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.
