical with the malfunctions of the sofa-book. Lubricate all components from time to time. About this in the next video.

The so-called “French” mechanisms for folding beds are diverse, as well as their malfunctions.

First, establish what specifically failed in the mechanism and what needs to be repaired.

1. Rivet breaking (they bind the moving parts of the mechanism) of the transformation mechanism. In this situation, instead of rivets, you can install a screw or a bolt with an M8 thread. Someone is using an M6 bolt. This is a misconception, since a significant backlash appears between the hole of the element and the bolt, which violates the shape of the supporting structure of the sofa bed.
2. Old rivets it is necessary to drill through an electric drill and a drill for metal.
3. Then picked up a bolt of sufficient diameter and length.
4. Into the hole in place the rivet is inserted into the bolt and the nut is tightened. When several rivets become unusable at once, they replace everything.
5. If the supporting leg of the clamshell mechanism breaks down, an extremely complete replacement will help, repair here is an unacceptable option.

And finally, a few useful recommendations.

• Do not even try to change one type of transformation mechanism to another. The use of various functioning algorithms determines not only differences in components, but also in the purpose of the parts.
• Chipboard harder to recover than wood.
• If the supporting steel component is bent, Change it immediately and do not try to straighten it. The structure of iron will not tolerate long-term loads and is once again deformed.
• The backlash of the supporting structure leads to the failure of not only parts made of wood, but also the wheels guides. In addition, the resulting friction harms drapery.
• Grease should be applied exclusively to cleaned surfaces.
• Do not overtighten fasteners.
• Hex keys must be high quality. Torn edges will suspend work for a long time.
• To remove corrosion WD-40 can be used with moving parts.
• Don't ignore installation of washers under bolts and axles.
• You can not make wood slabs or cladding on your own but just make an order in the furniture salon.
• For any kind of repair work invite an assistant. This will make work easier and safer.