A first-rate recliner sofa can cost a small fortune when you buy it for your family. But the investment is usually paid off since you might expect that it can last forever, even when you use it frequently.
Certainly, after extensive use, even the best chair can begin to wear down, leading to several annoying squeaks. And you can feel irritated whenever you sit on or move it.
That said, you don’t need to get it professionally fixed or throw it away to purchase a replacement prematurely. There is a much easier solution you can learn to stop your recliner from squeaking with little effort and time.
To help you out with this task, we want to share a complete guide to repair your recliner on your own.
But first, it is crucial to know some common causes why your recliner makes squeaking sounds.
Why Does Your Recliner Make Noise?
1. Loose Bolts And Screws
If you buy your chair already installed, which is usually the case, you may not be aware of its bolts and screws’ tightness.
Regarding a recliner mostly made of wood, the squeaking sound is often caused by a loose part on it.
2. Improper Installation
Like loose bolts and screws, the wrong assembly can create unexpected noises. This issue appears on both fully assembled and self-assembled recliners.
Wrong replacements of legs or not tightening the bolts can lead to squeaky noise.
3. Lack Of Oil
As you probably use your recliner sofa every day, wear and tear can happen on the recliner mechanism and parts. If you don’t apply oil when needed, it assuredly starts to squeak.
How to Stop a Recliner From Squeaking?
As mentioned above, fixing a squeaky recliner is quite simple. The following step-by-step instruction on how to fix a squeaky recliner can help you deal with that problem.
Step 1: Recline and Flip It Over
First, you want to lay down a sheet or a tarp on the surface near your recliner. Then, you sit in it, pull its handle, and stretch out until it is all in the reclined position.
What you need to do next is to gently flip the recliner over so that its back and arms will be on the ground. It is best to let it lay on the tarp to keep it clean from the grime possibly on the ground.
Step 2: Remove The Coverings
It is important to take the coverings away carefully. Several coverings let you do this manually, though a claw hammer or screwdriver is still essential.
Remember not to damage the mechanisms or the coverings beneath the chair in the process.
Step 3: Clean Up The Mechanism
To repair your recliner properly, you need to ensure it is clean first. You can use a clean cloth or towel to wipe off the dirt and dust accumulated on the chair’s metal parts, such as springs, nooks, crannies, and locking metal arms.
Step 4: Find Squeaky Components
Once everything is clean, it is time to find squeaky parts. You need to look at all mechanical components to seek any damage leading to the squeaking noises.
One plausible theory is the metal scrapings on the mechanism, signaling that the pieces rub together and cause unwanted sounds.
Step 5: Tighten Any Loose Component
Whereas you are checking the mechanisms, don’t forget to ensure whether there is any loose component or not.
If yes, you want to tighten them using a screwdriver or an adjustable wrench to turn any loose parts in a clockwise direction.
Step 6: Use A Lubricant
What to do now is to apply a lubricant to make movable parts, including hinges, screws, bolts, and nuts, come off more easily. Make sure to choose an appropriate item since there are more than one type of lubricants: oil, silicone, beeswax, etc.,
To protect the fabrics of your recliner from the grease, you want to use a rag or cloth for the application of the lubricant.
Step 7: Wipe Off The Oil
Once you lubricate all of the metal components, ensure to pat it dry to avoid excess lubrication, or the oil can drip on the fabrics or the ground when you flip your recliner back over.
Step 8: Check For Squeaking Sounds
You will need to check the reclining function next. You can pull the handle to recline, close it again several times, and closely keep track of the squeaky sounds as it moves.
If you hear any squeak, return to step 4 and repeat the following steps until you don’t notice any noise.
Step 9: Put It Back Together
When you finally solve all squeaking problems, it is time to put your recliner back together. First, you recline your chair and reflip it over on the tarp. Replace its covering with tools or by hand.
It’s crucial to ensure that your recliner is put in place precisely. Flip it back to the upright position, followed by removing the sheet or tarp carefully to avoid any dirt and lubricant falling to your chair.
And finally, you can sit in your chair and unwind.
Tips
There are some tips during the process you should know.
- Don’t abuse the use of lubricant. It can damage the mechanism, letting your chair drop down while you are adjusting the reclined position.
- If you find any broken or faulty parts and cannot deal with this problem, it is best to call for professional help. A qualifier technician can solve this issue and replace any component that you cannot fix independently.
Final Thoughts
In short, a recliner is an awesome piece of furniture for home entertainment activities like watching movies, taking a nap, or playing games.
If it starts to make squeaking noise, it can make all of these activities less enjoyable and relaxing. That’s why it is critical to know the basics of how to fix a squeaky recliner as our above guide.
You might also want to read:
- Making Your Old Recliner More Comfortable with Extra Padding
- 8 Simple Steps to Fix Your Leaning Recliner
