How to Fix a Squeaky Recliner: Step-by-Step Instructions

A good recliner can cost a lot of money when you first buy it for your home. You expect that it will last forever, even if you’re using this chair every day. Of course, after a while, even the best recliner can start to wear down. This can lead to some annoying squeaks that disrupt you every time you sit down or move in your chair.

Rather than getting it professionally repaired or tossing it out and buying a new one, there is a much simpler solution. You can learn how to fix a squeaky recliner right in your living room with very little time and effort. This is easier than you may think and can save you a bit of money when you take care of this issue yourself. Once you’re done, your chair will be a quiet place to sit once again.

Why a recliner can start squeaking

There are a few reasons that even the best recliner starts to squeak. Some people use their recliners regularly without considering the wear and tear that happens on the parts and mechanisms of the recliner. If they aren’t oiled and cared for, your chair can start to squeak. The joints can also work themselves loose as you use the reclining function, which can also lead to some squeaking.

How to fix a squeaky recliner

If you have a squeaky recliner at home and would like to fix it, try out the following steps. This should help you quiet those frustrating noises.

Recline and turn it over

Lay down a tarp or a sheet on the floor next to the chair. Then sit in the recliner, pulling the handle and stretching out until it is in the fully reclined position. Gently flip the recliner over, so that the arms and back are on the floor. It should be resting on the tarp to keep it clean and protected from the floor, with the mechanisms visible and easy to access.

Detach the coverings

Carefully remove the coverings. Some coverings allow you to do this by hand, though a screwdriver or claw hammer may also be needed. Be careful not to damage the covering or the mechanisms beneath it in the process.

Dust off the mechanism

To fix your recliner properly, you first need to make sure it is clean. Using a clean, damp, cotton cloth, wipe off all of the dust and dirt that has accumulated on the internal metal parts. These parts include the recliner mechanism, spring, locking metal arm, and all the other nooks and crannies in this area.

Find the squeaky part

Once the mechanisms are all clean, it’s time to find the squeaky part. To do this, you need to look at all of the mechanical components to find any damage. This will show up as metal scrapings or black runs on the mechanism. This will show where the pieces are rubbing together in a way that causes the squeaky noises and the damage to the parts.

Tighten loose parts

While you’re checking out the reclining mechanism, be sure to look for any loose parts. This includes all of the nuts, bolts, and screws that hold all of those internal parts together. Use an adjustable wrench or a screwdriver and turn all of the loose ones in a clockwise direction to tighten these. Tighten them as much as you can without risking any damage to the small parts and the pieces they’re holding together.

Apply a lubricant

When you’re sure that all of the nuts and screws are tightened and the pieces are all secured the way they’re supposed to be, you can add some lubricant. You should carefully spray all of the metal components, focusing on the areas where the metal parts are attached. This includes all of the movable parts, as well as the nuts, bolts, screws, and hinges. When working beneath the metal parts, use a cloth or rag for the lubricant application to protect the recliner’s fabrics from the oily liquid.

Wipe off the excess

Once you’ve lubricated the metal parts, be sure to pat it dry to get rid of any excess lubrication. If you don’t this liquid could drip onto the fabric or the floor when you flip the recliner back over.

Test for squeaks

Flip the recliner over. Test out the reclining function, pulling the handle to recline then closing it again a few times, listening for squeaks as the chair moves. If you notice some squeaks, flip it and double-check for loose nuts or screws and lubricate it again, patting away the excess lubricant when you’re done. Then repeat the reclining test.

Put the recliner back together

When you’ve tested the recliner a few times and have solved all of the squeaking issues, it’s time to put it back together. Recline the chair and flip it over onto the tarp again. Then replace the covering by hand or with whatever tools are needed. Be sure it is securely in place. Then flip the chair back to its normal upright position. Remove the tarp or sheet carefully, preventing any lubricant or dirt from getting on your recliner, floor, or anything else nearby. After you’ve removed it from the area, you can sit back in your recliner and relax.

Other tips

Don’t overuse the lubricant. Too much can affect the mechanism, allowing the chair to shift and drop down when you’re trying to adjust the reclining position. Also, if you have tightened and lubricated all the parts and the chair still squeaks, you may be dealing with a faulty or broken part. To fix this issue, you may need to call a qualified recliner repair technician. They can solve the issue you’re having, replacing any part that you may not be able to fix yourself.

In conclusion

Recliners are great pieces of furniture for watching movies, playing video games, reading your favorite novel, or taking a nap. If your chair starts to make some noise when you move, it will disrupt all of these activities, making them less enjoyable. That’s why it’s important to know how to fix a squeaky recliner. The sooner you do so, the less wear there will be under the chair and the more relaxing it will be to sit down after a long day.

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