Back to blog
Article
Office Chair Air Pump Descent Issue
Admin October 10, 2026
The main reason for an office chair descending due to air pump issues is the failure of the internal seal in the gas spring, leading to the leakage of high-pressure nitrogen gas. This results in insufficient support force, causing the chair to automatically and slowly descend when sat upon, possibly accompanied by a hissing sound or a lack of cushioning damping.

Self-Repair Steps
Prepare Tools
You will need a genuine brand air pump (ensuring it matches the original model) and a screwdriver. Non-professionals should exercise caution to avoid the risk of airflow impact due to improper deflation. It is recommended to contact after-sales service or arrange for on-site repair first.Disassemble the Chair
- Remove the seat cushion and separate the mobile star-shaped frame (usually located at the bottom connection structure of the chair);
- Pull off the plastic cap at the top of the gas spring and remove the gas rod (some models may require shaking or lightly tapping the edge to assist in disassembly).
Replace the Air Pump
- Deflation Treatment: Use a screwdriver to press down on the air needle at the top of the gas spring and slowly deflate until all internal gas is released (if it still leaks after deflation, it indicates that the seal has completely failed);
- Disassemble the Gas Spring: If the leakage continues, you will need to open the outer shell of the gas spring, inspect the air pump (the core sealing component) between the stainless steel base and the steel plate, and replace the aged or damaged air pump;
- Reassemble: After installing the new air pump, reassemble the gas spring in the reverse order of disassembly, ensuring all components are tightly connected;
- Test and Verify: Sit on the chair to observe its stability. If it still leaks or descends, contact the manufacturer to replace the gas spring or seek professional repair.
Other Possible Causes and Handling
- Adjustment Valve Failure: If the operating handle does not respond but the chair height remains stable, the adjustment valve may be stuck or damaged. You will need to disassemble the handle part to clean or replace the valve;
- Seal Ring Aging: Prolonged use or a humid environment can accelerate the wear of the seal ring, leading to gas leakage. You will need to disassemble the gas spring to replace the seal ring (it is recommended to replace the air pump simultaneously to avoid repeated repairs);
- Model Mismatch: If you replace the gas spring yourself, ensure that the new part matches the base of the chair and the hole diameter of the five-star foot. Otherwise, it may lead to safety hazards due to unstable installation.
Precautions
- Non-professionals are advised to prioritize a simple replacement solution: directly purchase a gas spring of the same model, remove the old part by shaking or tapping, and install the new part before sitting on it to secure it;
- Before repairing, confirm the warranty period of the chair. If it is still under warranty, contacting the manufacturer for a free replacement is safer and more reliable;
- Avoid using low-quality air pumps, as their poor sealing performance may lead to secondary failures or even the risk of explosion.



