Even a high-quality car lift will have problems from time to time. Understanding how your lift works and how to address these problems can save you time and money by enabling you to fix small problems relatively quickly. What’s more, it can also prevent issues from re-occurring as you’ll know which maintenance jobs need to be done regularly to prevent serious issues.

Common Car Lift Problems

Lift movement problems are among the most common issues auto repair shops face. Sometimes a lift may lower more slowly than it should; in other instances, it may not rise or come down at all. Other common problems include air getting into the oil or blowing out the compressor valve, sinking or sagging lift arms, safety cable malfunctions, and leaks in the relief valve and/or lowering valves.

Understanding 2 Post Car Lift Problems

To understand why your 2 post car lift isn’t working properly, it helps to know a bit about how these lifts operate. The exact design varies depending on the model and brand name you pick, but all 2 post car lifts have two upright columns and lift a vehicle using lift points on the vehicle’s undercarriage. A 2 post car lift also has four adjustable arms and two hydraulic cylinders. The power unit may be hydraulic or electric and most units have a 220-volt motor.

Typical 2 Post Lift Issues

The root causes of most 2 post lift issues are heat degradation, air contamination, and electric and mechanical faults. In some cases, the problem may have two root causes. Heat degradation, for instance, can wear away at the lubrication in your lift. This can lead to mechanical problems.

Diagnosing 2 Post Lift Problems

If the lift is making crackling noises or shooting out sparks, your problem is almost certainly an electric one. Cranking noises are typically caused by mechanical faults, while cracking and knocking noises are a sign of air contamination. A stalled lift, on the other hand, could be caused by heat degradation, mechanical problems, electrical issues or a combination of two or three problems.

2 Post Lift Troubleshooting: How to Fix Common Issues

If you suspect air contamination, open the heat valve to see if there is air inside. If there is, release the air until liquid starts coming out. If the hydraulic cylinder is leaking, you can remove it and clean it yourself if you have the right tools. If you think the electrical wiring is frayed or faulty, cut power to the lift and examine the wiring and switches to see if there are visible signs of damage. If the lift still doesn’t move or work properly, examine it carefully to see if a small mechanical issue such as a loose bolt is to blame. Bear in mind that you should never walk under the lift or fix complex problems without professional help.

Understanding 4 Post Lift Problems

A 4 post car lift has four posts and two synchronized lifting crossrails. These lift models also have a hydraulic cylinder and an assortment of steel cables and/or hydraulic circuits. The motor requires a 30-amp circuit and could be either 110 or 220 volts.

Common Issues with 4 Post Lifts

Common issues with four post lifts include locking mechanism problems, latch problems, hydraulic leaks, failure to move up or down, uneven lifting, and insufficient air pressure.

Diagnosing 4 Post Lift Problems

If the problem is a one-off issue, you can most likely fix it on your own by inspecting the lift, looking for signs of damage or disrepair, and dealing with the issue. However, persistent problems can be an indication of mechanical failure or indicate a need to replace one or more mechanical components. Check the owner’s manual to make an accurate diagnosis or call in a professional maintenance and repair team to address serious issues quickly.

4 Post Lift Troubleshooting: Resolving Common Problems

If the lift won’t move up or down properly, check the latches and adjust them as needed. If this doesn’t work, check the air line to make sure there’s sufficient air pressure. Hydraulic leaks and/or low hydraulic fluid can also cause lift/lowering problems, so check the hydraulic cylinder if issues persist. An uneven lift is often a sign that the vehicle on the lift isn’t properly balanced; in such instances, you’ll want to immediately lower the lift, drive the vehicle off the lift, and drive it back on again. Make sure the wheel chocks are secure to prevent accidents or damage to the vehicle. If the lift won’t lock properly at one or more stages of lifting/lowering, then your locking mechanism likely needs to be replaced.

Preventive Maintenance to Avoid Lift Problems

All lifts need regular maintenance in order to avoid problems that could be costly or impossible to fix. Regular maintenance jobs include lubricating posts with grease and checking arm adjusting locks, cable connections, and cable tension. Check the hydraulic fluid each month to make sure the fluid is clean and at the right level. Inspect the lift for cracks, bends, leaks, rust, and broken parts every six months. Have an ALI-certified inspector check the lift once a year even if the lift is working properly.

SVI International for Car Lift Parts and Support

SVI International offers top-tier 2 post and 4 post car lifts from a range of reputable brands. We also offer over 40,000 replacement parts, including components from discontinued lift models. All our parts are backed by a one-year warranty and we offer same-day shipping for most orders. Our two ready-ship warehouses make it easy for you to get products without undue delay, while our seasoned customer service team offers personalized advice and assistance to help you find products and place your order. Get in touch with us at your convenience to learn more or get a price quote.