5 Causes of a Squeaky Leather Recliner (How to FIX it!)

Is there anything more relaxing than reclining in a soft, comfortable chair at the end of a long day? Unless of course, your chair is squeaky and noisy.

If you have a squeaky leather recliner, it could be due to reasons such as dry joints and pivots, worn-down springs, or dry leather.

Whatever the cause, the dreaded creaking sound can be a nuisance. You need to identify the problem and have it fixed so that you have a good time relaxing.

In this article, we’ll talk about the possible causes of a squeaking chair and how you can fix it easily.

Why does your leather recliner squeak?

Your leather chair or recliner is likely to squeak if it is new or the leather is dry. It may also start squeaking or become squeaky if the springs are worn-down, the metal parts like pivots and joints are dry or they have come apart.

I believe with a little bit of troubleshooting, you can identify some of the following issues and get down to fixing them.

1. New leather recliner

New leather is stiff and firm and may make a squealing sound when you sit on it so it needs time to soften up and become more comfortable.

Your new leather recliner will definitely squeak if it’s not broken in.

You should first condition the leather with a quality leather conditioner. Once you’ve conditioned it, you can begin to break it in by sitting in it and using it regularly. The more you use it, the softer and more comfortable it will become.

Your new leather recliner might make noise if it’s poor quality. If it’s a cheaply-made one from a discount store, then it probably will squeak. But if you purchase a high-quality recliner, it likely won’t.

When buying a recliner chair, you should always test it to make sure that it doesn’t make any noise when you move around in it.

2. Dry leather

Another possible cause is that the leather on the recliner is dry or the finish has worn away, making it more susceptible to cracking or leather on leather squeaking.

When leather gets dry, it becomes brittle and can easily crack. The cracks or crevices on the leather might create tiny pockets of air that make a whistling noise when you recline your chair. Also, they create a rough surface that can make a squealing noise.

Additionally, dry leather tends to be quite stiff and might not move as smoothly when it rubs against other materials it’s in contact with.

For instance, if the leather isn’t stretched tightly across the recliner’s frame, it may start to bunch up and rub against itself, which can create a squeaking noise.

3. Worn down springs

Another possibility is that the springs in the chair have become worn down and are no longer providing proper support.

Worn down or broken springs will not only cause squeaking but may also cause sagging of your leather seat.

The best solution is to replace the springs in your recliner. You might be able to find replacement springs online or at a hardware store.

4. Recliner mechanism parts

It’s also possible that your recliner mechanism parts are rubbing against each other due to rust or wear causing the squeaking sound.

Over time, the metal parts like bolts and nuts around joints and pivots may become dry and need to be lubricated.

You may need to listen carefully to determine where the sound is coming from.

For instance, if the sound is coming from the back of the chair, it could be the metal springs rubbing against each other. But, if it’s coming from the footrest, it could be the metal rods rubbing against each other.

However, the best way to determine where the sound is coming from and what’s causing it is to take the chair apart and have a look.

Once you know what’s causing the noise, you can purchase some lubricant or WD-40 to help reduce or stop the squeaking altogether.

5. Loose or broken frame

Another possible cause could be the frame of the recliner is broken or coming apart at a joint.

This is likely a result of wear and tear, so it may just need some minor repairs. However, if the frame is severely damaged, then you may need to replace the entire recliner.

Before you make any repairs or replacements, be sure to check with your manufacturer’s warranty policy to see if your recliner is covered. Many times, manufacturers will cover damages that occur as a result of normal use.

But if the damage was caused by negligence or abuse on your part, then you may not be covered under the warranty policy.

How to stop leather recliner from squeaking

There are a few things you can do to fix the squeaky noises unless you want to live with the sound of a protesting recliner every time you sit on it,

1. Condition the leather

Keeping the leather furniture well-conditioned will help to keep it soft and supple. This can help to reduce the chances of it cracking and making noise.

You can buy commercial leather conditioners or make your own by mixing olive oil with white vinegar.

Apply the conditioner liberally to the furniture and let it sit for several minutes before buffing off any excess with a soft cloth.

Repeat this process every few months to help keep your leather furniture moisturized and supple.

Alternatively, apply a light layer of petroleum jelly to the surface of the leather. This will help reduce the friction between the two pieces of leather and should stop the noise from happening.

2. Lubricate the squeaky parts

Lubricating the squeaky parts of the recliner chair will help to reduce the noise they are making.

You can use a silicone-based lubricant or vegetable oil if you don’t have any lubricant on hand. Apply the lubricant onto the metal hardware, especially around the joints.

WD-40 lubricant is highly recommended since it lubricates the mechanical parts and protects them against corrosion and rust.

3. Clean and tighten the loose parts

If some parts of the recliner are loose, you can try tightening them up.

First, check the screws on the arms and legs of the recliner. If they’re loose, tighten them up using a screwdriver. If you’re not sure how to do this, consult your owner’s manual or search online for instructions.

Next, check the joints since they tend to become loose over time, and can cause noise when you recline or sit in the chair.

To fix them, remove the screws from each joint and apply some lubricant. If that doesn’t work, take the joints apart and clean them using a degreaser if necessary. Then apply some oil or grease to the moving parts before reassembling your recliner.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are a few potential causes of a squeaky leather recliner. Depending on the severity of the noise and how often it happens, some fixes may be as simple as lubricating the joints of the recliner or tightening screws.

If those solutions don’t work or if the noise is more severe, then you may need to take your chair to a repair shop for further assistance.

We hope this article has helped you identify and fix the source of your recliner’s squeaks.