How to Replace an Office Chair Base Fixing The Issue in 3 Easy Steps

Your office is where you spend a lot of time, especially if you work a standard nine to five job. Because of this, you likely spend long hours sitting in a chair. 

As a result, your office chair must be comfortable and functional. It needs to support your body, your style, and your workflow. There is no better feeling than finding a chair that accommodates all three aspects. 

Over time, however, our beloved office chairs can become worn down. From prolonged use, the material can break down. The wheels can become stuck or stop working altogether. The padding may no longer provide the support your body needs. 

When this happens, you might think you need a new chair. However, if you have a chair you love, it may not be time to say goodbye. You may be able to fix your chair and extend its life.

An easy place to start is with the chair base. You can replace the office chair base quickly and affordably. It can make a world of difference. Let’s learn how to remove the office chair base with us!

Chair Parts: What is the Chair Base and Why is it Important?

If your office chair is broken and needs repair, you may have an opportunity to fix it. Replacing the chair base can be a good place to start. 

The chair base is the bottom of the office chair. All office chairs come with a base. This base can be constructed from a wide range of materials and is used to provide stability. Most office chair bases come with five legs and attached wheels. The wheels allow for increased mobility which is helpful in larger office spaces or with positions that require more movement. 

Most chair bases are made of steel, though some may be made with aluminum or other similar materials. Steel provides for a tough and very durable base. Typically, a steel base can handle the most pressure and weight. Aluminum is a lighter material. While it also provides stability, it allows for more efficient movement. It also gives the chair a lighter feel which can make it easier to lift and transport. 

Without a solid chair base, you won’t have a very sturdy or comfortable computer chair. It’s a critical component of an office chair. It is also one that can be replaced, if needed, to breathe new life into an old, worn-out seat.

How to Repair a Broken Office Chair: Steps for Replacing the Base

If your office chair needs a lift, you may want to try replacing the base. This can help you save money and maintain the office chair you love. 

While repairing a broken office chair may sound complicated, the process is quite simple. Replacing the base can be done quickly and painlessly with few tools. 

Interested in learning how to replace the office chair base? Just follow these three easy steps.

Step 1: Assess the Issue

The first step involves assessing the issue. You can assess the issue by flipping your office chair over and closely examining the base for any noticeable defects. Are the legs of your chair cracked or broken? Is this causing the chair to feel wobbly? 

If the legs look okay and your office chair base looks unscathed, you may be dealing with a damaged or defective office chair castor. This can cause mobility issues. 

The castors are also known as the wheels. The wheels are attached to the base of the chair and provide mobility. The castors allow you to move the chair from one location to another quickly and easily without doing any heavy lifting. Castors can be either hard or soft depending on the type of floor surface. 

If the wheels look okay, you may find the issue is a build-up of debris. String, wool, filth, or other types of debris may accumulate over time and cause issues.

Step 2: Determine if New Parts are Needed

If you assess your chair base and determine that a build-up of grime is the issue, a simple clean-up should resolve the problem. Sometimes, however, the situation is more complicated than that and requires a more thoughtful fix. 

If the legs are cracked or the wheels are broken, you may need to order replacement parts. The chair base is a star-shaped bottom. It connects the wheels on your chair swivel. This may be broken. If this part is broken, the chair cylinder may be broken, too. The cylinder is the piece that attaches the seat to the base. Since these two parts function together, they may both need repair or replacement.   

If there is an issue with the wheels, they can be replaced. Often, you can remove the wheels with a screwdriver. It only takes a few minutes to do so. Once the castor wheels are removed, you can clean them. Removing any hair, thread, or debris can ensure the wheels will spin with ease. If cleaning the wheels does not resolve the issue, you may need to order new castor wheels to replace the old ones.

Step 3: Install the New Parts and Test Out Your Chair

Luckily, a new chair base, chair cylinder, and castor wheels can all be ordered. With just a few simple tools, you can remove the old parts and install the new ones.

You may be wondering how to disassemble an office chair base or remove the base from the chair. This process may sound complicated, but it is not.

The first thing you will want to do is prepare your work area. Make sure you have enough space. It may be helpful to put a towel or blanket down to keep the floor protected from scratches.

Next, you will want to turn the chair over once again. This time, you should know exactly which parts you need to focus on and replace the office chair base and other parts.

At the center of the chair base, there may be a holding clip. You can use a screwdriver or pliers to remove it. With a simple pull, it should release from the bottom of the chair. Once you have removed the holding clip, you will want to remove the washer, if applicable. The washer should slide off the piston easily.

Once those two pieces have been removed, you should be able to remove the base from the chair. If you turn it in a counterclockwise fashion, it should release from the seat of the chair. Once the base has been removed, you can take your new chair base and install it similarly.

Once you have finished installing the new parts, you may want to test it out! Just turn your chair back over, sit in it, and see if it feels more steady and secure. If it does, then great. If it doesn’t, you may need to reassess the situation.

When Will You Need to Buy a New Chair?

Unfortunately, if replacing the old, used parts of your chair doesn’t remedy the issue, you may need to think about purchasing a new one.

If you have replaced the office chair base, but it is still unsteady, your office chair is not going to provide you with the support you need. Long hours spent on a wobbly chair are a recipe for backaches, pains, and other issues.

If you’ve replaced the wheels and they are still not providing optimal mobility, your chair may not provide you with the movement you need. You may not be able to glide across the room or move from place to place as easily as intended.

While it may be sad to let your old office chair go, it may be time for an upgrade. You may not be able to find a chair that is exactly the same as your old one. However, you should be able to find a new chair that will provide you with the support and functionality you need to be successful at work and satisfied once again.

Buying a New Office Chair: Things to Consider

If you need to purchase a new office chair, there are a few things you might want to consider. First, you’ll need to determine if you wish to purchase a new chair or a used one. Second, if you purchase a new chair, you will want to determine the best type of chair for your needs. 

Purchasing a New or Used Chair

Good quality office chairs can be expensive. While there are many pros to purchasing a new chair, some individuals opt for a used one. Purchasing a used chair can be a more affordable option for those trying to save money.

If you elect to purchase a used chair, you will want to be sure the chair is in good working condition. Before purchase, it may be good to do a quick assessment to ensure the chair is functional. Does the chair feel steady? Are the wheels secure? Do they work correctly?

When selecting a used chair, you want to be sure there are no damages or defects that are going to compromise the comfort and function.

Selecting the Best Type of Chair for Your Needs

If you elect to purchase a new chair, it is important to do your research. There are many different types of office chairs on the market. Different chairs may be better suited to your needs than others. 

Ergonomic office chairs are a good option to consider. They come in many different shapes and sizes with many adjustable features. It is important to consider the following questions before making your selection: 

• What kind of material is the chair made from? Is it going to be comfortable, breathable, and durable?
• Does the chair recline and to what degree?
• Is the chair adjustable?
• How much weight does the chair support?
• Is the chair available in different colors and styles? 

Finding the best office chair does not have to be difficult. While there are quite a few different types of office chairs on the market, it is going to be best to select a chair that caters to your specific needs and style.

Top Recommendation for a New Office Chair

When it comes to finding the perfect office chair, comfort, support, and durability are the key factors to consider. An office chair should not only enhance your productivity but also promote healthy posture and prevent long-term physical strain. If you're looking for a new office chair, the Autonomous ErgoChair Pro and the Autonomous ErgoChair Ultra 2 are among the top recommendations in the market, offering a blend of ergonomics, design, and functionality. Here’s a detailed look at both options.

Autonomous ErgoChair Pro

3081 reviews

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Specs

Dimensions	29”L x 29”W x 46” - 50”H
Seat dimensions	20”L x 20”W
Seat height	18” - 20”
Back dimensions (w/o headrest)	21”W x 22”H
Back dimensions (with headrest)	21”W x 28” - 31”H
Tilt range	22°
Armrest height	11” - 14”
Armrest height (from the floor)	26.7” - 32.2”
Caster wheel diameter	2.36 inches
Number of caster wheels	5 pieces
Materials	Polyester fabric with molded foam interior and durable nylon plastic frame; PU handrest pads.
Colors	Cool Gray, Evergreen, All Black Red Apple, Black & White, Baby Blue
Weight capacity	300 lbs
Item weight	48.5 lbs
Shipping dimensions	29”L x 27”W x 19”H x 67 lbs
Assembly required	Yes
Warranty	2 years
Free returns	30 days The trial and return policy does NOT apply to products on sale.
Adjustability	Headrest, armrest, back tilt angle and tension, seat tilt and height.

 

Autonomous ErgoChair Pro

ErgoChair Pro is a high-quality ergonomic chair designed to meet the needs of people who spend long hours sitting at a desk. Whether you're working from home or in the office, this chair is built to support your body in all the right places.

Ergonomic Adjustability

The ErgoChair Pro is equipped with an extensive range of adjustable features. It allows users to adjust the height, armrests, lumbar support, and even the backrest tilt. This customization helps you find the perfect sitting posture to prevent discomfort and promote good spinal alignment.

Lumbar Support

One of the standout features of the ErgoChair Pro is its advanced lumbar support system. It is fully adjustable, allowing you to fine-tune the support based on your body type and sitting preferences. This helps alleviate lower back pain and encourages a healthy sitting posture.

Comfortable Seat Design

The seat is designed with high-density foam that offers a comfortable yet firm sitting experience. This ensures that you’re not sinking into the chair or putting excessive pressure on your hips and thighs.

Breathable Mesh Backrest

The chair features a breathable mesh backrest that keeps you cool during long sitting sessions. The mesh allows air circulation, preventing heat buildup and ensuring comfort even during warmer months.

• 

  "After sitting on this thing for 6 hours straight, this thing is AMAZING. I have no back pain which is my main issue when sitting on a desk. The features this chair has are pretty awesome! I often just raise the head rest, lean all the way on it and shift my seat forward. I code like that. Pretty sweet!" - David H.
• 

  "As someone who works at a desk for 6-8 hours per day, 7 days a week, my experience with the ErgoChair over the past 3 weeks has been enough to justify a solid recommendation." - Jake R.
• 

  "After months of back pain, I’m so happy to have a new chair. It honestly feels like a sofa compared to my old one, I’m thrilled with it! It even has my dog’s approval! I’m also planning to get a standing desk from Autonomous soon."

  - Ellie

The Autonomous ErgoChair Pro is ideal for individuals who want a highly adjustable, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing office chair that provides ample support throughout the day.

Autonomous ErgoChair Ultra 2

This is another excellent option for those who are looking for a chair that combines style with advanced ergonomic features. ErgoChair Ultra 2 is designed to provide a luxurious seating experience, offering exceptional support for your back, neck, and overall posture.

ErgoChair Ultra 2

152 reviews

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Specs

Dimensions (w/o headrest)	28”L x 28”W x 41” - 46”H
Dimensions (with headrest)	28”L x 28”W x 49” - 58”H
Seat dimensions	18”L x 18”W
Seat depth range	18” - 20.5”
Seat height	18” - 23”
Headrest	8" - 12"
Back dimensions	20”W x 23”H
Tilt range	25°
Armrest height	7” - 11”
Armrest height (from the floor)	23.5” - 27.7”
Caster wheel diameter	2.56 inches
Number of caster wheels	5 pieces
Materials	100% TPE and polyester fabric upholstery with ABS plastic frame, aluminium base
Colors	Onyx Black, Dover Gray
Weight capacity	320 lbs
Item weight	36.5 lbs
Shipping dimensions	28”L x 17”W x 31”H x 45 lbs
Assembly required	Yes
Warranty	2 years
Free returns	30 days
Adjustability	Headrest, armrest, back tilt angle and tension, seat height.

 

Enhanced Lumbar Support

One of the key features of the ErgoChair Ultra 2 is its adjustable lumbar support, which can be tailored to the curvature of your spine. This helps promote proper spinal alignment and reduce strain on your lower back. If you suffer from back pain or need extra support, this chair is designed to alleviate discomfort and improve your sitting experience.

Breathable Mesh Fabric

The chair’s backrest is made of breathable mesh material, providing optimal airflow and preventing heat buildup. This is especially beneficial for those who tend to get warm while sitting for extended periods. The mesh fabric also adds a sleek, modern aesthetic to the chair.

Durable Construction

Like the ErgoChair Pro, the Ultra 2 is built to last. It features a sturdy frame and high-quality casters that can withstand the demands of daily use. The gas lift and tilt mechanisms are also durable, ensuring the chair operates smoothly for years to come.

• 

  "Feel like it's from the future. There's still some foam lining the top of the seat, but the springs are doing plenty of work to make this chair comfortable. A rubbery liner separates these two layers to spread your weight more evenly across the springs, and it all sits atop an inch-high air gap that allows for better shock absorption." - Adam S.
• 

  "I can't say enough about my much better my head, neck, and back feel with this headrest. Relaxing my head without worrying about it bending too far has been great. These chairs are sturdy and built well." - Shashi L.
• 

  "Great for someone over 6 foot with long torso Loving the new Ultra 2! Finally found a chair the actually makes my back feel better when I'm setting in it. I typically have an issue with the lumbar support being way too long on my back. Not with the Ultra 2, the design of the backrest fits to my back like a glove."

  - Heath L.

The Autonomous ErgoChair Ultra 2 is perfect for those who want a combination of comfort, adjustability, and style. It is especially ideal for people who prioritize back and neck support and are looking for a chair that keeps them comfortable throughout the day.

Conclusion

Sometimes, we find an office chair we love. We spend long hours working in this chair. Over time, however, the chair begins to wear and may fall apart. 

If this happens, it is possible to replace the office chair base or other chair parts. Replacement parts can always be ordered. The replacement process is not hard, and it does not require much time, attention, or tools.   

Even with the best of intentions, however, replacing old parts still may not fix the issue. We need to know when a chair can be salvaged or not. We need to know when we should just say goodbye to our old chair and replace it with a new one. 

If we do need a new office chair, there are many different types to choose from. Office chairs can be either new or used. They come in many different shapes, sizes, colors, and styles. 

While there are so many different types of office chairs to consider, the best chair is going to be the one that fits your needs and that allows you to fall in love all over again.