How to replace rollers and airbags in your massage chair

Your massage chair is supposed to fix your pain… not add new stress to your life.

But eventually, even the best chairs start acting up: a roller gets loud, an airbag stops inflating, or something starts hissing like a tired old bicycle.

Good news: you can actually replace rollers and airbags yourself.

Even better news: you don’t need to be an engineer. If you have basic tools, two working hands, and the patience of a slightly mature adult, you’re good.

Let’s break it down the duke way, simple, clear, and with zero drama.

Why you might need to replace rollers or airbags

Massage chairs are like cars: eventually, something wears out. The rollers lose grip, airbags stop inflating, or the chair starts making new “sound effects” you don’t remember paying for.

The good news? Most of these issues are completely fixable at home.

And don’t worry, this isn’t one of those repairs where the instructions start with,

“Remove the motherboard and sacrifice a goat.”

No. It’s very doable.

One rule before we start:

Always unplug the chair.

This isn’t optional unless you enjoy accidental electrocution during “spa day.”

Know your parts: rollers vs airbags.

Before you start opening things, you should know what you’re actually looking at.

Rollers are the “hands” of the massage chair

Rollers are the heroes doing all the deep work. They move up, down, left, right, and sometimes in-and-out (3d/4d) to knead your spine like fresh dough.

When rollers start failing, you’ll feel it immediately:

• Uneven pressure
• Grinding sounds
• Dead spots
• No movement at all

That’s your chair telling you, “help me. I’m tired.”

Airbags are the compression system

Airbags inflate and deflate around your shoulders, arms, calves, and feet. They help with circulation and give you that gentle “squeeze and release” massage.

Airbags usually fail because:

• Hoses disconnect
• Seams tear
• Valves break
• They just get old

When one side inflates, and the other side doesn’t? Yep, airbag issue.

Tools you need before you start

• Grab these before you start feeling confident:
• Phillips screwdriver
• 13mm socket wrench
• Pliers
• Flashlight
• A clean floor or table
• Your phone (for taking pictures, trust me, you’ll thank yourself later)

Optional but wise:

• Small cups to sort screws
• Zip ties
• Your chair’s manual or parts diagram

If you lose screws, misplace covers, or forget where a cable goes…

That’s how you create your own horror movie.

How to replace rollers (step-by-step)

Alright, let’s fix those rollers.

Step 1: Unplug the chair

Yes, I’m repeating it. People forget.

Step 2: Access the back panel

Move the chair away from the wall.

Remove the back cover or upholstery your manual will show where the screws are.

Step 3: Remove the roller assembly

You’ll see the roller track and mechanism.

Usually held by a few bolts (commonly 13mm).

Unscrew them and gently remove the unit.

Tip: don’t yank cables, massage chairs don’t respond well to violence.

Step 4: Remove the old rollers

Roller arms typically have two bolts each.

 Remove them carefully while noting where wires and sensors connect.

Pro tip: Take pictures. Future-you will be grateful.

Step 5: Install the new rollers

• Reverse the steps:
• Attach rollers
• Tighten bolts
• Reconnect wires
• Ensure everything is aligned

Step 6: test before reassembly

Plug the chair back in and run a quick demo program.

Listen for weird sounds.

Make sure rollers move smoothly.

If everything works → close the chair.

If it sounds like a robot crying for help → check your connections again.

How to replace airbags (step-by-step)

Airbags are easier than rollers; think of them as LEGO pieces that inflate.

Step 1: unplug. Always.

Suppose this advice annoys you. Good. You’ll remember it.

Step 2: Access the airbags

Airbags are hidden inside:

• Armrests
• Leg area
• Calf area
• Shoulder panels
• Seat base
• Remove the fabric or outer covers to expose them.

Step 3: Inspect first

Before replacing anything, check:

Are hoses loose?

Is the valve disconnected?

Is there a visible tear?

You’d be shocked at how many “broken airbags” were really just unplugged tubes.

Step 4: Remove the faulty airbag

Unscrew any panel holding it in place.

Disconnect the air hose (colour-coded, easy to match).

Pull out the bag.

Step 5: Install the new airbag

Slide it in.

Reconnect hoses.

Secure with screws.

Double-check hose tightness.

Step 6: test the chair

Run an “air compression” program. If everything inflates evenly, you win.

Common mistakes (don’t be that person)

Here’s the hall of fame of mistakes:

Forgetting to unplug → free electricity, not the fun kind.

Mixing screws → creates a puzzle no human can solve.

Buying cheap parts → congratulations, now your chair is worse.

Forcing pieces to fit → massage chairs are not Ikea furniture.

Skipping pictures during disassembly → enjoy your chaos.

Just go slow and you’ll be fine.

When it’s time to call a professional

Remember: Emotion-driven repairs end badly.

How to make parts last longer

Here’s how to keep rollers and airbags alive longer:

• Clean dust from vents regularly
• Avoid sitting with sharp objects (keys, belt buckles)
• Don’t exceed weight limit
• Run calibration monthly
• Lubricate roller tracks once or twice a year
• Keep kids from treating the chair like a trampoline

Do these, and your chair will last years longer.

Final thoughts: fix it once, enjoy it for years

Replacing rollers or airbags isn’t scary.

It’s just a bit of patience, a few tools, and not rushing like you’re defusing a bomb.

Do it right, and you’ll get your massage chair back to peak performance 

quiet, smooth, relaxing, and no longer sounding like a tractor.

Because nothing feels worse than sitting down for a relaxing massage…

Fix it once. Enjoy it for years.