Guide to Fixing and Replacing Gas Lifts Office Chairs: What You Need to Know

When you adjust the height of your office chair each day, you’re relying on a small but crucial component—the gas lift (also known as a gas cylinder). It’s what allows your seat to rise and lower smoothly, giving you comfort and support throughout the workday.

This guide will help you understand how gas lifts work, how long they typically last, what issues to look out for, and how to prevent failures.

How Long Does a Gas Lift Last?

Typical Lifespan

A good-quality gas lift should last between 5 and 8 years with regular use. High-end chairs using certified Class 4 or BIFMA-tested cylinders may last up to 10 years.

Factors That Affect Lifespan

• Daily usage: Frequent adjustments wear down internal seals over time.
• Weight load: Exceeding the chair’s weight rating increases stress and failure risk.
• Climate: Humidity and heat can cause rust and degrade rubber seals.
• Material quality: Class 4 cylinders use better steel and longer-lasting components.
• User behaviour: Slamming, bouncing, or rough use will shorten lifespan.

How Does an Office Chair Gas Lift Work?

Gas lifts use compressed nitrogen gas inside a sealed steel cylinder. When you pull the adjustment lever, it opens a valve allowing the piston to move, letting your chair rise or fall.

1. Pulling the lever opens the internal valve.
2. While seated, your body weight compresses the gas, lowering the chair.
3. If you’re standing, the gas expands and raises the seat.
4. Releasing the lever locks it in place.

Common Gas Lift Problems (And How to Spot Them)

• Chair sinking: Seat slowly lowers by itself even after adjusting.
• Won’t adjust: Lever moves but nothing happens.
• Jerky movement: Uneven or sudden jumps while adjusting height.
• Creaks or noises: Sounds from inside the lift, usually from internal wear.
• Leaking fluid: Visible oil or odd smells may indicate seal failure.

How to Prevent Gas Lift Failures

1. Can They Explode?

While rare, gas lifts can fail dangerously if made poorly. Most incidents involve low-quality chairs or misuse.

To stay safe:

• Only buy chairs with BIFMA, TUV, or SGS certification
• Avoid jumping or rough handling
• Keep the chair indoors in a dry, temperate space
• Replace old or leaking gas lifts

2. How to Fix a Sinking Chair

You'll need:

• A replacement gas lift matching your current chair’s size and rating
• A rubber mallet or spanner
• WD-40 (optional, for loosening parts)

Steps:

1. Turn the chair upside down on a towel or mat
2. Detach the seat from the base using a mallet or spanner
3. Remove the old gas lift
4. Insert the new one into the base
5. Reattach the seat and test the lift

Summary & Pro Tip

• Gas lifts typically last 5–8 years
• Choose chairs with certified Class 4 cylinders
• Don’t overload or mistreat your chair
• Replace faulty lifts as soon as issues appear

Looking for a longer-lasting office chair?

If you're unsure about how to replace or repair your office chair, or simply prefer to leave it to the professionals, the POVIMO team is here to help. Our product specialists offer expert advice and support for gas lift replacements, ergonomic upgrades, and seating repairs.

At POVIMO, we provide premium gas lift replacement services for individual chairs or complete office setups. Whether you're updating a single executive chair or refitting an entire workspace, our team is ready to assist.

Book a free consultation for your chair maintenance needs, or visit our showroom to explore our full range of executive and ergonomic seating solutions.