ᐅ The Malm bed squeaks even when assembled according to the instructions – what am I doing wrong?

Created on: 4 Nov 2021 08:32
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KEKLO37
Hello everyone,

I recently assembled a Malm bed from IKEA, following the included assembly instructions carefully. However, the bed squeaks loudly when lying down and with even the slightest movement. I have checked and tightened all the screws multiple times, but the problem persists.

Can anyone tell me what I might be doing wrong or what else I should pay attention to? Are there any specific tips for preventing squeaking noises with this type of bed frame? I have also tried lubricating the contact points, but this only reduced the noise temporarily.

Thank you in advance for your help!
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floga
5 Nov 2021 08:12
I can definitely understand how frustrating persistent squeaking can be, especially when you are following the instructions carefully. It really sounds like you have already tried all the common approaches.

Sometimes gently adjusting the problematic joints can help; perhaps the screws are tightened firmly at two opposite points while the tension is missing next to them.

Don’t stress yourself: sometimes a bit of fine-tuning is necessary before the noise disappears. 🙂

Small everyday tricks can also be very effective: a thin piece of felt or even fabric strips at contact points can really work wonders.
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Declan55
5 Nov 2021 13:45
Hey! That sounds really annoying, a squeaky bed is such a hassle :-) But don’t get discouraged, I had the same problem once and was able to fix it with a few simple tricks!

I completely loosened all the screws and then re-tightened them with the right torque (not too tight, but not loose either). Often, overtightening is exactly what causes the squeaking.

I also recommend treating the screws with some assembly paste or graphite powder – this works better than oil and lasts longer!

Fingers crossed it gets quiet for you soon!
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gadalu
6 Nov 2021 09:27
In summary, when dealing with a squeaking Malm bed, even after following the assembly instructions, the following points should be systematically checked and addressed:

- Even and proper tightening of all screws, considering the recommended torque
- Inspection and, if necessary, placement of rubber or felt pads on contact surfaces to reduce friction
- Use of more durable lubricants such as wax or silicone instead of oil
- Checking the slatted frame (lattenrost) for fit and mechanical stability
- Taking into account possible material properties of the bed (particleboard, moisture content, stresses in the wood)

This approach should lead to a lasting reduction or elimination of the squeaking noises.

If the problem persists, replacing individual components could be considered, as the material in IKEA furniture is not always designed for long-term load-bearing.