Recliner Motor Humming Or Grinding? What To Do

Noises can help you find the fault. Here is what humming, grinding and clicking usually point to.

Sounds are useful clues. Stop running the chair as soon as you hear something unusual, since forcing it can damage more parts.

Humming with no movement

The motor has power but cannot move the chair. Common causes are a worn actuator or a jammed mechanism. Unplug the chair and look under it for anything caught in the frame, such as toys, blankets or remotes.

Grinding

Grinding often points to worn gears inside the actuator, or metal parts rubbing in the mechanism. Check that the actuator is still secure at both mounting points.

Clicking

Clicking can come from a motor that is trying to move and failing, or from a loose part. Note whether it happens in one direction or both, since this helps a specialist narrow it down.

Squeaking

Squeaks usually come from the frame or mechanism rather than the motor. See our care guide for simple upkeep.

When to stop

If you notice a burning smell, smoke or sparks, unplug the chair and leave it unplugged until it has been checked.