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Office Chair Reclining Spring

Admin October 17, 2026

If the office chair cannot recline, first check the status of the control lever and inspect the gas spring for any faults or safety hazards.

Control Lever Status Check

The reclining function of an office chair is usually controlled by a lever. Pulling the lever outward puts it in the unlocked position. If the lever is not properly unlocked, the backrest will not recline. In this case, check whether the lever is in the locked position, try pulling it outward to the unlocked position, and then test if the reclining function works normally. If the lever is unlocked but the chair still cannot recline, further inspection of the gas spring is required.

Gas Spring Fault Inspection

The free-type gas spring is the core component of the office chair's reclining mechanism, responsible for supporting the user's weight, adjusting the reclining angle, and providing rebound force. It achieves stepless adjustment and smooth damping through the interaction between the compressed gas in the sealed chamber and the piston. If the gas spring fails, the reclining function may be lost. Common problems include:

  • Air leakage or loss of support: When the sealing performance of the gas spring deteriorates, gas in the chamber leaks, resulting in insufficient or complete loss of support force. In this case, check the surface of the rod for an oil film (a sign of air leakage) or abnormal friction marks. If there is air leakage, the gas spring needs to be replaced.
  • Risk of bursting: If the product does not meet safety standards, the gas spring may burst due to insufficient material strength or sealing defects, directly threatening the user's safety. If you hear abnormal noises inside the gas spring or smell an odor, stop using it immediately and contact a professional for repair.

Safe Usage Recommendations

Even if the product has passed standard certifications, usage habits directly affect the safe lifespan of the gas spring:

  • Avoid extreme environments: Prolonged use in high-temperature or low-temperature environments may accelerate the aging of the gas spring material, leading to a decrease in sealing performance. It is recommended to avoid exposing the office chair to direct sunlight or cold environments.
  • Regular inspection and maintenance: Check the surface of the gas spring rod monthly for smoothness, oil films, cracks, or abnormal friction marks. If surface wear or signs of air leakage are found, replace the components in a timely manner.
  • Standardized usage: Avoid suddenly reclining forcefully or maintaining the maximum reclining angle for a long time to reduce fatigue damage to the gas spring.