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What to do if a computer chair squeaks and how to fix the problem

Modern office furniture is comfortable, reliable and ergonomic. This fully applies to computer chairs, the designs of which are thought out by designers to the smallest detail and most often do not cause complaints from users. But it so happens that one day a person hears that the chair begins to make disgusting sounds. Why the computer chair squeaks, what to do in this case, where to look for the problem and what measures to take - it is worth talking about.

Where does the crackle come from?

The design of a computer chair is quite a complex mechanism, so squeaking can occur for various reasons and at any stage of operation. It is not necessary to rush to return the purchase to the store, it is worth finding out the reasons and, if possible, eliminating them.

Among the main factors for the appearance of a squeak are often called:

  • low tightening of bolts even at the assembly stage;
  • abrasion or drying of lubricant from seals and bearings during operation;
  • the chair parts were of poor quality, broken or damaged as a result of use;
  • obstruction of dust and dirt to the operation of mechanisms in normal mode.

A squeak can appear at different times:

  • when a person is sitting in a computer chair;
  • in the event of a chair overturning or tipping over.

Most often, the sounds come from under the seat. Having found the place of the creak and the reason, it will not be so difficult to fix the problem.

Frame

The creak can emit the frame of the computer chair. In the instructions for use, it is recommended to periodically tighten the bolts and check the integrity of the mechanisms. This procedure should be performed at least once every six months. In addition, it should be noted that the fixings are only put in place after the chair has been used under full load. For this reason, after buying it and using it for a few weeks, it's worth taking a screwdriver or hex wrench and tightening the bolts. The main thing is not to overdo it, turn it all the way and no more. With constant loosening of the bolts, experts advise using a thread sealant.

Oscillation mechanism

In addition to the frame, the rocker mechanism may squeak in the computer chair. Loose bolts or brittle grease, which often dries out when computer chairs are in storage, are also culprits.

office chair

The entire swing mechanism consists of several parts:

  • multiblock - almost never squeaks, designed to fix the stiffness and inclination of the back;
  • knee mechanism - necessary for swinging, requires lubrication;
  • top-gun - rocking chair, has an adjustment screw;
  • permanent contact - adjusts the angle of inclination of the back of the computer chair and its pressure against the back of the person sitting, has a spring included;
  • slider - thanks to him they regulate the depth of planting.

All parts of the slewing mechanism require periodic lubrication.

Feedback

Most often, the back of a computer chair squeaks. To remedy the situation, it is worth unscrewing the figured screw of the permanent contact and the screws that secure the plastic cover.The latter is carefully lifted. After the fasteners loosen, remove the liner. The metal insert must be fixed with 4 screws. Most likely, they are not twisted tightly or several of them are lost. By replacing and tightening the bolts, the squeaking situation can be corrected.

gas lift

One of the most common causes of an unpleasant computer chair squeak is a gas spring problem. It is responsible for adjusting the height of the seat. If, after sitting in an office chair, an unpleasant creak is heard from below, it is worth lubricating the gas lift.

Another test for gas spring problems is to detect squeaks as the seat swivels and rotates under load. The gas spring should be inspected and lubricated if necessary. If the problem persists, it should be replaced.

One of the most common causes of an unpleasant computer chair squeak is a gas spring problem.

wheels

The office chair has wheels. But they rarely become the cause of squeaking. Most often they stop spinning because they are clogged with dust or dirt. The wheels are accessible for inspection, so it is worth cleaning them periodically.

A slight creak can be eliminated by replacing the floor covering, which does not deteriorate on its own and the wheels remain intact when driving on it.

How to solve the problem

To repair a computer chair, you will need tools:

  • a set of screwdrivers (straight and Phillips);
  • hex key;
  • hammer;
  • furniture grease;
  • pliers;
  • spare bolts and nuts.

Due to the squeaking, it is rarely necessary to replace parts. Most often, to fix the problem, it is enough to tighten the bolts more tightly and lubricate the mechanism. To do this, you can use both specialized tools and improvised ones - mineral oil or petroleum jelly.

Office chair parts lubrication

To lubricate the parts of a computer chair, you should:

  1. Prepare petroleum jelly, solid oil or WD-40 preparation, which contains mineral oil and a solvent to improve sliding.
  2. Return the chair.
  3. Find the retainer in the center of the cross.
  4. Remove the washer.
  5. Pull out the gas spring.
  6. Lubricate washer, bearings, seals.
  7. Reassemble in reverse order.
  8. Return the chair.

Replacement of fasteners

Prolonged use of the office chair may cause fasteners to loosen and squeak. To eliminate the problem that has appeared, turn the computer chair over and tighten the bolts until they stop using a screwdriver or a hexagon. Most often, 2-3 bolts are located on the armrests, 4 - on the swing mechanism, the same amount on the seat. There may be more or less. It all depends on the type and design of the office chair.

Prolonged use of the office chair may cause fasteners to loosen and squeak.

If, when tightening the fasteners, it turns out that some bolts slip, they are removed, a special putty is poured into the hole and quickly screwed back. Instead of a sealant, PVA can be used. In this case, the waiting time should be increased until the glue is completely dry.

You can strengthen the fasteners by adding spacers or replacing the bolts with new ones. It is necessary to tighten the bolts completely, but not too much so as not to break the thread.

Gas lift replacement

If the gas spring fails, lubricating it will not improve performance. If it not only creaks, but also breaks down, replace it. After such manipulations, the office chair will last a long time, and the cost of repairs will be more profitable than buying a new one.

Before buying a new gas lift, you need to make sure it fits your computer chair model. When replacing it, a number of actions are performed sequentially:

  1. Unscrew the seat screws.
  2. They press on the crosspiece with their feet, and the seat is taken by the armrests and, swinging, is pulled up.
  3. To remove the gas spring, use a rubber hammer and annular punch.
  4. A new gas spring is being installed.

It should be remembered that hammer blows when removing the gas spring should not be strong, so as not to damage the cross.

wheels

To repair the wheels, you need tools:

  • screwdriver - for removing screws;
  • lubricant - for roller processing;
  • hammer - for removing parts from fasteners.

When replacing wheels, experts advise buying a complete set and replacing all 4

If accumulated dirt is the cause of the computer chair squeaking in the wheels, you need to take them apart, clean them, lubricate them and reassemble them. For this you need:

  1. Turn the chair over and try cleaning the wheels with a screwdriver, scissors, or other available tools.
  2. If it was not possible to remove the dirt, the wheels are removed from the crosspiece by unscrewing the bolts.
  3. The wheels are rinsed with water, cleaned and inspected for damage and wear.
  4. If further use is impossible (damage, cracks), all that remains is to replace the parts.

When replacing wheels, experts advise buying a full set and replacing all 4 so that the wear is even with subsequent use.

How to disassemble and repair

It is not so difficult to repair a computer chair yourself. It needs:

  1. Unscrew the adjustment screw.
  2. Remove the folder from the guide.
  3. Unscrew the bolts, remove the L-shaped bracket.
  4. Remove the plastic corners with a screwdriver by gently bending the latches.
  5. Disassemble the mechanism, dust, lubricate.
  6. Reinstall the L-shaped device.
  7. Remove the four screws detaching the seat from the foot.
  8. Clean from contamination.
  9. Clean and lubricate the bearing at the bottom of the leg.
  10. Disassemble the back by removing the decorative cover, unscrewing the screws and sliding it out of the locks.
  11. Lubricate all parts, replace if necessary.
  12. Assemble the chair.

Thanks to consistent actions, you can not only get rid of the unpleasant creaking of a computer chair, but also repair and replace failed parts and fasteners.

office chair

Possible problems and errors

Wheel problems on office chairs arise when they are used on hard surfaces. On parquet, laminate, plastic rollers wear out quickly. They are best suited for low-pile carpets. For hard floors, you should choose computer chairs with rubber wheels. When choosing, you should pay attention to the elasticity of the seat material. It is worth trying to sit in it. If after descending from it there is a bump, it is not suitable for long-term work.

Breakdowns of gas springs are most often associated with the fact that the maximum permissible load is exceeded by users. You should pay attention to this feature when buying a chair.Failures and squeaks of the gas spring can be associated with exceeding the service life. Most often, with careful use, a computer chair lasts no more than 10 years, after which the gas spring is changed and you can continue to work on it.

Rules of maintenance and operation

In order for an office chair to serve for a long time, without emitting a squeak, the following rules must be observed:

  • not exceed the permissible weight for which it is designed;
  • don't sit down to run in a computer chair;
  • do not drive unnecessarily;
  • do not swing when attaching the swing mechanism;
  • regularly inspect the mechanisms, clean them from dirt, lubricate, tighten the fasteners if necessary and replace defective parts.



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