How To Adjust Recliner Tension
The tension adjustment on a Lazy Boy Recliner allows you to set the tension on the reclining mechanism to best respond to your individual size and strength. If you find it difficult to push back or pull the lever into a reclining position then you may want to reduce the tension. If you are a taller or heavier person then you may want to increase the reclining mechanism tension.
Most lazy boy recliners are equipped with a pair of wing nuts or thumb wheels underneath the seat that let you adjust the reclining mechanism tension. First make sure that the leg rest is closed, then tilt the chair forward so it rests on the tips of its arms and the top of its back so you can see underneath the chair.
On the Reclina-Rocker chair, Reclina-Glider chair and Reclina-Way chair you should see two wing nuts (one on each side) towards the back of the recliner under the seat. The Reclina-Glider Swivel Recliner has two thumb wheels instead of wing nuts but they can be adjusted in the same manner.
On the Lazy Boy Classics Low Profile and High Leg recliner with 3-position mechanism you should see the two wing nuts (one on each side) toward the center of the recliner under the seat.
It is important to adjust both sides equally and to just make small adjustments (about one quarter of a turn) until you feel comfortable. To increase the reclining tension turn the wing nuts or thumb wheels clockwise one quarter turn on both sides. To decrease the tension turn the wing nuts or thumb wheels counter-clockwise one quarter turn on both sides. Return the chair to its upright position and test the new setting. Repeat the steps listed here if more adjustment is required.
Never tighten or loosen the adjustment wing nuts or thumb wheels all the way or you may damage the tension spring. The spring should not move on the bolt after making the adjustments. If it does, make sure you turn the wing nut or thumb wheel clockwise a minimum of one half turn after tightening it so the spring no longer moves. Nor should the spring be completely compressed after making your adjustments. If this occurs, loosen the wing nuts or thumb wheels a minimum of one half a turn counter-clockwise to avoid damaging the tension spring.
Remember to always adjust both wing nuts or thumb wheels equally.
Jim Herrington Says: April 13th, 2009 at 6:41 pm
Hi: I bought my little recliner in 1991 in Lodi, CA. It has been a great recliner until this year when one spring broke in half and one other came lose from the wooden frame of the seat. How do I repair this problem? Thanks. Jim
Tony Says: April 13th, 2009 at 8:12 pm
If you still live in Lodi, there is a La-Z-Boy Furniture Warehouse there that may be able to assist you in finding the replacement spring for your recliner. Usually only authorized dealers are able to supply you with lazy boy parts. They should also be able to assist you with the repairs. It wouldn’t hurt to take some pictures of the damage so they can tell if the entire wooden frame needs to be rebuilt or if there is an alternate way to re-attach the spring.
Ralton Says: April 14th, 2009 at 6:53 pm
My leather lazy boy has the reclining system with capacity to lock in multiple positions as it clicks into a locking position. The recent problem with the locking system occurs when I try to lift the reclining lever and lean back in the chair–the handle will not engage into the locking position and the lever will not go back down. The chair is stuck in a half reclined position. The problem will not correct until multiple tries to lock and unlock the reclining position with the lever.
Do you have any suggestions for correcting this malfunction? I live near Florence, AL. I bought the chair from Green’s Furniture in
Tony Says: April 14th, 2009 at 8:28 pm
I would start by contacting the retailer where you bought the recliner to see if this is a repair that can be done under warranty. It sounds like it could be a worn spring or pin that is causing the reclining lever to jam.
jo Says: June 25th, 2009 at 12:10 am
My lazy boy doesn’t have any wingnuts anywhere that I can see to adjust the tension. I looked everywhere. Is there some other screw or something else that I can adjust the tension for it?
Tony Says: June 25th, 2009 at 7:10 am
Some lazy-boy recliners, like the Reclina-Glider Swivel Recliner, have thumb wheels instead of wingnuts. If you can post more information on your model of lazy-boy recliner then someone here with the same model may be able to help. You can also check the Customer Care section of the La-Z-Boy website (http://www.la-z-boy.com) to see if they have a product manual for your particular model. You can also contact La-Z-Boy directly through http://www.la-z-boy.com/contactus/.
Jason Says: July 21st, 2009 at 10:29 am
Hello… I have a reclina-rest and the back will not stay up right when I sit normally. It began on the left side but now is on both sides. I can not see where to make any adjustments. Can you help? I can take pics if you want.
Jason Says: July 21st, 2009 at 10:42 am
Oh, I forgot to mention that the back mechanism is the only problem. The foot rest works perfectly.
Tony Says: July 27th, 2009 at 4:15 pm
Did you check to make sure the back was properly installed? Perhaps it has unlocked from the metal mechanism required to keep it in place. Have you discussed the problem with the La-Z-Bly dealer where you bought your recliner?
The Reclina-Rest is supposed to adjust automatically to your weight and strength. It is possible that the automatic adjustment mechanism has worn out or broken. Your local La-Z-Boy dealer may be able to help you.
Carol Says: August 27th, 2009 at 2:53 pm
My recliner sits lower on the right side than on the left. Will adjusting the tension wing nuts help solve this problem.
Steve Says: December 14th, 2009 at 7:25 pm
Hello, My parents gave me their Lazy Boy Reclina-Rocker. The problem I am having is that when sitting in it, it sits all the way back on the rocker platform to the point that it is bottoming out on the rear. With it doing this, I have no need to have the foot rest up as it is sitting that far back. Is there a way to adjust the tension for the rocker itself? Thanks
Jayne Says: January 3rd, 2010 at 11:23 am
My recliner foot rest will not return to upright position with handle. All other features are fine with little wear or tear on chair of 15 years. Where do I begin to find the problem No parts are missing, no cracks in frame. Just stopped returning to original position.
justin Says: February 1st, 2010 at 11:12 pm
i want to purchase a lazboy forte but when i fully recline i go past the clicking range and end up feeling upside down. any thoughts?