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Office Chair Out of Oil

Admin October 19, 2026

When an office chair runs out of oil, choose the appropriate lubrication method based on the specific fault location, and pay attention to operational specifications and material selection.

Here are the lubrication treatment methods for different faults:

  • Stuttering or abnormal noise during height adjustment: If the fault is due to metal friction at the connection between the base and the pneumatic rod, apply a thin layer of special lubricating grease (such as white lithium-based grease NLGI Grade 2) to the contact surface. Avoid directly lubricating the body of the pneumatic rod. If the moving part of the hydraulic rod lacks oil, drip in professional hydraulic oil or lubricating oil and distribute the oil evenly by repeatedly raising and lowering the rod. If the internal seal of the hydraulic rod is poor or the control valve is faulty, replace the sealing rubber ring or valve. Inexperienced users are advised to contact professional maintenance personnel.

  • Inflexible rotation: The main friction point is the track of theๅบ•็›˜่ฝฌ็›˜ (base turntable). Apply white lithium-based grease (NLGI Grade 2), which has moderate viscosity and is heat-resistant, effectively reducing friction between metal and plastic. Control the amount applied; a thin layer is sufficient. Excessive grease will attract dust and form abrasive particles.

  • Difficult armrest adjustment: After disassembling the armrest height adjustment buckle, check if the internal rack is stuck due to lack of oil. Use a cotton swab to apply a small amount of lubricating grease to the surface of the rack to restore smooth adjustment. Avoid using liquid lubricating oil to prevent it from seeping into internal circuits or plastic components and causing corrosion.

  • Backrest rebound failure: The plastic gear set of a synchronous backrest requires food-grade lubricating grease, which has mild ingredients and will not dissolve or expand plastic components. Clean the dust on the gear surface before application, and adjust the backrest angle repeatedly after application to allow the grease to fully penetrate.

  • Poor wheel rolling: Once a year, use a cotton swab to apply lubricating grease to the contact surface between the wheel axle and the bearing, and then reapply new oil after removing the old oil stains. If the wheels are stuck or cracked, replace the wheel assembly directly. Lubrication can only alleviate mild wear.

Precautions:

  • Prohibited materials: Avoid using WD-40 (which will wash away the original lubricating grease and accelerate wear) or cooking oil (which is prone to oxidation and clumping, attracting pests).
  • Operational safety: When maintaining the hydraulic rod, invert and fix the chair to prevent sudden raising or lowering from causing it to tip over. Take photos to record the positions of components before disassembly for easy reassembly.
  • Amount control: Apply lubricating grease thinly, covering the surface without piling it up. Excessive grease will attract dust and form hard particles, exacerbating wear.