Resolving Issues with Your Hydraulic Repair Near Me 2-Post Lift
Experiencing issues with your lift can lead to financial losses. Let’s explore how to effectively address frequent problems to restore your lift’s functionality.
The functionality of your Hydraulic Repair Near Me lift is essential for your business’s efficiency and profitability. When it malfunctions, it impacts your earnings. Here, we will delve into methods for diagnosing and resolving prevalent lift problems. Always refer to the owner’s manual for specifics regarding your lift model.
Issue: Lift Fails to Ascend
A non-functional lift is a significant hurdle. Below are some common reasons and their respective solutions.
Problem | Solution
Air trapped in oil | Ensure correct oil level. Bleed cylinders. Check and replace damaged or misaligned oil seals. Clean or replace clogged inlet screens.
Leaky lowering valve | Clean the release valve to eliminate contaminants. Change dirty oil as per the manual. Replace the bracket or handle assembly if the handle is stiff.
Defective pump | Install a new OEM pump.
Pump failing to prime | Verify oil level. Clear the release valve of contaminants. Replace damaged or misaligned oil seals. Ensure pump mounting bolts are as per manual. Clean or replace clogged inlet screens. Install a new OEM pump.
Leaking relief valve | Replace with a new OEM valve.
Cylinder issues | Contact customer support for internal binding or leakage.
Problem: Slow Lowering of Lift
A lift that descends too slowly can delay operations. Here are potential causes and their fixes.
Problem | Solution
Blocked release valve | Check and maintain the hydraulic fluid level and purity. For contaminated automatic transmission fluid, replace and clean the system. Clean the release valve with solvent, air-blow it, and replace with a new OEM part.
Oversized pressure fitting | Replace with a shorter thread lead fitting.
Cylinder malfunction | Reach out to customer support.
In cases where a vehicle is stuck in the air despite all mechanical locks being released and all standard procedures followed, cease using the Hydraulic Repair Near Me lift immediately. Ensure all locking positions are secure and contact the manufacturer or authorized service center.
Proactive maintenance can prevent many of these issues. Regular cleaning and upkeep are key to extending your lift’s operational life.
Your vehicle lifts are among the most vital tools in your workshop. They enable efficient, profitable service and repairs with generally low maintenance. However, they do require some upkeep. Regular preventive maintenance can significantly reduce downtime and prolong the lifespan of your lift, while also decreasing the risk of injuries to your technicians and damage to customer vehicles.
Keep in mind that Automotive Lift Institute standards mandate an annual inspection of every vehicle lift by a Qualified Lift Inspector, as per ANSI/ALI ALOIM-2008 (R2013). This inspection involves a comprehensive review of the lift’s structure, mechanisms, safety systems, maintenance, and any modifications.
Guidelines for Regular Inspection:
- Conduct daily operational checks on each lift.
- Daily, inspect cables and sheaves for wear. Feel the cables with a cloth to find tiny broken strands. Replace cables if you notice any breaks, severe rust, stretching, shape distortion, size inconsistencies, or other unusual signs.
- Regularly verify the tightness of the anchor bolts fixing the lift to the floor, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for lubricating the lift.
- For hydraulic lifts, routinely check and maintain the hydraulic fluid level and quality, refilling or replacing as necessary.
- Maintain cleanliness of all lift components, keeping them clear of corrosive substances, solvents, and de-icing chemicals. If such materials contact lift components, immediately rinse and clean the area.
- Regularly examine lift adapters and accessories, such as rolling jacks.
- Replace any damaged or missing caution, warning, or safety-related labels on the lift.
- Arrange for an annual inspection by a qualified lift inspector.
5 Indicators That Your Lift Needs Repair:
Even with consistent Hydraulic Repair Near Me inspections, problems may still emerge. Here are five signs indicating that your lift requires repairs:
- Development of hydraulic fluid leaks.
- Malfunctioning locks or restraints.
- Noticeable deformation or wear on lift parts.
- Damage or excessive wear on lift contact points, including adapters.
- Cracks or loose concrete around the floor anchors.
Quick Tip: Daily Inspection of a Hydraulic Repair Near Me Two-Post Lift
For a brief overview of how to perform a daily inspection on a two-post lift, check out our 90 Second Know How video.
Working in auto repair means not only focusing on vehicle repairs but also staying on top of equipment maintenance, particularly with car lifts. These hydraulic lifts are pivotal in various tasks such as parking, wheel alignment, and underbody repairs. As with any equipment in your care, hydraulic lifts can experience issues, and understanding how to troubleshoot these problems is essential.
Troubleshooting involves diagnosing car lift problems based on their symptoms, devising a solution, addressing the issue, and preventing its recurrence. Your mechanical expertise can be invaluable in resolving common issues encountered with 2-post lifts, potentially saving on repair costs.
Here’s an overview of frequent problems with auto lifts and strategies for resolving them.
Troubleshooting Hydraulic Repair Near Me Hydraulic Lifts
- Heat Degradation: A typical challenge with auto lifts is heat degradation. This happens when the hydraulic system generates excessive heat that it can’t effectively dissipate. The primary concern here is the hydraulic pump, which suffers when the viscosity of the hydraulic fluid decreases, leading to foaming. This reduction in viscosity compromises the fluid’s lubricating quality, leading to wear and tear. Continuous heat exposure may cause the fluid to oxidize, resulting in deposits within the chamber, which can hinder the hydraulic system’s functionality.
Maintaining your car lift through regular upkeep is crucial, whether you own or operate it. Our lifts, including two-post and four-post models, are designed to be as low-maintenance as possible. However, they do require some periodic tasks, as detailed in your owner’s manual. We’d like to provide a gentle reminder of these maintenance requirements.
Regularly inspect your lift each day and ensure any repairs are carried out using original equipment (OE) parts. Avoid tampering with or bypassing the control mechanisms.