Two Post Garage Lift Information

Two post lifts are the most common above ground lifts found in shops throughout North America.

Two Post Lifts

Two post lifts are the most common above ground lifts found in shops throughout North America and are integral to a shop’s efficiency, productivity and even its profitability. Shops cannot afford to have their two post lifts down and out of service for any prolonged amount of time due to the effect it has on their business. Consequently, it is of utmost importance for shops to have their two post lifts routinely inspected, serviced and maintained to industry standards. Such inspections both ensure the automotive lift is operating properly and without incident and prevent expensive and unwanted down time.

Two post lift preventive maintenance can be done easily on a daily basis. Shops need to be aware of common automotive lift problems and know what to look for so they can proactively maintain a properly functioning lift and secure lift environment.

Listed below are problems with two post lifts and the causes thereof. If any of these conditions are spotted, repairs need to be made immediately:

Parts Quick Reference Guide (Lift Parts Network)

Rotary:

SPO9, SPO10, SPOA9, SPOA10

Challenger:

CL9, CL10, E10, Q10000, VS10, 39000, 40EFX, Q4P12

BendPak:

BP9, MX10ACX

Wheeltronics:

1776A, WH10ASY, WH10SYM

TEXAS LIFTS:

Whip

Gemini

Grand

Eagle

Forward

Worth

Equalization Lift Cables

Problems:

1. Stretched rope. Check rope diameter.

2. Frayed cables

3. Corrosion and kinks in the cable rope (Examine rope.)

Causes:

1. Sheaves worn

2. Sheave shafts bent

3. Latches not working properly (due to worn or missing springs)

4. Only one carriage lifting

5. Lift overloaded

Solutions:

1. Replace cable set.

2. Inspect and replace worn/binding sheaves as needed.

3. Repair safety latch, springs and release cables.

Lift Bearings

Problems:

1. Noises in the bearing (popping)

2. Chips on bearing edges

3. Worn and unleveled bearings

4. Bearings not turning smoothly

Causes:

1. Lift overloaded

2. Bearings worn over time

Solutions:

1. Replace worn bearings

2. Install new axles/bolts when replacing bearings.

3. Inspect mounting holes for bearing axles for oblongation.

Lift Sheaves (Pulleys)

Problems:

1. Corrosion and rusting

2. Squared groove, not rounded, preventing proper cable seating

3. Bushings and pins worn

4. Pulley locks up, doesn’t turn smoothly.

Causes:

1. Salt and water getting onto the lift

2. Damage from over greasing

3. Dirt and sediment collecting in pulley groove

4. Wear over time

Solutions:

1. Replace worn sheaves and axles.

2. Inspect cables for damage from binding sheaves.

3. Replace cable sets as needed.

Lift Leaks

Problems:

1. Leaks of any kind pertaining to the lift

2. Cylinder seals blown or leaking

3. Cylinders leaking

4. Tanks cracked

5. Hoses have pin holes or broken fittings

6. Lowering valve – power unit leaks

Causes:

1. Lift kept under pressure for long periods of time

2. Lift not lowering on to locks

3. Damage from extreme weather

4. Power unit fluid not changed

5. Cylinder pitting from fluid contamination

6. Cylinder seals worn

7. Hydraulic system topped off using incorrect fluids

8. Hoses worn, improperly routed or overtightened

9. Fittings loose

Solutions:

1. Replace leaking hoses.

2. Replace worn/leaking cylinders with new assembly.

3. Flush and replace hydraulic system fluid with OEM recommended fluid.

Arm Restraints

Problems:

1. Restraints not properly engaging

2. Gears on restraints flattened

3. Restraints not meshing properly

4. Restraints don’t pass ALI 150 lb. testing

Causes:

1. Gears bent from mishandling (hammer blows)

2. Vehicle running into arm

Solutions:

1. Replace arm restraint gears as a set.

2. Install new arm restraint sliders and gear racks.

3. Inspect swing arms for binding.

Lift Pads

Problems:

1. Rubber worn

2. Rubber pads missing

3. Hardware missing

Causes:

1. Wear over time.

2. Vehicle lifted from pinch welds

3. Vehicle lifted from improper lifting points (hot motor, bolts)

Solutions:

1. Replace rubber pads as sets.

2. Inspect foot weldments and replace as needed.

Standard Truck Adapters for Automotive Lifts

Problems:

1. Adapters missing entirely/nowhere to be found

2. Adapters not used when required

3. Inappropriate objects (ex: 2x4s) used as adapters

Causes:

1. Components/tools not returned to proper places

2. Adapter function and necessity not known/understood

Solutions:

1. Replace proper adapters as per OEM recommendations.

2. Remove from service incorrect/worn truck adapters.

3. Re-Educate lift operators of safe lifting procedures.

Overhead Limit

Problem:

1. Limit switch not working

Causes:

1. Switch bad

2. Cable busted/missing

3. Wiring bad

4. Bar missing or not touching switch

Solutions:

1. Replace inoperative overhead switch assembly.

2. Adjust overhead cut of activation bar system.

3. Verify safe operation.

Power Units

Problems:

1. Signs of leaking

2. Loads lifted improperly – power unit weakness

3. Lowering valve not holding pressure

4. Motor humming or making noises

5. Switch or breaker bad

Causes:

1. Fluid not changed on a regular basis

2. Improper fluid used when changing or topping off

3. Lift kept under pressure for long periods of time

4. Lift not lowering on to locks

5. Exposure to extreme weather

Solutions:

1. Install new power unit.

2. Flush hydraulic system with proper fluid as per OEM specifications.

Latches

Problems:

1. Latches not working or engaging

2. Audible air leaks

3. Latch not engaging

4. Cables not adjusted/equalized properly

Causes:

1. Springs and other parts missing

2. Cable not hooked up properly

3. Objects (like screwdrivers) used to hold latches open

4. Air cylinders missing or non-functioning

5. Fittings or air lines missing

Solutions:

1. Replace worn latches, springs and release mechanisms.

2. Adjust latch release from proper function.

3. Install new air cylinder and verify proper function.

Numerous lift issues are a direct result of improper lift maintenance. Many garages and maintenance facilities postpone lift servicing because, more often than not, serious issues are not immediately visible or diagnosed and corrected without temporarily disabling the lift, which means precious time is lost in downtime.

Unfortunately, without periodic, scheduled maintenance the lift damage may become so severe that more costly repairs may be required than normally necessary. Allpart is here to help shops avoid expensive repairs and endangering employees with this list of best ways to discover lift problems and the know-how and parts to fix them and avoid future issues.

If employees spot any of these conditions on a two post lift, schedule service immediately and contact Allpart Supply for the parts you need for a properly functioning and secure automotive lift.

(877) 216-0083

(877) 216-0083

Two Post Lifts

Two Post Garage Lift Information

Two post lifts are the most common above ground lifts found in shops throughout North America.

Parts Quick Reference Guide (Lift Parts Network)

Equalization Lift Cables

Lift Bearings

Lift Sheaves (Pulleys)

Lift Leaks

Arm Restraints

Lift Pads

Standard Truck Adapters for Automotive Lifts

Overhead Limit

Power Units

Latches