How to Install a Hydraulic Repair Near Me Automotive Lift
Automotive lifts are a game-changer for DIY auto repair, eliminating the need for jacks and jackstands and making it easier to work under a vehicle. They’ve become more accessible and affordable, with prices for quality entry-level lifts now below $1500. Various models are available to suit different garages and skill levels. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to elevate your car repair experience from the ground to standing height.
For our new garage we opted for a 9000-pound two-post 12-inch symmetrical lift with a 220-volt Hydraulic Repair Near Me hydraulic pump. The two-post lift is versatile and a popular choice among many.
Receiving and Unboxing the Hydraulic Repair Near Me Lift: Lifts are heavy and arrive in large wooden crates. Ensure the delivery includes a crane or forklift for unloading. Use furniture dollies to move the crate into the garage, then carefully read the instructions before starting.
Installation Overview: While the steps are straightforward, attention to detail is crucial for safety. We’ll guide you through each phase.
Phase 1 – Assembling the Metal Frame: Align the components and tighten all bolts, ensuring everything moves smoothly.
Phase 2 – Installing the Hardware: Set up the balancing cables, safety locks, and hydraulic system. Make sure that all the different parts are attached in a secular mannar and are exhibiting correct functionality.
Phase 3 – Raising the Lift: Mark the floor, carefully raise the lift with help, and secure it into place. Drill holes for the anchors and ensure everything is level.
Phase 4 – Finalizing the Setup: Have an electrician set up the power supply, attach the lift arm, and fill the hydraulic reservoir. Test the lift with a vehicle to ensure stability and proper operation.
Choosing the Right Lift: Consider what you’ll be using the lift for, the dimensions of your garage, and your budget. Two-post lifts are compact and accessible; four-post lifts are great for storage and heavy-duty work; midrise/scissor lifts are budget-friendly but offer limited access to the car’s underside.
A Hydraulic Repair Near Me vehicle lift requires installation on a properly prepared surface, typically involving a concrete mix of cement, sand, and stone with specific MPA strength. The concrete area must be sufficiently large and level to comfortably support the lift.
Before installation, consider the distance from walls, particularly in front of the lift for tasks like wheel alignment. Unpack the new hoist carefully and organize its components in the designated installation area. The electrical point is usually set up before the hoist installation. The power box’s auxiliary column may be positioned near this electrical point.
Installing the Hoist: Begin by installing the cables and pulleys beneath the main platform, usually located on the left side. Inspect these for wear and tear. This platform contains the pulleys, shafts, hydraulic cylinder, and air hoses, while the other platform is empty and adjustable for different vehicle sizes.
Ensure cables are properly routed through the cross beams and pulleys without overlapping or twisting. It’s crucial to lubricate the pulleys and shafts before installation and the cables after.
Next, align and square the cross beams and platforms, checking their perpendicular sides for plumbness. Adjust with shims if necessary to prevent wear and ensure proper functioning.
Examine Hydraulic Repair Near Me components such as the eccentric brakes, slides/thrust pads, and ratchets located at the end of the cross beams. Verify they are well-lubricated, securely bolted, and functioning smoothly. Then, level the posts using shims and a spirit level, and confirm they are square with each other.
During the final stages, inspect the concrete pad for suitability. Drill a test hole if necessary to assess the concrete’s strength and depth. Once the posts are positioned, apply grease to the bolts and to the sleeve anchors before securing them.
After bolting the Hydraulic Repair Near Me posts, insert the ladders/ratchet rails and attach the cable ends to the top of the posts. Install the power box and make all necessary connections. An electrician will then ensure the correct power setup.
Install safety features like fixed wheel stops and chock ramps/flaps to prevent vehicle movement during hoisting. Once the electrician completes their work, perform a safety check and test the hoist’s operation, listening for any unusual sounds and ensuring the limit switch functions correctly.
Finally, conduct a thorough inspection underneath the hoist, checking cables, pulleys, and hydraulic systems for proper alignment and function. After a midway lowering, level out the hoist on the ladders and cables with a spirit level, securing them to prevent loosening. Perform a load test, and upon satisfactory results, instruct the manager and operator on proper hoist usage and maintenance. Hand over the user manual and safety certificates for record-keeping.
Positioning the Four Columns
Start by placing the four columns, determining the side for the power unit first. Set up this column, then measure and adjust the positions of the others based on the instructions. For precise alignment, measure the diagonal distances between opposing columns and ensure they match.
Installing the Cross Beams
Correctly orient the cross beams before installation. Slide each through the top of the columns. The cross beam with small windows should be adjacent to the column with the power unit, with the windows of both beams facing each other.
Installing the Ladders
Insert each ladder through the top of the columns, sliding them down to the cross beam level. Align the guide slots in the cross beam’s nylon blocks with the column bottoms.
Installing the Top Caps
Before installing the top caps, verify that each ladder’s threaded rod has a nut and washer in place. Secure the top caps using M8 bolts and nuts, and add a nyloc nut on the threaded rod for enhanced stability.
Adjusting the Ladder’s Bottom Gap
To prevent base damage, ensure a 1/2-inch gap at the bottom of each ladder. Use a trolley jack to slightly elevate the cross beam for visibility and adjustment, being careful not to fully lock it in position.
Setting Primary and Slack Safety Locks
Raise the cross beams to align with the ladders’ first holes using a trolley jack, and secure them with safety locks.