Office Chair Abnormal Sound

Abnormal sounds in office chairs need to be addressed based on the specific part and cause. Here are common situations and solutions:

1. Stuttering/Abnormal Sound during Height Adjustment If a creaking sound is heard or the chair gets stuck when adjusting the height, it may be due to metal friction at the connection between the base and the gas lift. Do not lubricate the gas lift directly (it has a high-pressure sealed structure, and lubrication may damage the seal). Instead, evenly apply lubricating oil to the metal contact surfaces around the lifting column to reduce friction. If the gas lift is severely aged (e.g., leaking gas or sinking), it needs to be replaced with a new one.

2. Inflexible Rotation If it is difficult to rotate the seat or there is a noticeable friction sound, it is usually due to dryness in the底盘 (chassis) turntable track. Use white lithium grease (NLGI 2 viscosity grade) and apply it to the ball bearings or sliding surfaces of the turntable track. If the chassis is made of plastic, avoid using lubricants containing solvents to prevent corrosion.

3. Loose Armrests/Difficult Adjustment Wear or dryness of the internal rack in the armrest height adjustment buckle can cause abnormal sounds. Disassemble the armrest connection part and apply a small amount of lubricating grease (such as silicone-based grease) to the contact surfaces of the rack and buckle, avoiding excessive overflow that may stain clothing. If the rack is severely worn, the armrest assembly needs to be replaced.

4. Backrest Rebound Failure For synchronous-type chair backrests, if the plastic gear set stutters or makes abnormal sounds, use food-grade lubricating grease (such as polytetrafluoroethylene-based grease) to coat the gear meshing surfaces. This type of grease is non-corrosive and relatively safe even if it comes into contact with skin or clothing, but it needs to be reapplied regularly (recommended every 6-12 months).

5. Poor Rolling of Casters Hair or dust entangled in the wheel axles can cause rolling abnormal sounds. First, use tweezers or needle-nose pliers to remove debris from the gaps in the wheel axles, then use a cotton swab dipped in lubricating grease (such as lithium-based grease) to coat the wheel axle bearing parts. If the wheels are aged and cracked, they need to be replaced entirely.

6. Abnormal Sound at Fastening Points Screws, the chassis, or metal rods in the seat cushion may develop gaps due to long-term shaking, and metal collisions can produce a creaking sound. Spraying oil is ineffective. Disassemble the chassis connection screws and insert thin cosmetic cotton pads (avoid blocking the screw holes) between the contact surfaces of the screws, chassis, and metal rods, then tighten the screws. The cosmetic cotton pads can fill the gaps and absorb vibrations, eliminating abnormal sounds.

Lubrication Pitfalls to Beware of:

• Do not use rust removers such as WD-40: They will wash away the original lubricating grease, causing short-term smoothness followed by increased wear.
• Do not use cooking oil: It is prone to oxidation and clumping, attracting pests such as cockroaches.
• Avoid excessive lubrication: Too much lubricating grease will attract dust to form an abrasive paste, accelerating part wear (the principle of thin and even application applies).

If the abnormal sound persists, it is recommended to contact a professional repair technician to check for hidden damage in the chair structure (such as the seal of the gas lift or the welding points of the chassis).