A noisy squeaky gaming chair is not only extremely annoying but can drive you crazy and weaken the concentration when gaming. If there are creaking or squeaking noises with every movement, you want to quickly find out why does my gaming chair squeak so that you can do something about the annoying noise.
Why Does My Gaming Chair Squeak
If the chair makes noises when moving, it is because mechanically moving parts rub against each other or a screw connection is loose. The latter will cause a gap between the parts which causes the chair to wobble and make crunching and squeaking noises.
Where does that squeak come from?
If your chair squeaks all you have to do is take a closer look and listen carefully to find out where the squeaking comes from.
A gaming chair squeaking can have different causes:
- Caster wheels – the swiveling stem pin or the wheel axles can be the source of noise
If the casters creak, the problem can be quickly resolved. Remove dirt from the rollers that may cause grinding noises. If these can no longer be cleaned or are worn out badly, buy new chair casters, they can easily be replaced. Spray the rollers’ stem and axles with a lubricant so that they spin silently again. Roll the chair around a bit so that the lubricant is evenly distributed.
- The gas lift mechanism – with the telescopic damper rod can make a creaking squeaky sound
- The chair rocking mechanism – can squeak when moving back and forth
If the gaming chair squeaks when leaning back, rocking or turning, pay attention to where the noise is coming from. The noise source is often the mechanics under the seat. Movable components such as the rocking function are subject to natural wear. These causes are fairly easy to fix, all it takes is a little bit of lubricant to apply in the right place.
Parts that are worn out too much should be replaced. Be careful with the gas lift spring. Never open the gas spring itself, this is under high pressure and can cause injury. Read the instructions on how to change the gas lift.
- Upholstery and Padding – the straps that are tensioned on the steel frame on which the padding rests, and what takes up your weight when sitting in the chair, can cause noise when moving back and forth on the chair.
These noises are difficult to eliminate because the cause is hidden inside the stool structure.
- Loose screws and bolts – that normally hold the different chair components together. If something is loose here, the chair may not only be noisy and squeaky but is sure to be shaky and wobbly as well.
Inspect screw connections and individual parts and tighten the screws and bolts where necessary.
How To Oil a Squeaky Gaming Chair
Lubricants such as WD-40 or silicone spray, which is applied to mechanically stressed parts, can work wonders.
What you need:
- Cardboard sheet or painter sheeting as an underlay
- Lubricant, like WD 40, CRC, or similar
- Tools to loosen connections to apply oil better
- Cloth or kitchen towel to take up excess lubricant
If the lubricant accidentally gets on the upholstery of the chair, or on the carpeting, if present, it can cause bad stains that are difficult to get rid of. So use an underlay, or if you turn the chair over to oil the casters or gas spring cover the seat and backrest of the chair with a plastic sheet.
Apply the oil exactly to the joints, axles, and where moving parts touch each other. Use the fine nozzle that comes with the spray can or a syringe to apply the oil precisely. Be careful not to use too much oil, one drop is often enough. Take up any excess with a kitchen towel.
Turn the chair right up again and let the oil work its way in and take effect. Gravity and capillary action let the lubricant creep into all gaps and surfaces.
Test for success by moving the chair around and sitting down and moving in all directions. The squeak should now be gone.
How to avoid a squeaking gaming chair
Well, the first step to avoid a gaming chair that squeaks would be buying a high-quality chair. Premium chairs are usually much better processed and more robust and stronger materials are used. Mechanical components such as the tilt and rocking mechanism are designed to withstand higher loads. But in the end, even the best materials are subject to wear and tear, sooner or later every chair will start to chatter and squeak.
From time to time you should check the chair for wear and tear, also check the screws for tightness and tighten if necessary to avoid a shaky wobbly chair. A drop of oil here and there before the chair squeaks may also be a good idea, don’t wait until it is too late. Ultimately, no chair lasts forever. Even if there are quite a few parts that can be replaced to stretch its lifetime, after a few years a chair has paid off and it is time to replace it with a new, better gaming chair.
