Is your recliner making a popping noise when rocking? Maybe there is a loud squeak as you recliner? If your recliner is making strange noises and you want to fix them, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I’ll break down how to fix a squeaky recliner.
We’re going to go through a few different problems. By the end of the article, you’ll know exactly how to fix a squeaky recliner. You’ll also be able to identify where the sound is coming from and put a stop to it.
In This Article We'll Discuss
How to fix a recliner that pops when rocking
A recliner that pops when rocking signals that there is a mechanical fault. This will be due to a misalignment of two pieces of the mechanism. When this happens, as you recliner they rub together and create friction. This friction causes the mechanism to shift, scraping pieces against each other.
This release of pressure creates a popping noise. Not only can this be very annoying, but it also damages your recliner over time. Luckily, there is an easy fix. You’re going to need a small hammer that you can use to lightly bash things back into shape.
First of all, you’re going to need to expose the internal mechanism. You can do this by flipping your recliner over. Be sure to take care when flipping it over. Once you have exposed the bottom, you can then remove the dust covering. This will be either pinned or velcroed in place. Remove the dust cover to expose the mechanism.
You’re going to want to look for the source of the noise. How you do this is by looking for signs of misalignment. This could be metal fillings or metal dust. Similarly, it could also be areas where paint has rubbed off or there are scrape marks.
Have a look through the internal mechanism until you encounter one or more of these signs. This will tell you which areas are rubbing together. You’re going to want to use your hammer to gently separate the parts. You only need to create enough space so that they are no longer rubbing together.
Move slowly, it’s better to change the structure less than more. Once you’ve used the hammer, flip the recliner back upwards. Check if the noise is still happening. If it isn’t, you have succeeded in separating the parts. If not, flip the recliner back over and try again. Keep repeating this process until you’re sure the sound isn’t happening again.
Another tip is to lubricate the parts with some WD-40. This will help the parts glide by each other if they still do touch. A little bit of lubrication goes a long way, so don’t overdo it!
How to fix a squeaky recliner?
If your recliner is squeaking, there are several things you can do about it. No matter which method you use, you will always begin by exposing the internal mechanism. You’re going to want to flip over your recliner. You can rest the recliner between the arms and the back. This angle will expose the mechanism and won’t damage the recliner.
Remove the dust cover that hides the internal mechanism. If it disconnects completely, make sure to keep it somewhere safe.
Step One – Cleaning
The first thing you want to do once you’ve exposed the internal mechanism is ensure everything is clean. Over time, dirt and grime can build up in the mechanism of your recliner. This will wear down the recliner and can also lead to unpleasant noises. Use a washcloth and some antibacterial spray to remove any dirt.
Really get in deep to the recliner, upkeep is important when it comes to recliner health. Clean between all of the parts of the mechanism, including every corner and cranny.
Step Two – Tightening any loose parts
Loose parts can be the source of a lot of problems. If two loose parts are out of place, they can rub together and create popping or squeaking noises. Use a wrench to tighten any loose bolts. Be warned, this will make the recliner a little stiffer when you’re moving back. However, it will solve the problem.
Tightening is one of the easiest ways to stops parts from squeaking. Move around the internal mechanism, making sure you tighten everything you can.
Step Three – Search directly for the squeaking parts
By searching for the part that is making the noise, you know where to concentrate your efforts. Find markers that there has been some friction. This could take the form of some metal dust, or maybe some worn out paint. If there are clear scrape marks, you know that this is where the sound comes from.
Once you know this, you can then focus on cleaning and tightening the parts around this in particular. You can even do some tests to make sure it has stopped squeaking once you’ve attempted to fix it.
Step Four – Apply lubrication
Once you’ve done all you can when it comes to cleaning and tightening, there is one final step. Make sure you have a metal lubricant on hand. My recommendation for this would be WD-40, which solves most squeaking problems.
Use the WD-40 spray on any parts that will be moving. This is especially important for two parts that move together. Using the spray will act as a lubricant and ensure the parts glide easily together. You’re going to want to use this conservatively, WD-40 goes a long way.
Make sure not to over-lubricate your parts, as this could cause problems down the line. Once you’ve done this, flip your recliner back over. Sit in it and give it a test. By now, it should have stopped squeaking. You can now get back to relaxing!
Conclusion
When it comes to fixing a squeaky recliner, there are a lot of steps you can take. You’re going to want to make sure the recliner is clean. Dust off and wipe down the mechanism to remove any dirt. Next, make sure all the parts are tight. Loose parts will cause friction that can lead to squeaking. Finally, treat the internal mechanism with some WD-40 as lubrication.