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How to Fix Office Chair Popping Sounds

By

Updated

Jan 18, 2024

·

2 min read

how to fix popping noise in office chair guide

Difficulty

Easy

Steps

5

Time Required

15 minutes

Tools Needed

Allen Wrench, Cloth, Lubricant, Screwdriver

Office chairs are essential for comfort and productivity, but a popping noise from the chair can quickly become a distraction.

This common issue is usually due to wear and tear, particularly on the chair’s moving parts. Before jumping into a fix, you’ll want to check and see if the chair’s issue is covered by the warranty.

Let’s dive into how you can fix this problem quickly and effectively.

Step-by-Step Guide to Eliminating Chair Popping

showcasing common noisy areas on a office chair

STEP 1 Removing the Wheel Base

The first step is to carefully turn your chair upside down.

This gives you access to the wheelbase, which you’ll need to remove. It’s important to do this gently to avoid any damage to the chair. This is also a good time to remove any hair from the wheels or replace the wheels on your chair if needed.

STEP 2 Inspecting & Replacing Washers

Once you have access to the chair’s underside, check the washers located at the base of the gas lift cylinder. These washers can wear out over time, causing the popping noise.

If they’re slightly worn, flipping them to the unworn side can be a quick fix.

But, if they’re significantly damaged, replacing them is your best bet.

STEP 3 Lubricating the Mechanism

tools and products used in maintaining an office chair, such as wrenches, screwdrivers, and lubricant sprays.

Adequate lubrication is key to a smooth, noise-free chair.

Use a good quality grease or solid lubricant on the washers and ball bearings.

Don’t forget to lubricate other moving parts like the tilt mechanism and levers.

This not only reduces noise but also prolongs the life of these components.

STEP 4 Reassembling the Chair

After lubrication, it’s time to put everything back together.

Reattach the wheelbase and ensure that all nuts, bolts, or screws are tightened.

This step is crucial for the stability of your chair and to prevent future noises.

STEP 5 Additional Maintenance

Regular cleaning and maintenance go a long way in keeping your office chair in top condition. If your chair has a hydraulic system, check it periodically and repair it if necessary.

For persistent noise issues, consider replacing broken parts or the gas lift cylinder.

For a step-by-step video walkthrough, check out the video below:

Fixing the Popping Noise on a Gaming Chair

Discover how to locate that irritating popping noise and the best way to repair it.

Fixing a popping noise in your office chair is straightforward.

Regular inspection, proper lubrication, and tightening of loose parts will not only solve the noise issue but also extend the life of your chair.

How to Fix Office Chair Popping Sounds Questions (FAQ)

Why does my office chair pop?

If your office chair has started to make a popping noise when you move in it, it is likely the cause of the chair’s washers and bearings being worn out. This produces noise and often makes it more difficult to spin or otherwise move around in the chair.

Why is my office chair so squeaky?

Loose joints or other loose parts are usually the root cause of squeaky noises coming from an office chair. Try to pinpoint where the sound is coming from and check to see if there are any bolts that need to be tightened. The sound may also be coming from the wheels of the office chair. It’s good to learn how to replace the wheels on your office chair if this is the case.

How do you fix an office chair popping noise?

Oftentimes, fixing an office chair that is emitting popping noises is simply a matter of cleaning and lubricating the moving parts on the underside of the chair. Turn your chair upside down and prop it securely against a wall. Clean the cylinder of the chair (if it lifts up and down), the wheels, and any other moving components. Lubricate each part with WD-40 or another effective lubricant. It’s also recommended to remove and lubricate weight-bearing bolts and washers. Making sure to keep your office chair clean is a great preventative measure as well.

How do you tighten a loose office chair?

If your chair feels loose in its motions — whether it's spinning, moving around, adjusting the height, or when reclining — it’s likely that you’ll need to re-tighten that component of the chair. Check the bolts and screws in the area that’s experiencing looseness. Use the appropriate tool, such as a wrench or screwdriver, to tighten them as needed.

References

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Lawrence Bonk

Lawrence Bonk is a copywriter with a decade of experience in the tech space, with columns appearing in Engadget, Huffington Post and CBS, among others. He has a cat named Cinnamon.

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