Car lift turnplates are the rotating plates under the front wheels that make wheel alignments possible nationwide. Without true, level turnplates, an alignment reads a lie. Here is what they do, when you need them, and how to get the right ones for your lift.
What turnplates do
Car lift turnplates let the front wheels pivot freely while the vehicle sits on the lift, so the alignment machine can measure and set caster, camber, and toe accurately. They release to turn during the reading and lock when you need the wheels still. They are the front half of an alignment setup; rear slip plates are the back half.
When you need them
If you do or plan to do alignments, car lift turnplates are not optional – they are the difference between an alignment bay and a service bay with an aligner sitting in it. Our alignment systems and alignment-ready lifts like the Challenger SX14 alignment scissor lift are built around proper turnplates and slip plates. If alignments are in your future, plan for them now.
Mechanical vs electronic
Traditional car lift turnplates are mechanical – the wheel turns on bearings and a scale reads the angle. Modern alignment lifts pair them with electronic sensor or camera heads. The turnplate still has to be flat and free; the electronics only read what the plate allows. We match the plates to your aligner so the system works as one.
Level is everything
The most important thing about car lift turnplates is that they – and the runway around them – sit dead level. A plate that is high, low, or bound gives a false reading and a bad alignment. This is why an alignment lift is built to tighter tolerance than a service lift, and why we set them carefully. A aluminum alignment turnplate is only as good as the level it sits in.
Repair and replacement
Car lift turnplates wear – bearings seize, springs fatigue, and plates get contaminated – and a worn plate quietly ruins alignments. We stock turnplate rebuild and repair parts so you can bring an aging alignment bay back to spec instead of replacing the whole lift. Browse our lift accessories for turnplate parts and kits.
Match them to your lift
Car lift turnplates come in sizes and styles to match specific lifts and aligners. Buying the wrong size or type means they will not seat correctly. Because we sell and service alignment lifts, we match the plates to your equipment so they fit and read true.
Get the right turnplates
Tell us your lift and aligner and we will spec the correct car lift turnplates – new plates, a rebuild kit, or a full alignment-ready lift – and quote it. We would rather get your alignment bay reading true than sell you parts that do not fit.
Turnplates and slip plates together
Remember that car lift turnplates are only half the alignment story. The front wheels sit on the turnplates while the rear wheels sit on rear slip plates that let the axle settle and move without binding. Both have to be true and level for the alignment to read correctly. When we set up or repair an alignment bay, we check the turnplates and the slip plates as one system – fixing one and ignoring the other still leaves you with bad numbers.
Where we work
We are based in Iowa and support shops across the country. Some work we do on site regionally; for the rest of the U.S. we handle equipment, parts, and phone diagnosis, and we coordinate service calls where it makes sense. Call and we will tell you honestly what we can do for your location.
We would rather give you a straight answer than overpromise a truck roll that does not make sense. Tell us where you are and what you need.
Car Lift Turnplates – FAQ
Why does level matter so much?
A turnplate that's high, low, or binding gives a false reading and a bad alignment, which is why alignment lifts are built to tighter tolerance than service lifts.
Can worn turnplates be rebuilt?
Yes – bearings, springs, and plates wear, and we stock rebuild and repair parts to bring an aging alignment bay back to spec without replacing the whole lift.
What do turnplates do on a car lift?
They let the front wheels pivot freely so an alignment machine can measure and set caster, camber, and toe accurately. They're the front half of an alignment setup, paired with rear slip plates.
Do I need turnplates for alignments?
Yes – without true, level turnplates and slip plates, an alignment reads a lie. An alignment-ready lift is built around them.
Need car lift turnplates? Call 800-674-9302 with your lift and aligner and we will spec the right plates or alignment lift.
Related services
Josiah Ragsdale
Founder, Automotive Lift Services
Josiah has installed, repaired, and inspected automotive lifts and hydraulic equipment since he was 18. He founded Automotive Lift Services in Iowa, and his team now serves shops, dealerships, and fleets across the state and nationwide. Read more
Our Clients Include: