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How to Fix Squeaks and Creaks in Your Steelcase Gesture Chair: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Fix Squeaks and Creaks in Your Steelcase Gesture Chair: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ryan Snyder |

Introduction:

Hello everyone, Mike here from Crandall Office Furniture. If you’ve been dealing with annoying squeaks or creaks coming from your Steelcase Gesture chair, you’re in the right place. Today, I’m going to walk you through a simple, step-by-step process to get rid of those noises and restore your chair to its smooth, silent operation. Let’s get started!

Tools and Materials You’ll Need:

Before we dive in, make sure you have the following tools and materials ready:

Flathead Screwdriver

Impact Driver with a T20 Torx Bit

WD-40 Silicone Quick-Drying Spray

These are all you need to get your Steelcase Gesture chair back to its quiet self.

Step 1: Removing the Seat

The first step is to remove the seat from your chair. Here’s how:

1. Lay the Chair on Its Back: Position the chair so you can easily access the underside.

2. Locate the Seat Depth Roller: Use this roller to adjust the seat position.

3. Release the Seat: Gently press down on the metal lever beneath the seat while rolling the seat depth roller upward until the clip disengages. Be careful with your fingers!

Once the clip has cleared, you can easily lift the seat off the chair.

Step 2: Removing Trim Pieces

With the seat removed, it’s time to take off the trim pieces to access the chair’s internal components:

1. Remove the Lower Trim Piece: Use your flathead screwdriver to gently pop off the plastic trim piece. There are typically two clips holding it in place.

2. Remove the Upper Trim Cover: Use your T20 Torx bit to remove the screw holding the upper trim cover in place. Once unscrewed, gently remove the cover.

Step 3: Cleaning the Chair Mechanism

Now that you have access to the internal mechanism, it’s a good idea to clean up any dust and debris:

Use a Soft Bristle Vacuum: Gently vacuum the area to remove loose dust.

Compressed Air: You can also use compressed air to blow out dirt from hard-to-reach areas.

Wipe Down with a Rag: Finally, use a soft rag to wipe down any remaining dust or dirt.

This step helps ensure that no debris interferes with the lubrication process.

Step 4: Lubricating the Chair Mechanism

With the chair cleaned, it’s time to apply lubricant to the moving parts:

1. Start with the Back Spring: Apply a quick spray of WD-40 silicone to the back spring.

2. Lubricate the Middle Gear: Spray the middle gear lightly—no need to overdo it.

3. Hit the Forward Spring: Give the forward spring a quick spray.

4. Side Mechanisms: Spray the moving parts on both sides of the chair.

5. Cables and Additional Springs: Don’t forget to lubricate the cables and additional springs inside the chair.

Once you’ve applied lubricant to all the moving parts, manually operate the chair’s mechanisms to ensure the lubricant is well-distributed.

Step 5: Final Lubrication and Clean-Up

The last spot to lubricate is at the back of the chair:

1. Tilt the Chair Back: Gently tilt the chair back to access the area.

2. Apply Silicone Spray: Spray a small amount of lubricant onto the rear mechanism.

3. Rock the Chair Back and Forth: This helps work the lubricant into the crevices.

Afterward, wipe off any excess lubricant with your rag.

Step 6: Reassembling the Chair

With the lubrication complete, it’s time to put everything back together:

1. Reinstall Trim Pieces: Snap the plastic trim pieces back into place and secure the upper trim cover with the T20 Torx screw.

2. Reattach the Seat: Align the seat rails with the chair’s base, push the seat back, and use the seat depth roller to lock it into place. You’ll hear a click when it’s secure.

Conclusion:

And that’s it! Your Steelcase Gesture chair should now be squeak-free and as good as new. If you have any questions or run into any issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Crandall Office Furniture. And as always, if you found this guide helpful, please like and subscribe to our channel for more tips and tutorials. Have a great day!