Why Does my La-Z-Boy Recliner Make a Clunking Noise?

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Imagine this: You’re spending a peaceful afternoon reclined in your La-Z-Boy chair, enjoying a good book or a movie, when suddenly, as you go to reposition your recliner, you hear a loud clunking sound. Startling, right? If this has happened to you, you’re not alone. Many La-Z-Boy owners have experienced this and wonder if it’s something to worry about.

A common question we receive at our La-Z-Boy stores in Ottawa and Kingston is: “Why does my La-Z-Boy recliner make a clunking sound?” In this article, we’ll explain what causes the noise, how to tell if it’s normal, and what you can do to reduce it for a more peaceful recline.

Key Takeaways:

La-Z-Boy recliners use a ratcheting system, which can cause a clunking noise when adjusting the chair. This is caused by two metal parts rubbing together, which is a standard feature.
Manual recliners tend to make more noise compared to power recliners, which operate more quietly.
Tips like adjusting your position and using a rug can help reduce the noise.
A normal clunking sound in a La-Z-Boy recliner is consistent and caused by the metal ratcheting mechanism, whereas problematic noises like grinding, squeaking, or erratic sounds may indicate wear, misalignment, or mechanical issues that need attention.

In This Article…

Why Does My Recliner Make Noise?
Difference Between a Normal Sound and a Problematic Sound
How to Reduce the Noise of a La-Z-Boy Recliner
FAQs

Why Does My Recliner Make a Clunking Sound?

First, it’s important to note that a clunking noise is completely normal in most cases. La-Z-Boy recliners are designed with a ratcheting mechanism that uses metal parts to control the reclining motion. When you move the recliner from a reclined position back to its upright state, these parts rub together, which can cause a clunking sound.

This noise is more pronounced in manual recliners, which use a handle to activate the reclining motion. The pawl and ratchet mechanism inside the chair work together to ensure smooth operation, but depending on how your weight is distributed and what type of flooring is beneath your chair, the sound can be louder or softer.

Why does my recliner make a clunking noise

Difference Between a Normal Sound and a Problematic Sound

While it’s common for a recliner to make some noise, it’s essential to understand the difference between a healthy recliner sound and one that might indicate a problem.

Normal Clunking Sound:

Consistency: A normal clunking noise occurs during specific actions—typically when reclining or returning the chair to an upright position. The sound is usually the same each time.
Metal on metal: The noise you hear is due to the metal components of the ratcheting system, which is built to last. La-Z-Boy uses metal parts for durability, unlike other brands that use plastic components.
No performance issues: The recliner operates smoothly despite the noise, and the clunking does not affect the functionality of the chair.

Problematic Sounds:

Grinding or squeaking: If you notice a grinding or squeaking sound, this may indicate that parts are wearing out or need lubrication. Grinding can also be a sign of misalignment in the mechanism.
Uneven or unpredictable sounds: If the noise becomes erratic, louder, or starts occurring even when you aren’t adjusting the recliner, there might be an issue. This could indicate that a component has become loose or that the mechanism is not functioning correctly.
Functional issues: If the recliner is hard to adjust, sticks in one position, or won’t recline or return to an upright state smoothly, this could be a sign of a mechanical problem that requires inspection.

If you suspect your recliner is making an abnormal sound, it’s best to consult your La-Z-Boy store for assistance. They can help diagnose the issue and advise whether a repair or replacement part is needed.

To learn more about What to Expect from the La-Z-Boy Service Department, take a look at this article.

How to Reduce the Clunking Noise of Your La-Z-Boy Recliner

Even though the clunking sound is normal, there are ways to reduce or soften it for a more peaceful experience:

Control the Handle: When reclining or returning the chair to its upright position, hold onto the handle throughout the motion. This can help reduce the impact noise made when the mechanism locks into place.
Lift Your Feet Off the Leg Rest: Keeping your feet off the leg rest as you adjust the recliner will help distribute your weight more evenly and may reduce the clunking sound.
Ease the Leg Rest Closed: Gently close the leg rest while keeping your back against the recliner. Slamming it shut can make the noise louder, but easing it closed can reduce the impact.
Consider Your Flooring: Hard surfaces like tile or concrete amplify sound, so placing a rug or carpet underneath the recliner can muffle the clunking noise.

If you’re looking for a recliner with less sound, you might be more interested in a power recliner instead. However, these types of recliners are more expensive than manual recliners, which could drive you away from getting one.

To learn more about the comparison of Manual vs Power Recliners, take a look at this article.

FAQs

Is the clunking noise something to worry about?
No, the clunking noise is a normal part of the recliner's design, especially in manual models. It does not indicate a malfunction or defect.

How can I stop my recliner from making noise?
While you can’t eliminate the noise entirely, you can reduce it by adjusting how you use the handle, easing the leg rest closed, and placing the recliner on a softer surface like a rug.

What if the noise gets worse over time?
If the noise becomes louder or changes in tone, it may be worth having your recliner checked by a professional. Sometimes, parts may need lubrication or adjustment.

What's Next?

We hope this article provides insight into why your La-Z-Boy recliner makes a clunking sound. If all that fails there's always someone available at our local furniture stores in La-Z-Boy Ottawa or Kingston to give you a ‘live’ demonstration on how best to recline.

Our sales consultants are always eager to lend a helping hand. Take advantage of our interior design services to see which furniture item would suit your space and complement your home design. To get a deeper understanding of our lift recliner selection, take a look at this comprehensive Recliner Buyers Guide.

Nicholas Carchidi

Content Writer at StyleMeetsComfort.ca

Nick has been the lead content writer for La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau and Kingston since 2022, specializing in the furniture industry. He collaborates with experts in his field, ensuring that each piece on the La-Z-Boy Learning Centre is accurate and valuable. He provides readers with expert knowledge on all things furniture. If you'd like to learn more about Nick, you can check out his LinkedIn page here.