Four Post Automotive Lifts
Alignment and Medium Duty Lifts
Maintenance that Makes a Difference
Conducting a routine review of your lift will enable you to identify issues early on and secure your team’s safety. Servicing your lift and attending to needed repairs will save you time and money. Allpart provides the parts you need and expert advice to ensure your lifts last decades.
Review the Allpart Check-Up Charts to detect issues and find the right solutions. If your lift has one of the problems listed below, immediately schedule service and reach out to Allpart Supply for the necessary parts for a properly functioning and secure automotive lift.
Lift Chains
Problems:
- Pins are not flared on the chain
- Chain is not connected to connectors/anchors/studs
- Chain loses flexibility
- Chain prematurely worn
- Bearings worn out or collapsed
Causes:
- Top rail unlevel
- Exposure/weather conditions
- Lift overloaded
- Installation errors
Solutions:
- Replace lifting chain sets
- Install new chain roller bearing sets and axles
- Properly lubricate chains to prevent binding
Lift Bearings
Problems:
- Noises (popping)
- Bearing edges chipped
- Bearings worn or unlevelled
- Bearings not turning/rotating smoothly
Causes:
- Top rail unlevel
- Lift overloaded
- concrete anchors loose
Solutions:
- Replace guide rollers in sets
- Install new chain sets
- Replace bearing axles and lubricate bearings
Lift Pulleys
Problems:
- Bushings and pins worn out
- Pulley not turning smoothly
- Pulley locking up
- Cable too large for pulley
- Pulley groove worn or burred
- Pulley groove squared (no longer rounded)
Causes:
- Cables worn
- Cable too large or too small (squaring)
- Dirt/sediment in bushings and pins
Solutions:
- Inspect and replace worn axles and sheaves
- Lubricate cables per OEM specifications
- Replace equalization cables as sets for proper function
Lift Leaks
Problems:
- Leaks of any kind pertaining to lift
- Cylinder seals blown/leaking
- Cylinders leaking
- Tanks cracked
- Hose pin holes/broken fittings
- Power unit lowering valve leaking
Causes:
- Lift kept under pressure long periods of time
- Lift not lowering onto locks
- Extreme weather
- Power unit fluid not changed
- Clyinder pitting from fluid contamination
- Cylinder seals worn
- Hydraulic system topped off using incorrect fluids
- Hoses worn/improperly routed or overtightened
- Fittings loose
Solutions:
- Re-educate lift operator on proper use of latches
- Replace worn seals or entire cylinder assembly
- Flush hydraulic system and replace with proper fluid
- Repair/replace work fittings and hoses
Power Units
Problems:
- Signs of leaking
- Loads lifted improperly – power unit weakness
- Lowering valve not holding pressure
- Motor humming or making noises
- Switch or breaker bad
Causes:
- Fluid not changed on a regular basis
- Unit changed or topped off using improper fluid
- Lift kept under pressure long periods of time
- Lift not lowering onto locks
- Extreme weather
Solutions:
- Replace power unit assembly
- Flush hydraulic system and install proper fluid per OEM specifications
- Replace faulty breaker or switch assembly
- Protect system parts from exposure to extreme elements
Latches
Problems:
- Latches not hooked up and operable
- Air leaks audible
- Latch not engaging
- Cables not adjusted/equalized properly
Causes:
- Springs and other parts missing
- Cable not hooked up properly
- Objects (like screwdrivers) used to hold latches open
- Air cylinders missing/non-functioning
- Fittings or air lines missing
Solutions:
- Replace missing latch parts
- Adjust locking latches to OEM specifications
- Replace leaks in air supply system in latches
- Replace and adjust latch release cable
Four Post Lifts That Keep Working
Quality parts and the right maintenance make the difference in keeping your lift working right. Four post lifts are often used for medium-duty truck sizes and are commonly found in muffler, oil change, transmission, and alignment service shops. These lifts take a lot of heavy damage and can be in contact with different truck solutions/oils that can damage your lift.
Trust Allpart to offer advice on the service your lift needs and the right parts when you need them.
What is a Four Post Lift?
A four post garage lift raises a vehicle high enough in the air that a technician can easily maneuver to the area needing repair. The best four post lifts are built with the trucking industry in mind and capable of handling a shop’s operations