Simple step-by-step instructions on how to remove the wheels from your office computer chair and clean it of hair.

Office chairs on wheels are extremely popular. They are used not only at work in the office, but also at home.

The key advantages of such furniture are its convenience and mobility. Thanks to it, your posture remains straight and your back does not get tired during long periods of work. Office chairs have a modern design and are ergonomic.

The presence of wheels allows you to move the chairs over short distances; for this it is not even necessary to lift the “fifth point” from the seat. The problem is that the elements that provide mobility fail over time.

From time to time there is a need to clean the wheels from dirt and replace them with new ones. This part can fail on any computer chair, regardless of its cost.

Why do wheels sometimes break?

The rollers bear the main load. They take on the weight of the entire product and whoever sits on it. Even simple dust can reduce their service life and lead to clogging of moving parts. Even careful use of the chair cannot completely eliminate the possibility of it breaking, especially when there is a manufacturing defect.

If the chair looks presentable, but the casters are broken, you can wait to buy a new one. First you need to understand why the wheels broke.

The reasons for the breakdown of wheels on office chairs can be different, the most common include:

1. The presence of unevenness on the floor on which they move.
2. Exceeding the permissible load on the chair.
3. Mechanical damage.
4. Expired service life.

The need to replace wheels arises when the landing pin is worn out and there is a manufacturing defect. Buying a new chair because of one wheel is irrational, especially if a person likes it and has developed a habit of using the chair.

The solution to the problem in such cases is to disassemble the chair yourself and replace the wheels. There are certain nuances of dismantling worn out rollers and installing new ones that need to be understood.

Reference! If the chair is under warranty, but the wheels have already broken, then the reason lies in a manufacturing defect or wear of the landing pin. If the rollers begin to work poorly after some time, it is most likely due to contamination.

Accumulated dust, pet hair, and even carpet lint must be removed; in most cases, this will solve the problem. Contamination causes clogging of moving parts, reducing the service life of components.

In some models of chairs, the wheels cannot be removed for cleaning, so they have to be replaced. If the work chair can actually be disassembled, then anyone can handle cleaning the casters.

At the stage of disassembling the chair, you need to act extremely carefully and not rush into anything. Hasty actions may result in damage to parts. In addition, the chair may fall and cause injury.

Disassembling the chair-bed depending on the model

There are certain nuances depending on the type of chair:

• It is better to not completely disassemble small-sized models for moving; if possible, it is enough to divide the structure into two parts.
• Double models are more reminiscent of a sofa or sofa and the principles of their disassembly differ little.
• Corner models must be disassembled from the back, which is present in the vast majority of chairs of this design.

Folding parts of the “accordion”, “tick-tock”, “telescope”, “puma” and “eurobook” types, as a rule, are not too different from disassembling ordinary furniture. Because of similar components.

But those designed according to the “dolphin”, “sedaflex” and “recliner” principle almost always consist of a metal frame. And they demand that this particular structural element be dismantled first.

In what cases is it necessary to change wheels?

Before you start replacing the wheels on your office chair, you need to determine the nature of the problem. The need for this procedure arises if the wheels:

• stopped spinning;
• scratch the floor surface;
• fall out of the fastenings.

All these problems serve as a reason for replacement.

Do you have an office (computer) chair?

Not really

Orthopedic or ergonomic computer chair for home

Staying in one position for a long time provokes the appearance of various kinds of problems with the musculoskeletal system, so you need to choose the right chair for working at the computer and rationally organize your workplace. It is known that the spine consists of different sections: sacral, coccygeal, thoracic, lumbar and cervical. All of them perform a supporting and supportive function; in addition, each section provides protection of the spinal cord from external factors.

Important! A healthy spine allows a person to move calmly, turn his head and sit.

An important role in maintaining the vertical position of the body is played by the back muscles, which are subject to significant stress and tension in a sitting position. To maintain the position of the back in a sitting position, the muscles involuntarily stretch. If a person does not change body position for a long time, they weaken, which causes pain in the back and other parts.

All this can be avoided if you choose an orthopedic computer chair for your home that will support your muscles and ensure your back is in the correct position. The positive effect is achieved thanks to the optimal configuration and anatomical shape of the backrest, which relieves stress from the muscles and supports all parts of the spinal column.

( 2 ratings, average 4.5 out of 5 )

Tools

It is impossible to change wheels without a set of special tools. They are in every home and even in offices. We are talking about a screwdriver, hammer or pliers.

Instead of a screwdriver, you can use a special plate. Use a thin part to pry up the wheel, carefully disconnecting it. This tool is also needed to remove the plugs inserted into the rollers.

When disconnecting the rollers, the iron pin may become stuck in the crosspiece. Pliers will help to remove it. To knock out a stuck wheel, use a regular or rubberized hammer. It is used to disconnect the gas lift.

For a more thorough repair, which involves replacing not only the rollers, but also the cross, you will need a ring drift. It will simplify the separation of the cross from the gas lift.

Important! Experts advise using lubricant to treat parts before dismantling worn ones and installing others. Many people neglect this procedure and in vain. Lubricated chairs do not creak and last much longer.

Design features

Despite the variety of designs and functional content, almost all chairs consist of a set of elements:

• Five-pointed cross (base). This part is made of metal or plastic. The first option is better quality and more expensive
• Rollers. Like the cross, the wheels can be metal or plastic. However, the base and internal joint of any roller are made of metal
• Pneumatic cartridge (gas lift). The part acts as a chair leg and is responsible for its “elasticity”
• The swing mechanism contributes to the axial deflection of the chair and its fixation in one position. On expensive models, a mechanism with an offset axis is installed, ensuring the smoothest turning possible.
• Plate. This element is a metal platform with a lever. Used to change the height of the seat relative to the crossbar
• Constant contact - an element connecting the back of the seat and responsible for changing its position

Most office chair models have armrests. In budget models, these elements are made of plastic; in more expensive ones - from anodized or stainless steel.

How to remove?

The key to replacing wheels on an office chair involves removing them. Prepare all the necessary tools for this in advance.

To replace the roller wheels or simply clean out debris, you need to pull them out. This is a simple task; you don’t have to contact a professional to handle it.

Tip : treat the roller attachment points with lubricant to make work easier.

Proceed sequentially:

1. Turn the chair upside down and place it on a stable surface.
2. Try to remove the roller from the chair with your hands.
3. If necessary, pry up the casing using a slotted screwdriver, move it to the side, hook the wheel and remove it.

If the wheel comes off but the pin does not, use pliers.

Assembling a chair is more difficult than disassembling it. To prevent parts from getting lost, pack them carefully after removal.

Failure of the landing pin for fastening the wheels, the absence of locking rings on the rollers, or wear of the crosspiece plug lead to the wheels falling out. The solution to the problem is to replace the crosspiece and partially disassemble the chair.

Turn the chair over and remove the wheels as described above. To remove the crosspiece from the gas lift, hold onto the gas lift and carefully tap it with a hammer from above in the area where it is fixed. The failed part can be easily removed. Do not make great efforts so as not to damage the parts.

Rollers falling out is the most common problem faced by most owners of such furniture.

Varieties by material

The following materials can be used as coating:

• Genuine Leather.
• Faux leather.
• Mesh material.
• Textile.

Of course, a leather cover will cost an order of magnitude more than others, but the quality will also be higher and the chair will be more wear-resistant. Basically, the leather covering provides rest. However, the office option makes the place comfortable, but not intended for relaxation. The advantages of a leather chair cover can be highlighted:

1. High strength eliminates the risk of abrasions and tears.
2. Ease of care for the material. Leather coverings do not require frequent cleaning and rarely become dirty.
3. Softness and warmth. It is these qualities that provide comfort to the user.
4. Leather is resistant to low temperatures, so there is no risk of the material cracking.

Faux leather is actually a great substitute and budget option. This material is almost no different from its original and has all the same properties as natural material. Therefore, do not underestimate chairs covered with artificial leather.

The mesh material will provide the user with additional ventilation. The backs of chairs are mainly made from this material. However, the seat can also be produced with such a covering. It is worth paying attention to the mesh material, as it is hygienic due to ventilation.

Fabric chairs are budget furniture, so they are suitable for people who cannot afford leather. The fabric makes the chairs soft and does not absorb odors.

How to remove hair?

The wheels of office chairs get most dirty in homes where there are pets. Even regular wet cleaning does not solve the problem. Over time, all objects around will still become clogged with wool.

Attention! Dirty rollers begin to jam. At the first sign of dust and hair accumulation, you should clean the furniture.

Turn the chair over and inspect the wheels. Find out if they are clogged with animal hair or textile fibers (if there is a carpet on the floor).

The first step is to try to clean the rollers by hand. If everything works out, they will spin like new again. If normal cleaning fails, use scissors or a knife. The main thing is not to hurt your fingers in the process of removing dirt. Sharp objects are ideal for removing hairballs and textile fibers.

To remove the casters from an office chair for cleaning, you need to turn the furniture over and unscrew the mounting bolts. The wheels must be washed in soapy water and only then put them back in place.

What not to do when disassembling

It is unacceptable to make rough and strong movements - such an approach to business is fraught with breaking furniture elements, tearing its coverings or breaking fasteners.

If disassembly is carried out for the purpose of repairing the frame or replacing the upholstery, you cannot leave part of the fittings unremoved. By the way, it doesn’t hurt to take a photo of the places where it is attached, so that later, when assembling, you don’t get confused.

In the case of disassembling a chair to move it to another room, it is strictly not recommended to do this partially, leaving parts of the furniture articulated, only loosening the fastenings and bending the parts to make the structure narrower. This is often done. This often ends in failure.

Sequence of installation of new parts

Replacing worn wheels with new ones is carried out in a certain sequence. The method of repair and installation of new rollers depends on the specifics of the breakdown.

If the wheels do not rotate, it means they are dirty. Remove, wash the parts (use a brush if necessary), be sure to dry them, and only then put them back in place.

Important! The wheels falling out does not indicate a malfunction of the plug (the socket in the crosspiece that secures the roller). It will have to be replaced by separating the wheels and removing the protective plastic covers.

The plugs are removed with a screwdriver. New sockets are installed, after which the casings with rollers are returned to their place.

If the wheels are damaged, disconnect the broken part, inspect the socket for damage, and then install a new roller.

In addition to damage to the wheels, computer chairs are susceptible to other malfunctions. Often there is a need to replace the crosspiece. Metal or plastic is used to manufacture this element. The first option is more expensive, but it is more reliable.

Plastic crosses are less durable, but lightweight and affordable. Chrome products are not only famous for their reliability, but also look aesthetically pleasing. Choose a cross with an ideal coating; there should be no unevenness on its surface.

Important! At the stage of disassembling the structure, it is unacceptable to knock on the gas chamber. Dismantle the gas lift carefully, making precise blows along the edge.

The gas lift mount is standard on all types of office chairs, so there is no point in worrying about its incompatibility with the new cross.

Have you ever cleaned wheels of debris and hair?

Not really

Types of office chairs

Instead of structurally complex furniture, you can use a bag in which there is simply nothing to break

Damage and breakdown of office furniture, as well as the complexity of repairs, are determined by the design features and operating characteristics of a particular model. There is a wide range of office chairs on sale. What to choose taking into account the comfort of use, service life and subsequent maintainability?

Illustrations	Varieties and their descriptions
	Chairs for visitors . These are non-rotating models assembled on the basis of a metal frame. Seats and backs can be hard or soft. Soft models have foam filling and fabric or leatherette upholstery.
	Computer chairs (for staff) . These are compact swivel models with a seat mounted on a roller base. The design uses rollers for soft or hard surfaces. This furniture provides seat height adjustment and backrest tilt adjustment.
	Executive chairs. In fact, this is also a computer chair, but with additional width and height of the backrest. The executive chairs use a rocking function with locking capabilities. Of course, there is the possibility of adjusting the seat height and tilt. Almost all executive chairs are soft and high-quality fabrics, leatherette or genuine leather are used as upholstery.

Advantages and disadvantages:

• Models for visitors are distinguished by such qualities as reliability, low cost and high maintainability. Despite the low level of comfort, such furniture is a good choice for equipping an office or home office under the condition of short-term work.
• Models for staff are distinguished by comfort and functionality of use. But, due to the additional functionality, the design becomes more complicated, and therefore such chairs are more difficult to repair compared to the previous version, where there is simply nothing to break.
• Models for executives offer even more comfort, useful and not so useful functions, and even more luxury in finishing. All these advantages come at the cost of complex repairs.

Design features

The drawing shows a simple office chair, which is only slightly inferior in terms of comfort to a full-fledged chair

The design of a simple model for visitors uses the following details:

• Tubular welded metal frame.
• Plastic or plywood seat and back.
• Fasteners for attaching the backrest and seat to the frame.

Foam rubber is glued over the seat and back and the upholstery is stretched.

Schematic representation of the structural elements of a computer chair

More complex modifications of chairs are characterized by increased functionality, which is achieved through the use of a number of structural elements, such as:

• A cross with roller pairs allows you to roll relatively safely and comfortably on a flat floor.
• Gas lift is a mechanism responsible for changing the height of the seat.
• Mechanisms for changing the backrest and seat tilt.
• Mechanisms that block the seat rocking function.

Common breakdowns

Gas lift failure and the inability to raise the seat are the most common problems with inexpensive office furniture.

Since the design of chairs for visitors is simple and there is nothing to break, we will focus on the most common breakdowns of functional chairs.

• Damage to the crosspiece . The cross itself is a durable monolithic part that is difficult to break under normal use. More often, decorative plastic linings in the crosspiece break or wear out.
• Damage to the rollers . In most chairs, if used incorrectly, the rollers crumble and break.
• Destruction of the swing mechanism . If the chair is used incorrectly, the locking mechanism in the swing mechanism stops working and it becomes simply unsafe to swing back.
• Pneumatic cartridge failure . This is the most common failure, in which the compression in the pneumatic cartridge weakens and the rod with the attached seat falls down.

Causes of breakdowns

The causes of breakdowns are of two types, namely, non-compliance with operating rules and natural wear of parts. Let's take a closer look at the most common damage.

Illustrations	Damage and its description
	Crosspiece failures . The main reason is the impact and, as a result, the appearance of cracks in the decorative plastic linings. Due to the fact that feet are placed on the crosspiece, the inexpensive plastic of the pads quickly becomes covered with abrasions. On completely plastic crosses, due to heavy load, one or more beams break off right at the rod mount.
	Rollers . There are two types of rollers: hard for soft surfaces and soft for hard surfaces. Most chairs are equipped by default with rollers for soft surfaces, which roll over tiles or parquet over time and begin to crumble and break. Also, due to heavy load, the roller rod may break off, as shown in the photo.
	Rocking mechanism . This unit fails due to excessive loads (large weight of the rider and intense rocking). The cheaper the chair you buy, the more likely it is that it is designed for light loads.
	Gas lift . The reason for the seat sagging lies in low compression, which in turn appears as a result of depressurization of the internal volume of the cartridge.

Do-it-yourself repairs - as far as possible

Such breakdowns are rare, but even they can be corrected and give the furniture a second life.

Almost any breakdown from the previously listed list can be repaired without going to a workshop. Moreover, to eliminate the listed problems, there will be enough tools that are probably available in any home workshop. Let's look at ways to troubleshoot the most common office chair problems.

Illustrations	Damage and remedies
	Cross. If the cross pads are broken, simply dismantle the broken part and try gluing or soldering it along the crack line. To hide the scuffs of the plastic covers, sand the entire crosspiece with sandpaper to a uniformly matte surface. If part of the all-plastic crosspiece is broken, the structure can be bolted together through a through hole drilled in the rod. However, such a repair will not provide sufficient reliability, and therefore it is advisable to replace the crosspiece at the first opportunity.
	Rollers. If a wheel crumbles, the only sure way to repair it is to replace it. According to the type of fastening, there are two types of rollers: pressed into seats and models with a threaded rod. If the chair is Chinese, the roller rod is most likely pressed in. To remove the roller, place a chisel or other narrow metal plate into the slot at the base of the rod and pick out the part. In place of the removed roller, insert a part with the same rod.
	Rocking mechanism . If damaged, this unit is replaced as an assembly. You can find a replacement for a damaged part on the market or in online advertisements for the sale of chairs and spare parts for them. The mechanism is attached to the seat with four bolts. After the bolts are unscrewed, all that remains is to knock the faulty mechanism off the rod and press a new part in its place.
	Gas lift . Failure of this structural element is eliminated by complete replacement of the part or restoration repair. Since such damage is not uncommon, let’s look at it in more detail.

How to remove a gas lift for repairs

In order to repair or change the gas cartridge, you need to get to it and this can be done in three ways.

Stand on the crosspiece and, rocking the seat, pull it towards you until it, together with the swing mechanism, comes off the rod

Turn the chair upside down and, holding the crosspiece, strike with a hammer around the perimeter of the rod until the seat comes off

We unscrew the mechanism from the seat, turn the structure upside down and knock the mechanism off the rod with a hammer

How to separate the cross?

The photo shows the perimeter of the gas lift, hitting which you can release the cross

Here, too, you can’t do without a hammer. We turn the assembly over with the cross up and knock out the gas cartridge by striking the protrusion shown in the photo with a hammer.

So, the gas cartridge has been removed, what to do next?

Gas lifts have standard sizes, and therefore there will be no problems with replacing parts

The easiest way is to buy a new part and install it in place of the damaged element. After the replacement is completed, the entire structure is assembled in the reverse order.

Gas cartridge repair

Disassembly.

Remove the stopper and washer from the bottom of the body with a screwdriver, and then remove the glass from the rod

Remove the washer and cage bearing

Remove the rubber gasket - limiter

Repair . After you have finished disassembling, you can replace or at least clean the rubber gasket, which does not fit tightly to the glass due to wear. At this point, you can replace the cage bearing. If the chair crunches when turning, the problem is precisely this part.

Reverse process (assembly ). Assembling the gas lift is carried out like disassembling, but in the reverse order.

A simple and cheap way to repair a gas lift

We measure the distance from the swing mechanism to the gas lift in the position in which it was with the seat raised

We select a polypropylene pipe with an internal diameter corresponding to the external diameter of the rod and cut a piece of the required size

We remove the crosspiece, the seat and dismantle the gas lift

We heat the previously prepared piece of tube and put it on the rod until it stops

We put on the non-working gas lift and fix the cross in its original position

Installing the seat and using the work chair

Despite the fact that the proposed method is simple and cheap, it is effective. Of course, this method is suitable if only you use the chair and no one will try to change the height to suit their dimensions.

Additional Tips

Use a screwdriver to remove excess parts. Professionals advise performing a complete replacement, since different types of wheels can make it difficult to move on the floor covering. Timely replacement guarantees a longer service life of the rollers.

Choose your videos wisely. You should not buy the cheapest ones, they will not last long. Look at what casters were originally on the chair, try to find the same ones. If necessary, consult with the store salesperson.

Advice! After installing new wheels, be sure to test the chair to make sure it can withstand the load. Roll it around the room. Check to see if the wheels are catching on the floors. If your flooring has uneven surfaces, remove them, otherwise the new rollers will not last long.

If you wish, you can change the wheels on your office chair yourself - this will eliminate the need to spend money on buying new furniture. Damaged rollers cause a lot of inconvenience, so you should not delay replacing them. New wheels are inexpensive and don't take much time to install. Extend the life of your computer chair by replacing the casters yourself.

You will find 13 ways to clean your computer and laptop monitor at home in this article, and how to clean a laptop keyboard in this article. Also find out how to clean your laptop from dust with your own hands.

What to do if the back of the chair does not support?

Breakdowns of a computer chair occur frequently and sometimes do not depend on the operating conditions. A common malfunction of a computer or office chair: the back does not hold, when leaning on it the user does not feel the necessary support, sometimes the back simply leans back. The reasons for this defect depend on the type of chair construction.

If the back has fallen into a chair with a solid structure. Most likely, we are talking about product defects or outright fraud when low-quality raw materials are used in the production of chairs. In this case, only additional fastening with metal or wooden slats and their subsequent fastening at the location of the fault is possible.

If a chair with separately fixed elements breaks down, we can talk about partial repair of the mechanism or its replacement. The complexity of the repair depends on the breakdown. As a rule, this cannot be done without a professional examination. The reasons why the back of a chair does not hold can be different. In particular, operating conditions are often violated, under which the permissible weight load on the product is regularly exceeded. Repair of an office or computer chair is possible under warranty if the warranty period has not expired and the user complies with the operating instructions. If an inexpensive chair requires repairs, you should count on a complete replacement of the entire mechanism.

Gas lifts

What sizes do they come in and how do they relate to different types of mechanisms?

Gas lift size “60” is more often used with the “Multiblock” mechanism. Gas lift size “100” is the most common and is used with both the Top-Gun Lux mechanism and the Top-Gun mechanism. A gas lift of size “140” is most often installed together with the “Piastra” mechanism.

Why do you need a reupholstery?

Over the years, any piece of furniture in your interior becomes outdated, becomes unusable, the drapery wears out, becomes stained, and wears out. Over time, outdated furniture becomes uncomfortable to use; among other things, it no longer fits into the interior and even distorts the overall picture of the room. This means that the time has come to either replace and dispose of old furniture, or try to restore and reupholster it.

Restoring furniture yourself has its advantages.

Reupholstery is possible when the chair is still:

• Durable;
• Reliable;
• Has a strong base.

Upholstery will give a second life to an outdated chair, returning and even improving its former appearance. The updated chair will be able to serve for several more years as a reliable and tested piece of furniture.

Cross

This is the lower element of the chair to which the casters are attached. The larger and heavier the model, the stronger the crosspiece should be. Chromed metal, plastic and polyamide are used in production. When it comes to strength, the type of material is not as important as the quality of the raw material and the thickness of the material.

Metal

(chrome or matte). Looks expensive and stylish. Prone to scratches.

Polyamide

. Practically indestructible material of the crosspiece. It does not crumble due to temperature changes and does not burst due to pressure.

Plastic

. An inexpensive option that can be considered to save money. If you want to protect yourself from accidental falls, it is better to choose more reliable materials.