Herman Miller Aeron Chair question.

November 3, 2013 1:07 PM

Does anyone have enough experience with these to answer this?: I got a used one off craigslist for $200. Works fine except the vertical adjust isn't working at all. Could this be that the hydraulic cartridge needs to be replaced? I'm assuming it is but thought I'd ask around before I bought one. Thanks in advance.
posted by Liquidwolf to Home & Garden (12 answers total)

Could be the gas cartridge has lost its charge, or that the lever for vertical adjustment isn't making correct contact with the cartridge, because of being bent or otherwise damaged, or because the pivot points have been worn. If there's more than 3mm or so "slop" in the vertical adjustment lever, in any direction, I'd have a careful look at that, before I bought a new gas cartridge.
posted by paulsc at 1:42 PM on November 3, 2013

For $200 you got yourself a pretty good deal. We buy them used around $375-$450, depending on condition and options. Our chair guy had to replace the hydraulic unit in one before, because it was sticking. Sounds like you need a chair guy... Definitely possible that piece needs replacing, or the lever.
posted by disillusioned at 2:03 PM on November 3, 2013

Response by poster: Thanks. Yeah it's definitely a good deal. Where might I find a "chair guy"? I live in Brooklyn NY, got any suggestions?
posted by Liquidwolf at 3:40 PM on November 3, 2013

Response by poster: paulsc , Thanks, what do you mean by "slop"? Would that be how much it moves?
posted by Liquidwolf at 3:41 PM on November 3, 2013

"paulsc , Thanks, what do you mean by "slop"? Would that be how much it moves?"
posted by Liquidwolf at 6:41 PM on November 3

"Slop" is the total of all axis of free movement that the lever handle has, before it contacts the control valve surface of the gas cylinder. You need some "slop," maybe a millimeter at the end of the lever, to keep the lever from holding open the gas cylinder's adjustment valve constantly, which would defeat the normal operation of the gas cylinder, entirely. But, if there's more than about 3mm of "slop" evident in the operation of your chair's vertical adjustment lever, you may just have a bent lever, or worn or missing lever bushings. The adjustment lever has got to rotate about its rod center, relative to the gas cylinder, with very little "slop" or "play" to be effective in controlling the gas cylinder.
posted by paulsc at 4:10 PM on November 3, 2013

Response by poster: paulsc , Thanks. Its hard for me to tell if its got and slop. Feels fairy tight to me, but I'm not positive. In your opinion do you think getting the new cylinder and installing it is a smart move? Im not sure how else to fix it otherwise.. who to take it to etc.
posted by Liquidwolf at 4:40 PM on November 3, 2013

Have you tried calling Design Within Reach and asking them? When I sold my Aeron I double-checked and the guarantee only applies to the original owner, but since they are used to repairing them I bet they have someone around who knows the answer. If calling their main number (800-944-2233) isn't helpful maybe you can try one of their showrooms.
posted by Room 641-A at 4:52 PM on November 3, 2013

"... In your opinion do you think getting the new cylinder and installing it is a smart move? ..."
posted by Liquidwolf at 7:40 PM on November 3

Eh, that would depend a lot on the condition of the particular chair, and whether it needed a single or 2 stage gas cylinder. For a $200 used chair, just needing a single stage cylinder, and in otherwise good condition, sure, go for it.

For a $200 used chair, needing a $160 plus shipping 2 stage cylinder, with a bent adjustment lever and missing bushings from an angry former worker beating on it for weeks, and worn armrests, eh, maybe not.

Whaddya got, whaddya want, whaddya willin' to spend?
posted by paulsc at 4:54 PM on November 3, 2013

Response by poster: Thanks Room 641-A, I can call Design Within Reach.

Thanks paulsc, its in good shape otherwise as far as I can tell, doesnt seem to be worn out. I havent been able to determine whether it takes a single or double stage cylinder. The sticker on the bottom is gone which is where that's indicated ( so I read). Its a B size chair. Id spend a little on fixing it, especially just a cylinder but no way would I ship it anywhere, I think I could get it fixed locally if it needs it.
posted by Liquidwolf at 5:04 PM on November 3, 2013

"... I havent been able to determine whether it takes a single or double stage cylinder. ..."
posted by Liquidwolf at 8:04 PM on November 3

Eh, if you know Aeron chairs, you can just look for the extra flange....

Never mind. I think we've established that you won't be doing the repair yourself. It would help a lot to know where your chair is located, to know who to recommend, who might fix it for you.

Don't be shy. I have no idea what sacrificial anode replacements are suitable for my vintage 35 hp Johnson outboard, without my boat guy.
posted by paulsc at 5:17 PM on November 3, 2013

Response by poster: paulsc , Thanks again. I'm in Brooklyn NY. I was actually going to try to replace the cartridge myself since there are many sites that explain how. Looks manageable but... I dont know. Maybe that's not wise.
posted by Liquidwolf at 5:47 PM on November 3, 2013

Replacing a cylinder isn't all that complicated, if you get the right parts, and have a little mechanical aptitude, and a few tools. OTOH, you're not sure if your adjustment lever is bent, or has excessive free play, and you don't know whether your chair needs a single or double stage cylinder. Unless you can figure all that out, call RxFurnitureDoctor for a quote. In the past he did a good job for an acquaintance of mine from Hoboken, although not on Aeron chairs.
posted by paulsc at 6:09 PM on November 3, 2013