Office Chair Makes Noise When Reclining

An office chair making noise when reclining is usually caused by metal parts rubbing, colliding, or the flow of gas in the gas lift rod, and can be resolved through targeted troubleshooting and repair.

Common Causes

1. Loose connecting screws: Prolonged use or frequent reclining can cause the screws at the connections between the backrest, armrests, base, and five-star foot to loosen. This increases the gap between parts, and when force is applied, metal or plastic parts collide and rub, producing a 'click' or 'creak' sound.
2. Part wear and gaps: Metal parts (such as the connection between the gas lift rod and the base, and the base turntable track) develop small gaps due to long-term friction. When force is applied, they rub against each other and emit a 'squeak' sound. The plastic frames of low-priced chairs may also produce abnormal noises due to aging and deformation.
3. Lack of lubrication in moving parts: The lubricating oil on the core components of the reclining function (such as metal springs and rotating shafts) dries up or becomes contaminated with dust, causing direct dry friction between metals and emitting a 'squeak-twist' sound during movement.
4. Noise from the gas lift rod operation: The slight airflow sound produced by the expansion or compression of high-pressure nitrogen inside the gas lift rod during its lifting and lowering is normal. However, if there is a gas leak, it will result in the inability to lift or automatic sinking, and the abnormal noise may be accompanied by other malfunctions.
5. Over-tightened reclining tension adjustment: When the tilt tension adjustment knob (Tilt Tension) on the base is too tight, the mechanical structure may exceed its designed load-bearing capacity when fully reclined, potentially producing abnormal noises or a sense of obstruction.
6. Other situations: New chairs may produce a breaking-in sound due to tight part installation gaps. The rotating shafts of old wooden chairs or folding chairs may produce friction sounds due to wear and rust. Metal connectors or hydraulic structures may produce friction or displacement due to sudden changes in force.

Troubleshooting and Solutions

1. Listen to identify the location: Determine whether the abnormal noise is a continuous friction sound (due to lack of lubrication or wear) or a sharp collision sound (due to loose screws or part gaps). Locate the source of the sound (upper part of the backrest, lumbar support, or bottom of the chair) when reclining.
2. Visual inspection: Observe the chair's appearance for cracks, deformation, or loose parts.
3. Manual shaking: Shake the chair forward, backward, left, and right, focusing on checking the connections between the backrest and seat cushion, around the base, and the connection points between the five-star foot and casters. Prioritize tightening the screws at the connections between the backrest and base, armrest fixing points, and the five-star foot and gas lift rod.
4. Lubrication test: After cleaning the dust from the friction parts, spray lubricants such as WD-40 on the metal rotating shafts. For complex structures like the headrest rotating shaft, disassemble the parts and drip lubricating oil or engine oil for penetration.
5. Professional judgment: If the above steps are ineffective and there is shaking, check whether the gas lift rod lifts and lowers smoothly and observe for gaps at its connections with the base and five-star foot. First, tighten the fixing screw at the bottom of the gas lift rod. If the abnormal noise and shaking persist, it may be due to internal wear of the gas lift rod, and you should contact professional after-sales service for replacement (self-disassembly poses safety risks).