Office Chair Not Rebounding

If an office chair does not rebound, first identify the cause and then carry out targeted repairs based on different types.

Quick Troubleshooting and Initial Assessment

• Check the adjustment lever/button: Operate the adjustment lever or button under the seat to feel if the movement is smooth, and check for any sticking or inability to pull/reset.
• Check for foreign objects: Examine the gaps in the adjustment mechanism, gears, paddles, and other components to see if there are any foreign objects such as coins, hair, or food crumbs stuck inside.
• Check the fixing screws: Shake the chair and check if the screws connecting the backrest to the seat cushion, the base to the gas lift, and other key parts are loose.
• Determine the adjustment type: Identify whether the chair is manually adjustable or electrically adjustable. For an electric chair, if only the backrest adjustment fails while other functions are normal, it may be a single motor issue; if all functions fail, suspect a power supply or wiring fault first.

Type-Specific Repair Solutions

• Manually adjustable chairs:
  • Cleaning and lubrication: If the adjustment lever is stuck, use compressed air or a small brush to clean the gaps in the mechanism. Spray a small amount of WD - 40 or a specialized lubricant on the moving parts (such as the paddle and gear shaft) and operate repeatedly to allow the lubricant to penetrate.
  • Reset operation: For a chair that cannot rebound after leaning back, if the control lever has been accidentally pushed into the fixing hole, fully pull out the control lever, assist the backrest to return to its position by hand, and then push it back into the adjustment hole to fix it.
  • Tighten the screws: Use an appropriate screwdriver or wrench to tighten all loose screws.
  • Replace small parts: If small parts such as adjustment paddles or springs are obviously broken or deformed, purchase universal models on e-commerce platforms for replacement.
• Repairs involving the gas lift/base:
  • Check the recline mechanism: If the backrest cannot be locked or rebound after leaning back, pull out the gas lift from the base, check if the paddle connected to the gas lift or the base is damaged or stuck, and clean and lubricate it.
  • Replace the base: If the paddle or the entire recline mechanism of the recline mechanism is damaged, the entire seat base needs to be replaced. This requires removing the seat cushion and is a slightly more complex operation.
  • Replace the gas lift: If the chair's height adjustment fails, it may be due to the failure of the gas lift itself (air leakage). Replacing the gas lift requires professional tools (such as pipe wrenches and rubber mallets), and since it is filled with high-pressure nitrogen inside, non-professionals are not recommended to operate it.

Other Methods

• Check and adjust the locking mechanism: For a lever-controlled chair, pull the control lever upwards to unlock it; for an ergonomic chair with a wire-controlled design, adjust the operation switch integrated with the base.
• Clean and maintain the adjustment device: Clean the adjustment device with a tissue or cloth. If the dirt is thick, use a vacuum cleaner or brush for deep cleaning.
• For a computer chair with a failed backrest recline lock that does not rebound: If it is due to a slipping friction plate, turn the computer chair upside down, spray WD - 40 on the friction plate, then turn it back and press it down slightly with force in the correct locking state. After releasing the function, press it up slightly with force.