Re: Back Panel Removal: 2032NB Austin Tilt Back
Hi Henry,
If you are REALLY good, you can replace the strut without removing the back panel. You are working blind and fishing around with your hands to engage the upper and lower clips of the strut, but it can be done. I see the guys at H&M do it in a few minutes and they never remove the panel. However for most us mere mortals, its easier to pull the panel partially off. It's held on with staples, and you simply pry it off carefully, I like to use small plastic pry tools made for automotive trim. Take off just the lower 6" below the gap fold. When done and the new strut is in, use a soft blow plastic hammer to reset the staples into the edge area.
Now here's the really important part. When you get the new strut, DO NOT TEST IT PRIOR TO INSTALL. You must have the strut fully installed into the chair before you pull off the safety retaining clips. If you do test it before hand, you will be unable to compress the strut and will have to get a new one. I can't tell you the number of customers who have foregone my warning on that and regretted it.
Replacement struts are $ 60 + $ 25 shipping (48 state) from my store, and take about 2 weeks to arrive. Good luck!
Duane Collie
Straight answers from thirty-six years in the business.
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