Though automotive lifts are built to be durable, they still suffer from wear and damage over time. This is why regular preventive maintenance is essential. By addressing minor repairs and maintenance tasks, you can extend the lifespan of your lift, minimize downtime and replacement expenses, and ensure the safety of both you and your technicians.
If you’re unsure whether your lift needs servicing, keep reading. This article will explain how to recognize when your automotive lift requires maintenance or repairs.
Check Your Last Service Date
Make sure to follow the Automotive Lift Repair Florida manufacturer’s recommended maintenance procedures for your specific automotive lift. Inspection and maintenance requirements can vary depending on the brand, model, and type of lift.
To stay current with these recommendations, maintain a detailed record of each inspection date, the results, and any recommendations made by the inspector. This helps ensure you don’t overlook necessary maintenance or repairs. If you don’t have any records, it’s time to schedule a service appointment.
Be Aware of These Signs of Damage
If you’ve noticed any of the following signs, it’s likely time to schedule a repair for your automotive lift:
– Deformation or excessive wear on lift components
– Hydraulic fluid leaks
– Malfunctioning restraints or locks
– Damaged or worn-out lift contact points
– Cracks or loose concrete around floor anchors
If your lift shows signs of damage, do not attempt to repair it yourself. Instead, contact a professional technician who can assess the damage, recommend necessary repairs, and provide advice on preventing future issues.
Schedule Annual Inspections
The best way to catch potential repairs early is through annual inspections. According to ANSI/ALI ALOIM-2008 (R2013), all vehicle lifts must be inspected annually. In addition to this, there are a few things you can do to prolong your lift’s life:
– Perform a daily Automotive Lift Repair Florida check on the lift before each use.
– Inspect sheaves and cables for damage or wear. Wipe the cables with a cloth to check for hard-to-see broken strands. Replace damaged or worn-out cables and look for corrosion, deformation, excessive stretch, or other abnormalities.
– Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for lubrication.
– Regularly inspect the anchor bolts securing the lift to the floor and ensure they are tight.
– For hydraulic lifts, monitor the fluid level and quality, and refill as needed.
– Check lift adapters and accessories like rolling jacks periodically.
– Keep lift components clean and free from corrosive substances, road deicing chemicals, and solvents. If these chemicals come into contact with the lift, rinse thoroughly with water, dry the components, and reapply lubrication.
One of the key responsibilities in owning or operating a car lift is performing regular maintenance. While we design our lifts—whether two-post, four-post, or otherwise—to require minimal upkeep, there are still essential tasks you’ll need to perform periodically. These tasks are outlined in your owner’s manual, but here’s a helpful reminder.
Monthly Maintenance Checklist
Don’t forget these crucial maintenance tasks from your manual:
– Arm Adjusting Locks: Ensure all arm adjusting locks function correctly.
– Cables and Bolts: Check all cable connections, bolts, and pins for proper mounting and torque.
– Safety Features: Visually inspect all safety features to confirm they operate properly.
– Lubrication: Grease the posts as recommended.
– Anchor Bolts: Inspect and retighten all anchor bolts if necessary.
– Alignment: Verify that all posts are square and plumb.
– Pivot Arms: Check that all pivot arm pins are securely fastened.
– Cable Tension: Adjust cable tension if needed.
– Overhead Micro-Switch: If equipped, ensure the overhead micro-switch is functioning correctly.
Automotive Lift Repair Florida Wire Rope Inspection and Maintenance
We’ll now focus on inspecting the cable system. Lifting cables should be replaced every three to five years or sooner if visible damage occurs. Proper cable care extends their lifespan significantly. Regular lubrication with 90-WT gear oil or ALMASOL® Wire Rope Lubricant helps protect the cables by penetrating deep into the fibers. Schedule this lubrication every three months—mark it on your calendar to keep on top of it.
While your lift is in use, take a minute to inspect the cables. If you spot any damage, replace the affected cable immediately. However, don’t feel the need to replace cables that merely look worn but are still functional.
Guidelines for Automotive Lift Repair Florida Cable Replacement
Replace cables if:
– Visible Damage: You see six broken wires over the length of a single cable in a day, or three broken wires in a single strand in a day.
Inspecting Cable Damage
1. Clean and Inspect: Relax the rope, move it off the sheaves, and clean it with a cloth or wire brush to spot any breaks.
2. Flex and Check: Flex the rope to reveal broken wires hidden between strands. Look for snags by running a cloth along the rope.
3. Probe for Issues: Use an awl to lift any loose wires between strands for a closer examination.
“Cable Guy” Tips
Replace the Automotive Lift Repair Florida cable if it has worn down by 10% of its original diameter. For example, a 0.5” cable should be replaced if it measures 0.45”. Even small reductions in diameter can significantly affect the cable’s strength, especially when lifting heavy vehicles.
Replace cables showing signs of corrosion, pits, kinks, or other damage, and look for heat damage.
Inspecting Automotive Lift Repair Florida Sheaves and Guide Rollers
Check the contact points where cables interact with the sheaves. Look for wear or rough surfaces that could affect cable performance. Lubricate the sheave axles with standard wheel bearing grease and use 90-WT gear oil or similar lubricant for the sheaves and guide rollers. Perform these checks and lubrications every three months, ideally alongside your cable inspections.
Consider making this a routine event—perhaps a “car lift cleaning party” to keep it enjoyable. Cake is optional, but a well-maintained lift is essential!
Essential Car Lift Safety: Do’s and Don’ts for Safe Operation
To avoid accidents, it’s crucial to understand and adhere to the safety do’s and don’ts of operating Automotive Lift Repair Florida car lifts. These lifts are indispensable in auto repair shops, allowing you to elevate vehicles for comfortable and secure access to the undercarriage. However, mobile car lifts require thorough safety training to prevent potential hazards when not used correctly.