Directions for the Installation of Bronze Bushing for the Eames Lounge Chair

1. Put your chair upside down on the ground with the base facing up. 

2. Use a Phillips Head screwdriver to undo the four screws at the base

 Pro tip: unscrew all four screws a little bit and don't take them out just yet. Once the screws are close to being removed place your hand firmly on the base and hold the base with the opposite hand as you are unscrewing. You want to prevent the base from potentially sliding down the shell as it can scratch the wood shells. 

3. Once the base is off the chair you need to use a set of retaining Ring Pliers. For example something like these 8 in. Retaining Snap Ring Pliers . Fit the ends of the Pliers. into the Holes in the retaining ring. You want the retaining ring to expand enough to slide it off the bottom of the base shaft. The Base shaft has a small notch the retaining ring fits into.  See photo: 

 

4. Once this is done. Flip that base right side up and pull out the previous bushing. If it's plastic, it should slide out with a little force. Sometimes a flat head screwdriver fitted between the base and the top edge of the bushing can help release it. If the prior bushing is bronze you need to get a block of wood fitted inside the shaft and hammer out the previous bushing. 

5. Slide the new bushing in. The one that does not have an edge goes into the shaft of the base and the one with the slight edge goes on top of it.  The edge will sit on top of the base and hug the top of your base.  Slide the top piece of the chair base back into position and reattach the retaining ring. Check the retaining ring is in place properly. 

6. With the Chair upside down screw in all four screws by hand while holding the base with the other hand. The base is heavy so be careful. Ensure it does not slide and scratch the wood. If you line up the holes and get four screws in by hand then you can easily screw them in with a screwdriver.