Chair Cylinder Removal Steps

Cylinder Removal Steps

• Lay the chair on its side on a carpet or mat so that it cannot turn or spin
• Spray some WD-40 or like penetrant on the top of the pneumatic piston where it connects with the seat bottom or mechanism. Let the fluid sit for 5-10 minutes
• Take a pipe wrench or a plumber’s wrench and carefully clamp the jaws firmly around the top of the piston just below where it enters the mechanism
• Crank it down as if you were unscrewing it, even though it has no threads (it is a tapered pressure fit). Holding the chair also helps so that it does not spin when you apply pressure.
• Once it spins or breaks free from its seal the piston will separate from the seat mechanism. Now you have the base connected to the old piston. Almost there!
• Take the base and piston and turn the base upside down so you are looking at the bottom of the cylinder (piston) where the retention clip is (Do not remove the clip).
• With a hammer ‘bang’ on the bottom of the piston so that it dislodges from the base itself. Sometimes it is also helpful here to use some WD-40 to help break the grip. Try to bang the outer edges of the piston and not the clip itself. Sometimes placing a small block of wood at the end of the piston helps, especially if you are saving the piston and changing it out to a different height. Otherwise hammer away, for the piston if it’s bad, can just be tossed and the mangled end makes no difference. With some effort the piston will drop out of the base. One handy tip that we use here at OCUSA is to place the base upside down on the top of a large trash container which helps support the base when you are hammering it out.

If you encounter any hurdles call us and we will guide you through the process. We can be reached at 888-355-4999