Steelcase 3 Series User manual

Published 4/2016
Troubleshooting Guide
SERIES 3 TABLES
HOW THEY WORK
•Each Lifting Column contains a mechanical lift mechanism that requires an external force to operate.
•Lifting Columns and Gearboxes are connected to and mechanically synchronized with each other
through a telescoping Driveshaft assembly.
•A hand-operated crank provides torque to operate the Lifting Columns.
•Each Lifting Column contains internal stops that define the top and bottom of the range of motion.
•Only one Crank Handle is used to drive the Lifting Columns, regardless of whether the Table has
two or three Lifting Columns.
•The Crank Handle raises and lowers 2-leg Tables through a 4:1 ratio Gearbox.
•The Crank Handle raises and lowers 3-leg (90º Corner) Tables through a 6:1 ratio Gearbox.
•Certain small Tables have a Top-Crank Handle configuration; all other sizes have a Front-Crank Handle.
Refer to the Spec Guide for more information.
Gearbox
Foot
Lifting Column
Stretcher
Driveshaft
Top Mounting Plate
Crank Handle

READ THE ASSEMBLY DIRECTIONS AND USER GUIDE
Many times, problems can be the result of improper assembly. Reference the Assembly Directions
document to ensure the Table is assembled correctly. If so, reference the troubleshooting steps throughout
this document.
TROUBLESHOOTING PARTS KIT
Having a spare part that is known to work will quickly lead to accurate identification of faulty components.
Without this, it can be little more than guesswork.
Steelcase strongly recommends that every dealer maintain a small kit of parts for troubleshooting purposes.
This kit of parts should include: Table Bench
1. Lifting Column qty=2 Service Part no. 005204DSR 946910106SR
2. Front-Crank Gearbox qty=1 Service Part no. 18307402SR 18307402SR
3. Front-Crank Handle qty=1 Service Part no. 950200001SR 950200001SR
4. Front-Crank 9" Driveshaft qty=1 Service Part no. 800900173SR 800900173SR
5. Top-Crank Gearbox qty=1 Service Part no. 006010DSR not applicable
6. Top-Crank Handle qty=1 Service Part no. 950200000SR not applicable
Always maintain a complete kit of troubleshooting spare parts that are known to work properly, to quickly
identify the root cause of problems and resolve customer issues on the first try.
TROUBLESHOOTING STEPS
Step 1: Check that all Driveshafts are connected to each other and fully engaged with the Gearbox
and Lifting Columns.
Step 2: Check that the center Lifting Column on 3-leg Tables is attached in the correct orientation.
Refer to the section on 90° Corner Tables in the Assembly Directions.
COMMON PROCEDURES
SYNCHRONIZING THE LIFTING COLUMNS:
•The Lifting Columns of Series 3 Tables are synchronized mechanically. All Lifting Columns must be
in the lowest position before the Driveshafts are installed.
•If the Table will not go up or down all the way, and no clicking sounds from the Lifting Columns or
other signs of damage are observed, the Lifting Columns may need to be synchronized.
•For ease of access, remove all loads from the Table and flip the Table upside-down.
•Slide all Driveshafts out of all Lifting Columns and Gearboxes.
•With the Driveshafts removed, push all Lifting Columns to their lowest position. Do not push too hard
at the bottom of the range of motion; allow 1⁄8" of play before they hit full-bottom.
•Reinstall all Driveshafts. It may be necessary to lift up on the Lifting Columns slightly in order to align
the hex openings in the Lifting Columns with the hex shafts of the Driveshafts.
•Once the Table has been properly reassembled, operate the Table all the way up and all the way down
to confirm proper function. Refer to the Assembly Directions as necessary.
2

CHECKING LIFTING COLUMN GEARS:
•If a Lifting Column reaches a certain point in its travel and stops, a clicking sound may be heard.
This could indicate broken gear teeth inside the Lifting Column.
•For safety and ease of access, remove all loads from the Table, and flip the Table upside-down.
•Remove the Stretcher and the Driveshaft from the suspect Lifting Column.
•Hold the suspect Lifting Column assembly firmly in place on the floor on its glides. With both hands,
grip the Top Mounting Plate and raise the Lifting Column all the way up, so that it is fully extended and
at its highest position.
•Using an 8 mm hex socket, remove the four bolts that hold the Top Mounting Plate in place. Remove the
Top Mounting Plate.
•While looking down at the gears inside the top of the Lifting Column, slowly push the Lifting Column down,
observing the gears as they turn.
•If any gear teeth are damaged or missing, the Lifting Column must be replaced.
Any faulty Lifting Columns must be replaced.
There are no field-serviceable parts inside the Lifting Column.
OBTAINING REPLACEMENT PARTS
Contact your local Steelcase dealer to help identify and order Service Parts.
If you need help, call 888.STEELCASE.
PROBLEM ILLUSTRATIONS
Fig. 1 – Driveshaft Stabilizers are used on 3-leg Tables to ensure smooth adjustment.
DRIVESHAFT STABILIZERS (UNDERSIDE OF TABLE SHOWN)
Gearbox
Driveshaft
TROUBLESHOOTING: CAUSES AND SOLUTIONS
PROBLEM POTENTIAL CAUSE POTENTIAL SOLUTION
Table will go neither
up nor down
Obstruction blocking
Table movement
Remove obstruction.
One of the Lifting
Columns is installed
backwards
Was the Table assembled correctly? Refer to the Assembly
Directions. Consider the direction that the Driveshaft(s) are rotating.
Table does not go
through full range of
motion
...and/or...
Lifting Columns are
not synchronized
(one Lifting Column
is higher than other)
Lifting Columns not
synchronized at Table
assembly
Synchronize Lifting Columns. (see Common Procedures)
Faulty Lifting Column If there is a clicking sound at any point in the travel of the Table,
an internal gear may be stripped or missing teeth. (see Common
Procedures) Replace any faulty Lifting Columns.
Note: Be sure to explore the full range of travel. If one Lifting Column
clicks at a certain point, push on the Table to help get it past that point,
so that you can explore the full range of Table motion, because another
Lifting Column may have the same problem at a different height.
3

TROUBLESHOOTING: CAUSES AND SOLUTIONS
PROBLEM POTENTIAL CAUSE POTENTIAL SOLUTION
3-leg Tables:
Center Lifting Column
moves in opposite
direction vs. other
Lifting Columns
Center Lifting Column
installed in wrong
orientation
Refer to the section on 90° Corner Tables in the Assembly
Directions. Reassemble Table per the Assembly Directions.
Table movement is
not smooth, Lifting
Columns jerk as
raised or lowered
Lifting Columns are not
parallel with one another,
causing them to bind
Ensure Table is unloaded and level. Loosen (but do not remove) all
of the screws attaching the Lifting Columns to the worksurface.
Loosen the setscrews on the Stretcher. Operate the Table through
a complete up-down cycle and then retighten setscrews and
worksurface attachment screws. If the Lifting Columns are still
binding, take everything off the Table, flip it upside-down and remove
the screws completely. Run the Table through another up-down
cycle. The position of the Lifting Columns may shift slightly; reinstall
all screws in the adjusted position.
Faulty Lifting Column If there is a clicking sound at any point in the travel of the Table,
an internal gear may be stripped or missing teeth. (see Common
Procedures) Replace any faulty Lifting Columns.
Note: Be sure to explore the full range of travel. If one Lifting Column
clicks at a certain point, push on the Table to help get it past that point,
so that you can explore the full range of Table motion, because another
Lifting Column may have the same problem at a different height.
Driveshaft Stabilizers not
installed on 3-leg Tables
Refer to Assembly Directions on Driveshaft installation for 3-leg
Tables. Reassemble Table per the Assembly Directions.
(see Fig. 1, page 3)
Crank Handle is too
difficult to turn
Table is severely
overloaded
Maximum Table capacity is 205 lbs. Overloading the Table could
lead to damage that would not be covered by warranty.
Tip: When calculating lifting capacity, subtract the weight
of the worksurface.
Incorrect Gearbox used 2-leg Tables use a 4:1 Gearbox. Since additional Lifting Columns
require more force to operate, the 6:1 Gearbox used on 3-leg Tables
keeps the force required to turn the Crank Handle low. Check to
be sure that your 3-leg Table does not have a 4:1 Gearbox.
Each Gearbox has its ratio stamped into its side. (All blue and black
90º Intermediate Gearboxes on 90º 3-leg Tables are 1:1 ratio.)
Part No. 939502306 – Rev. C
4/2016 © 2016 Steelcase Inc. All rights reserved. All specifications subject to change without notice.
Trademarks used herein are the property of Steelcase Inc. or of their respective owners.
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