My La-Z-Boy Recliner Is Loose

Preparation

• Set the La-Z-Boy unit to the reclined position before checking the lock mechanism and the nuts and bolts of the recliner. Usually you recline the chair by lifting a lever at the side of the chair, but some La-Z-Boy chairs are operated by a button on the armrest rather than a lever. Once the chair is reclined, you will be able to access the interior mechanism of the chair.

Removing Cover

• Lift up the recliner chair so you can see the base of the unit. Most La-Z-Boys have cloth coverings over the base underside, so you may need to pull this back to access the fittings. Some cloth covers are fitted with nails or screws to secure them in place; you usually can remove these with a screwdriver or the claw side of a hammer.

Maintenance

• Tighten any nuts or bolts by gripping them with a wrench and turning them clockwise. Loose nuts and bolts are often the cause of a loose, unstable recliner and irritating creaking noises. Applying metal lubricant to the coils, hinges and springs can also help reduce pressure on the unit and prevent unpleasant noises.

Lever Checks

• Most La-Z-Boys have small levers situated toward the bottom left and bottom right side of the unit by the rail. These mechanisms hold the chair in place once it’s set to a reclined position. When set to lock, the levers should be inside the La-Z-Boy and not visible on the outside. If either lever is visible, use a screwdriver to push it back into the base of the unit.