Rotary is well-known for its high-quality car lifts, truck lifts, and other auto repair shop accessories. The company’s huge selection of above-ground and in-ground lifts makes it easy for any auto repair shop owner to find the lift that best meets her or her needs and budget. However, it’s not enough to just buy a great lift. Regular Rotary lift troubleshooting can help you save money and maintain your reputation as an auto shop your customers can trust for efficient, high-quality maintenance and repairs.

Hydraulic System Problems

Hydraulic system problems include heat degradation, air contamination, and mechanical problems. Many of these issues arise due to wear and tear, but some can be caused by improper lift usage and maintenance.

Common Symptoms

Leaks and odd noises are common symptoms of hydraulic lift problems and should be investigated right away. Other common symptoms include an overly hot hydraulic chamber, instability in lift movements, and lift stalling and slanting.

Causes and Solutions

Cranking noises are typically caused by mechanical problems. Such noises may be accompanied by stalling and slanting. In some cases, a quick fix such as tightening bolts may solve your problem. In other instances, you may need to call in a professional to check and repair the lift. On the other hand, a lift that is making cracking or knocking sounds most likely has an air contamination problem. This can be fixed by opening air valves to allow air to come out.

If the lift’s hydraulic chamber is too hot or the lift’s movements are unstable, you’ll need to check the reservoir liquid, release excess air from the air valve, and clear out any dirt build-up. If these measures don’t work, check the heat exchanger and cooling compartment to see if these parts need repair or replacement.

Natural Wear & Tear

The average car lift lasts between 15 and 20 years. However, you can extend the lift’s lifespan by looking out for signs of wear and tear and addressing them right away to prevent potential problems.

Identifying Signs of Wear

Signs of wear and tear include worn-out or damaged bearings, seals, hoses, and fittings. Fluid leaks and odd noises are also signs that your lift may need some care and attention.

Preventive Maintenance Tips

Regular visual inspections will help you catch problems right away. Check lifts even if they are working properly to ensure nothing needs fixing or replacing. Keep the lift clean, don’t overload it, and follow Rotary’s maintenance guidelines for your specific lift model.

Electrical System Failures

Proper Rotary lift troubleshooting and maintenance can help avoid many common electrical system problems. However, even a properly maintained lift can experience electrical system failures if your area has a blackout or experiences power surges.

Diagnosing Electrical Issues

Crackling noises, electric sparks, and overall system malfunctions are signs that something is wrong with your lift’s electrical system. To find the root cause of the problem, you’ll need to check the lift’s wiring, fusing, and switches.

Repairing and Preventing Electrical Failures

If there are signs that your lift’s electrical components are faulty, hire an electrician to repair the damage. Attempting a DIY repair job can be dangerous unless one of your mechanics is a professional electrician who is familiar with repairing electrical problems on car lifts.

Regular maintenance can prevent a lot of electrical problems. It’s also wise to get a yearly lift inspection even if there doesn’t appear to be anything wrong with the lift. OSHA strongly recommends such inspections as they can help you catch potential problems before they become serious.

Safety Lock Malfunctions

Safety locks prevent damage to vehicles and serious injuries to mechanics. Never use a lift if even one lock isn’t working properly.

Identifying Malfunctioning Safety Locks

Safety locks and other safety features such as auto-spotting and variable equalization should be checked every single day. Examine these as the lift is being moved up and down. Make sure the locks are engaging and disengaging as they should. Check the locks and back-up locks to make sure they’re clean.

Steps to Fix Safety Lock Issues

Lubricate and clean locks as needed. If the locks still don’t work properly, check the Rotary lift troubleshooting guide for your lift model to see what needs to be done to address the problem.

Mechanical Alignment Issues

Two-post, four-post, and scissor lifts may experience mechanical alignment issues from time to time. Rotary lift troubleshooting will help you identify and diagnose problems right away to prevent accidents and damage to customer vehicles.

Signs of Misalignment

Signs of mechanical misalignment include uneven lifting, strange noises while raising or lowering a lift, and difficulty operating the lift.

Correcting Alignment Problems

Make sure bolts are tight, and lift parts aren’t worn out. Look for visible signs of damage on the lift and repair or replace parts as needed. Check the owner’s manual to find out more about your lift’s calibration requirements. Lift calibration can not only rectify current mechanical alignment problems but also prevent future ones.

It’s also a good idea to check your shop floor for signs of concrete damage. If you see cracks, chips or other signs of damage, talk to a contractor or structural engineer.

Should You Repair or Replace Your Rotary Lift?

If your lift has serious problems, consider the cost of repair vs. the cost of replacement. If the lift is relatively new and the parts are inexpensive, then lift repair is a good choice. On the other hand, buying an expensive new part for an old lift often isn’t a good idea.

A lift that’s over fifteen years old will likely need more care, attention, and maintenance than a newer model. Consider not just the cost of the parts, but also time and lost work hours. A new in-ground, two-post, or four-post lift that runs smoothly with minimal maintenance will allow you to take on more customers than a lift that needs continual attention.

Parts & Lifts SVI Offers

SVI offers a huge selection of Rotary lifts and parts, including parts for popular models such as the SPOA10, SPOA9 100 Series, SMO14, and SM122-110L. Contact us at your convenience for more information, price quotes, or to place an order for the items of your choice.