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Office Chair Strut Maintenance

Admin October 16, 2026

The maintenance of an office chair strut can be carried out according to the following steps:

I. Check for Fault Causes

  1. Observe the Chair's Condition: If the chair sinks or fails to support you after sitting down, it may be due to insufficient air pressure (a leak or low pressure). If there is resistance during adjustment but the chair does not move, there may be debris or rust at the connection of the lifting rod. If there are oil stains on the surface of the hydraulic rod, it indicates that the seal is damaged, causing hydraulic oil leakage. If there are abnormal noises, it may be due to a lack of lubrication or loose components. If the chair cannot be raised or lowered, it may be due to poor internal sealing of the hydraulic rod or a faulty control valve.
  2. Test the Operating Mechanism: Repeatedly press and rotate the lifting control button/lever to feel for any stuttering or complete lack of resistance. Try to raise and lower the chair and listen for any abnormal hissing air leaks or metal friction sounds. Check for any wobbling or abnormal noises at the connection between the chair base (five-star foot) and the underside of the seat cushion to distinguish whether the problem is with the air pressure rod or other mechanical structures.

II. Attempt Simple Adjustments

  1. Pneumatic Office Chairs: When the chair is unoccupied, lift the operating lever upward, and the seat will rise due to the rebound of high-pressure gas. When someone sits on the chair and then lifts the lever, the chair will lower. Confirm whether the operating method is correct.
  2. Screw-type Adjustment: Turn the knob clockwise to lower the chair and counterclockwise to raise it. Confirm whether the direction is reversed.

III. Lubrication and Maintenance

  1. Flip the chair over and use a screwdriver to unscrew the fixing screws connecting the chair legs and the base of the hydraulic rod, separating the chair legs from the base.
  2. Hold the middle part of the hydraulic rod with both hands and shake it left and right. If it is tight, gently tap the edge of the connection with a rubber mallet to help loosen it.
  3. Spray lubricating oil on the surface of the lifting rod and the connection gaps, and move it back and forth several times to allow the oil to penetrate inside. Then, reassemble and test it.

IV. Inflation Operation
If the chair is still weak after lubrication, it may be due to insufficient air pressure, and you can try to reinflate it. Locate the inflation port at the bottom of the chair (usually protected by a cover), and use a manual or electric air pump with an interface that matches the inflation port. Inflate slowly. The recommended pressure range for office chairs is 0.5 - 1.0 MPa. Observe the changes in the chair while inflating to avoid over-inflation and bursting.

V. Replace Components

  1. Sealing Gaskets: If there is a sealing problem, disassemble the connection between the hydraulic rod and the seat cushion to check if the sealing gasket is damaged. If it is damaged, purchase an appropriate sealing gasket for replacement and then reassemble it.
  2. Control Valve: If the control valve is faulty, try cleaning the valve to remove any possible impurities. If the problem is still not resolved after cleaning, replace it with a new control valve.
  3. Hydraulic/Pneumatic Rod: Raise the chair to its highest position and gently tap it with a hammer to separate the seat part from the wheel frame, allowing the old hydraulic/pneumatic rod to be removed. When purchasing new accessories, pay attention to size compatibility, safety certifications, and appropriate load-bearing ratings. Prices are generally in the tens of yuan. Insert the new hydraulic/pneumatic rod into its original position and ensure it is securely installed.

VI. Tighten Components
If components are loose, use a wrench or other tools to tighten the loose screws.

Precautions: Prepare common tools before maintenance and operate on a flat surface. The air pressure rod contains high-pressure nitrogen gas inside, so it is strictly prohibited to strike or pry the rod body violently. If you have no maintenance experience or cannot solve the problem, it is recommended to seek the help of professional maintenance personnel.