As you read this article, you’re probably sitting in an office chair of some kind. If you were to release the lever that alters its height, you’ll be able to hear the sound of the gas in the strut being compressed as you change the position of the seat. Gas struts like this are act as essential components in engineering jobs of all scales. Here’s what you need to know to understand how they work.
Understanding how they work
Gas struts are components made up of a piston rod that slides in and out of a sealed tube. This is filled with pressurized nitrogen gas and oil. Because the rod has a piston riveted at one end, this prevents it from being forced out of the tube when the pressure is allowed to escape. The oil stored acts as a lubricant which allows the piston to move more smoothly.
The higher the pressure of the gas, the more force the gas strut is able to exert. While you will typically find these in car trunk lids and office furniture, the same basic principle can also be utilized on a much larger scale. In fact, it’s not uncommon to find gas struts in heavy industrial settings where they can exert a force that ranges from 250,000-400,000N, the equivalent of around 40 tons.
Gas struts are components made up of a piston rod that slides in and out of a sealed tube. This is filled with pressurized nitrogen gas and oil. Because the rod has a piston riveted at one end, this prevents it from being forced out of the tube when the pressure is allowed to escape. The oil stored acts as a lubricant which allows the piston to move more smoothly.
The higher the pressure of the gas, the more force the gas strut is able to exert. While you will typically find these in car trunk lids and office furniture, the same basic principle can also be utilized on a much larger scale. In fact, it’s not uncommon to find gas struts in heavy industrial settings where they can exert a force that ranges from 250,000-400,000N, the equivalent of around 40 tons.
Replacing ineffective components
Over consistent use, it's not uncommon for gas struts to become ineffective or break entirely. This is because the pressure of the gas, which is typically around 170 times the normal amount of atmospheric pressure, is so high that it can cause the seal to break. Fortunately, replacing these parts for new ones is a simple fix.
The gas struts will be fixed to a ball joint and held on by a spring clip. To remove the broken strut, carefully slide a flathead screwdriver into the spring clip and pull the strut away. Line the new strut against the ball joints and push it into place. You should hear a clicking sound as it snaps together. Repeat the same process with the other side of the trunk lid, if necessary.
Gas struts are little-known devices that most of us go through life never been think about. While they may seem inconsequential, we actually make use of them on an almost daily basis. If you’d like to see more tips about the mechanical inner-workings of your vehicle, take a look here.
Over consistent use, it's not uncommon for gas struts to become ineffective or break entirely. This is because the pressure of the gas, which is typically around 170 times the normal amount of atmospheric pressure, is so high that it can cause the seal to break. Fortunately, replacing these parts for new ones is a simple fix.
The gas struts will be fixed to a ball joint and held on by a spring clip. To remove the broken strut, carefully slide a flathead screwdriver into the spring clip and pull the strut away. Line the new strut against the ball joints and push it into place. You should hear a clicking sound as it snaps together. Repeat the same process with the other side of the trunk lid, if necessary.
Gas struts are little-known devices that most of us go through life never been think about. While they may seem inconsequential, we actually make use of them on an almost daily basis. If you’d like to see more tips about the mechanical inner-workings of your vehicle, take a look here.
