Office Chair Lack of Oil

The issue of abnormal noise in office chairs due to lack of oil can be resolved through targeted lubrication, which requires selecting the appropriate lubricant and following standardized procedures based on different parts. Here are the specific handling methods:

I. Common Parts Prone to Oil Shortage and Abnormal Noise Symptoms

1. Pneumatic/Lifting Rod: Prolonged weight-bearing or dust ingress can lead to dry friction, resulting in a "click, squeak" sound during lifting and lowering. When sitting and gently rocking, the entire chair may vibrate with a sound emanating from the center.
2. Reclining Base/Backrest Pivot: Lack of lubrication in springs and pivots can cause dry friction, producing a continuous creaking sound during reclining or rebounding. The location is beneath the seat cushion on a large metal plate.
3. Five-Star Base Joints: When plastic/nylon feet age and micro-crack or metal foot welds fatigue, weight-bearing deformation can produce a "clunk" sound, which is noticeable when sitting down and getting up.
4. Caster Bearings: When hair, thread, or bearing wear gets entangled in the wheels, pushing or rotating the chair in place can produce a "rustling/squeaking" sound.

II. Lubrication Methods and Operating Steps

1. Cleaning Worn Parts: Before operation, use a dry cloth or soft brush to remove dust and debris from the lubrication parts to prevent杂质 (impurities) from getting stuck in the gaps and exacerbating wear after lubrication.
2. Selecting Lubricants:
   • Low-friction parts (such as caster wheels, pivot gaps): Choose low-viscosity light oil, such as sewing machine oil or WD-40, with 1-2 drops each time. After dripping, rotate the parts back and forth several times to allow the oil to fully penetrate the gaps. Finally, wipe off any excess oil on the surface to prevent dust adhesion.
   • Weight-bearing or large-stroke parts (such as pneumatic lifting rods, slide rails): Choose lubricating grease (such as lithium-based grease) and apply it slowly along the part gaps. After application, repeatedly push and pull the lifting mechanism several times to allow the grease to evenly adhere to the stressed surfaces.
3. Precautions:
   • Avoid using edible oil (which can deteriorate and become sticky, blocking gaps) and automotive hard grease (which has high viscosity and is not suitable for small parts, causing jamming and loud noise).
   • If the casters can be disassembled separately, it is recommended to disassemble them for cleaning before lubrication, which will yield more obvious results and reduce rolling noise.

III. Maintenance Process and Subsequent Inspection

1. For oil shortage in the pneumatic rod, use professional hydraulic oil or lubricating oil to drip an appropriate amount onto the moving parts, and then repeatedly lift and lower the chair to evenly distribute the lubricating oil.
2. If abnormal noise persists after lubrication, it may be due to part wear (such as aging of the internal seals of the pneumatic rod), and replacement parts are required. If the chair shows significant sagging, excessive shaking when sitting, or cracks in the footrest, there is a safety risk, and it is recommended to replace it directly.