How to Service a Car Lift?

How to Service a Car Lift? Now that you have invested in a car lift for your garages, vehicle workshop, car showrooms, or any other sites, there’s no doubt that you want to keep it in its top working condition for it to serve you for a long time.

There are several maintenance tasks that you can do every day, weekly, and each month to keep your car lift working effectively, and safely and potentially save you more money on repairing with some preventive maintenance.

So, How to properly maintain the car lift? Let’s discuss some of the things you can do to service your car lift. Read on!

Maintain steps of car lift

Proper usage

You must use the car lift correctly and the operators must be well trained to systematically operate the lift. You need to inspect the operating specifications regularly.

Lubricate Car Lift

You need to regularly lubricate the car lift whenever you are using the lift table. This is because it is loading huge weight and various components are experiencing friction, especially the elevator shaft pin and elevator chain. What’s more, make sure that it is loading an appropriate amount of weight. Adding lubricating oil will help to ensure flexibility whenever you are running the lift.

If you hear some creaking sound whenever you are operating the lift, it is concluded that you need to apply lubricating oil on the elevator and it is important to stop work immediately as it can lead to unforeseen hidden dangers.

You need to replace the elevator hydraulic oil regularly.

Most car lift customers do not pay attention to this issue. Most of them use hydraulic oil once and use it for a prolonged time regardless of it. They get to change it whenever the elevator hydraulic cylinder is not working properly. For you to replace the elevator hydraulic oil correctly, during wet days, the hydraulic oil in the elevator tends to become viscous.

Therefore, it is recommended to use thin elevator hydraulic oil. During dry days, the temperature is very high, and the oil tends to be thinner. Therefore, it is recommended to use thicker hydraulic oil.

The cycle of hydraulic oil replacement is usually determined by the local weather conditions. Remember, when replacing hydraulic oil, make sure that you use a filter to remove impurities in the hydraulic oil and keep it well for the next replacement.

Abnormality On The Lift

Another important thing you need to know is that in case you detect any abnormality on the lift, you need to stop working immediately and constantly the service of the supplier and explain to them the lift abnormality. Cooperate with them and solve the abnormality before re-starting using the lift.

Keep hydraulic oil clean

Keeping the hydraulic oil clean will help to extend the life of the hydraulic system. You will find that the hydraulic system has many coupling parts, some have gaps and some have damping holes. If some solid impurities invade the hydraulic oil, it can cause damage to the hairpins, and coupler and will can block the oil passage which will eventually affect the hydraulic system operation.

The most common ways in which some solid impurities can enter the hydraulic system include careless refueling, dirty refueling tools, dirty hydraulic oil, desquamation of hydraulic components, or during repair and maintenance.

1. When refueling

When refueling hydraulic oil, it should be filtered and the refueling tools must be clean and reliable. You should never remove filters at the tank filler opening for you to increase the fueling speed. In addition to that, the personnel who is fueling should use work clothes and clean gloves to prevent fiber impurities and solid impurities from falling into the oil.

2. During maintenance

When maintaining your car lift, remove the hydraulic oil tank filter cap, hydraulic tubing, inspection hole, and other parts. If the system oil passage is exposed, make sure that you avoid dust. You need to thoroughly clean the disassembled parts before opening.

For instance, when you are removing the hydraulic oil tank filler cap, you need to first eliminate all the dirt that is around the fuel tank cap as well as the debris remaining in the joint and then open the cap after you have confirmed that it is clean.

In case you require to use a hammer or a wiping material, you should choose the one that does not remove fiber impurities. Hydraulic hoses and hydraulic components should be carefully assembled and cleaned after drying using high-pressure air.

General inspection guidelines

• Examine each lift before operation daily.
• Check sheaves and cables for wear daily. You can wipe the cables with a rag for you to detect any small broken strands. Replace the cables showing deformed strands, excessive stretch, severe corrosion, any broken wires, any change in normal appearance, or variations in diameter
• Occasionally check the anchor bolts that attach the lift and the floor. Ensure that they are tight according to the guidelines of the manufacturer.
• Make sure that you lubricate the lift as indicated in the manufacturer’s guidelines
• Check the fluid quality and level on hydraulic lifts regularly and replace or refill it as needed.
• Always keep the lift components free of road de-icing chemicals, solvents, or corrosive agents. If such materials accidentally come in contact with the components of the lift, make sure that you rinse the area thoroughly and then wipe the area with a clean rag.
• Inspect lift accessories and adaptors regularly. E.g. rolling jacks
• Replace any missing or damaged caution, safety-related, or warning decals on the lift
• Plan yearly lift inspections with your lift inspector.

Top signs your lift needs to be repaired

Even if you are performing routine inspections, some issues can still arise. Here are some signs that indicate that your car lift needs to be repaired.

• Leaking of Hydraulic fluid
• Restraints or locks are not working correctly
• Excessive wear or deformation in any lift components
• Lift contact points such as adapters becoming excessively worn or damaged
• Loose concrete or cracks develop around floor anchors

How to Service a Car Lift? – Conclusion

Spending a little time to service a car lift can ensure the safe operation of your car lifts as well as prolong the life of your car repair equipment. We hope that this article has helped you with some tips on how to service your car lift.