ALI Annual Lift Inspection: What We Check and Why It Matters

If you’re searching for details on an ALI annual lift inspection what we check covers, you probably already know your lift is due — or overdue. Auto Lift Services is an Iowa-based installer and parts distributor out of Ames, and we run these inspections on two-post, four-post, scissor, and in-ground lifts across the state every week. An annual inspection isn’t a formality. It’s the difference between catching a cracked weld or a worn locking pawl on a Tuesday morning versus finding out the hard way with a truck on the rack and a technician underneath it.

What an ALI Annual Lift Inspection What We Check Actually Involves

ALI stands for the Automotive Lift Institute, the industry body that sets the ANSI/ALI ALOIM standard for lift inspection, maintenance, and repair. When we talk about an ALI annual lift inspection what we check, we mean a structured, documented walk-through of every load-bearing and safety-critical component on the lift, not a quick glance and a sticker. Our inspectors go in with a checklist built off the manufacturer’s service manual and the ALOIM standard, and every item gets a pass, fail, or monitor rating in writing.

We start with the paperwork side before we ever touch a wrench — lift capacity plate, model and serial number, and the last inspection record if one exists. From there we move into structural checks: welds, columns, carriages, and any visible cracking or corrosion. We check that the lift is anchored correctly for its specific slab and that anchor torque still meets spec, since concrete cures and anchors loosen over years of use. Every one of these steps ties back to the same question our shop owners ask us up front: what does an ALI annual lift inspection what we check list actually cover, and will it keep me compliant with OSHA and my insurance carrier? The honest answer is yes, when it’s done right and documented.

Cables, Chains, and Locking Mechanisms

On two-post lifts, cables and equalization systems take the brunt of daily wear, so this is where we spend real time. We inspect every cable for fraying, flat spots, or rust, check cable tension and equalization between the two columns, and verify pulleys and sheaves turn freely without binding. A cable that looks fine at a glance can have internal wire breaks that only show up under close inspection, which is why we don’t rely on a visual pass alone.

Locking pawls and latches get just as much attention. These are the mechanical safeties that hold the carriage in place once the lift reaches height, and they have to engage cleanly every time. We test them through a full cycle, not just once, because intermittent engagement is a common failure mode that a single test can miss. On four-post and scissor lifts we check the locking bar or safety latch system the same way, along with the hydraulic lock valves that hold the lift if a hose fails. If any of these components are worn, we replace them on the spot when parts are on hand, or we flag the lift as out of service until the part arrives.

Hydraulic System and Fluid Condition

Hydraulic power units, hoses, cylinders, and fittings all get checked for leaks, wear, and proper fluid level. We look at hose routing to make sure nothing is chafing against a moving part, and we check cylinder rods for pitting or scoring that could damage seals over time. Fluid condition matters more than most shop owners realize — contaminated or low fluid can cause a lift to descend unevenly or fail to hold pressure, and that shows up long before a catastrophic failure.

We also test the lowering and lift speed against the manufacturer’s spec, since a lift that’s suddenly faster or slower than normal is often telling you something about internal wear. Relief valves get checked to confirm they’re set correctly, because a valve set too high can overload structural components elsewhere in the lift. This is a part of the ali annual lift inspection what we check that gets skipped by inspectors in a hurry, and it’s exactly the kind of thing that turns into an expensive repair if it’s ignored for another twelve months.

Arms, Adapters, and Pads

Lift arms and their restraint pins take a beating from daily loading, especially in shops running heavier trucks and vans. We check that arms lock in position and don’t drift under load, that restraint pins are present and functioning, and that arm pads aren’t cracked, missing, or worn down to bare metal. A worn pad might seem minor, but it changes the contact point on the vehicle’s lift points and can lead to slippage.

We also check adapter height and condition, since many Iowa shops run mismatched or aftermarket adapters that weren’t designed for the lift in question. Part of any thorough ali annual lift inspection what we check process is confirming that every arm and adapter combination on the lift is actually rated for the vehicles the shop puts on it. If we find adapters that don’t match the lift’s certification, we’ll tell you plainly and get you pointed toward the correct parts rather than let it slide.

Electrical Components and Safety Switches

Modern lifts have more electrical components than they used to — motor controls, safety interlocks, and in some cases sensors that prevent operation if a locking mechanism isn’t fully engaged. We check wiring for damage, confirm the motor starter and contactor are functioning correctly, and test every safety interlock switch through its full range. A bypassed or disabled safety switch is one of the most common findings we run into on lifts that haven’t been inspected in a few years, and it’s an easy fix once it’s identified.

We also check grounding and confirm the electrical enclosure is sealed properly, since a lot of Iowa shops deal with dust, moisture, and temperature swings that can degrade wiring insulation over time. Any exposed wiring or damaged conduit gets flagged immediately. This part of the inspection often gets overlooked because it doesn’t involve moving parts, but electrical failures can disable safety systems just as easily as a worn cable can.

Concrete, Anchoring, and Floor Condition

A lift is only as safe as the floor it’s bolted to. We check anchor bolts for proper torque, look for cracking or spalling in the concrete around the base plates, and confirm the slab thickness and condition still meet the manufacturer’s original installation requirements. Floors settle, shift, and develop hairline cracks over years of freeze-thaw cycles here in Iowa, and that can affect anchor holding strength even if the lift itself is in perfect mechanical shape.

If we find anchor issues, we’ll tell you exactly what needs to happen — sometimes it’s a simple re-torque, other times it means moving the lift or reinforcing the pad before it’s safe to keep running at full capacity. This is a step some inspectors gloss over because it takes more than a quick look, but it’s a core part of what we check every single time.

Documentation and What Happens After

Once the inspection is complete, we give you a written report covering every item checked, its status, and any recommended repairs or replacements, ranked by urgency. This documentation matters for insurance, for OSHA compliance, and honestly for your own peace of mind — you’ll know exactly what shape your equipment is in instead of guessing. If we find something that needs immediate attention, we’ll say so clearly and won’t leave you to figure out the fix on your own.

We also keep records on file so your next annual inspection has a baseline to compare against, which makes it easier to catch developing issues before they become failures. For shops that want to dig deeper into the standard itself, our related pages on what ALI-certified inspectors check and the broader ALI annual lift inspection process walk through the certification side in more detail. Whatever brand or configuration you’re running, an honest, documented inspection is worth the time it takes.

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