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A brake lathe machine is an essential piece of equipment for repair and tire shops. They not only resurface brake rotors, but they also machine vehicle brake drums. Like any shop equipment, especially those used most often, you need to ensure that it is appropriately maintained so it will function at its best. A properly maintained brake lathe will not only provide an accurate cut, but it will also correctly resurface brake rotors. Most well-maintained brake lathes will last years, if not decades.

Mechanic shops have either on-car lathes (which are reliable and efficient) or off-car lathes, which are also reliable but require removing the rotor from the car. Regardless of which type of brake lathe machine you have in your shop, it’s imperative to keep a consistent maintenance schedule.

Why You Need to Maintain Your Brake Lathe Machines Daily

Your brake lathe is often used for up to seven or eight hours daily. Unfortunately, this kind of daily use can cause an accumulation of metal chips, rust, brake dust, and dirt. So, frequent inspection and daily cleaning are imperative. Without daily cleaning, the metal chips, dirt, brake dust, and rust can build up and harden in your brake lathe machine. Once this happens, the machine can malfunction.

Also, it’s essential to inspect the protective boots covering the spindles and crossfeed mechanisms to avoid cracking or torn parts that allow highly abrasive particles into the lathe. If these particles get into your brake lathe, it can have disastrous consequences.

In addition, you also need to check and clean your brake lathe adapters daily, as dirty adapters can cause a rotor or drum to be improperly mounted. If you don’t clean the adapters, you may accidentally mount a drum or rotor crooked, causing it to be cut unevenly. This mistake will cost you money and time, and you may also have to throw away the miscut rotor or drum. A simple cleaning could prevent this from happening, as keeping the brake lathe parts clean is much easier than accidentally ruining the drum or rotors.

What To Look for During the Maintenance Process

Disconnect the power

Before cleaning or inspecting your brake lathe, it’s essential to disconnect the lathe from the power source and lock all moving parts. It’s also imperative to wear eye protection and protective clothing if you are doing repairs or making adjustments.

Check for missing, damaged, or worn parts

The first step during brake lathe maintenance is to check for missing, damaged, or worn parts, including protective covers or grips. In any of those cases, replacement parts are necessary before using the lathe again. Otherwise, you may risk injury, damage to the machine, or damage to the rotors or drums.

Examine the tool bit

The lathe’s tool bit dramatically impacts the finish of a drum or rotor. A dull tool bit can leave a rough finish, causing poor brake performance, quick brake pad wear, and brake noise. Conversely, a tool bit in good condition will produce a smooth finish on your rotors and drums. If your tool bit is worn down, it’s a good idea to replace it for maximum performance.

Inspect fasteners, covers, and guards

Another essential step is to ensure all fasteners are tightened securely and all covers and guards are in place. A loose fastener could cause significant problems.

Check the brake lathe’s oil level

With the proper amount of oil, your brake lathe will work correctly, avoiding a slowdown in your work day. Therefore, checking your oil level and refilling it as necessary is imperative.

Look at the condition of the silencing devices

Another thing that’s easy to forget is checking the rubber silencing bands on the silencing devices. These rubber bands need to be checked for tears or rips, as the last thing you want to happen during machining is a flying silencing band. Not only can it injure the operator, but it can also damage the lathe. So, replacing the bands is vital if they show any wear and tear.

Examine the safety decals

Ensure any damaged or missing safety decals on your brake lathe are placed. Then, you can order new ones as necessary from the manufacturer.

How to Clean A Brake Lathe Machine

Don’t use compressed air

Cleaning your brake lathe is just as important as inspecting the parts for wear and tear. But first, don’t use compressed air to clean debris or dirt from the brake lathe. While it may seem like an easy solution, you don’t want metal chips flying around the area and getting into machined parts or injuring the shop’s employees.

Clean the outside of the machine

Using a simple degreaser, thoroughly clean the outside of the lathe. Some mechanic shops use WD-40 or its equivalent to protect against rust.

Clean the adapters

It’s also essential to clean the adapters once you remove them from the arbors, especially the inboard adapter. This adapter sometimes has metal chips fall into its opening, causing uneven mounting for the next rotor or drum. Again, using a brush to clean the adapters is the best choice for a thorough cleaning.

Ensure the tool bit holder is clean

The tool bit holder is one thing that mechanics often miss when cleaning their brake lathe. Removing any chips or burrs from the bottom of the tool bit holder and the slot where it’s mounted is essential.

SVI International Has The Parts You Need!

Regardless of your brake lathe manufacturer, SVI International likely has the necessary repair parts to give your lathe a lifetime of machining. We offer nuts, adapters, silencer bands, tool holders, and brake lathe bits from numerous manufacturers. Plus, you’ll be able to receive the parts quickly with our three “Ready Ship” warehouses strategically located across the United States. In addition, we offer same-day shipping, so you can avoid extended downtime and keep your business going! Finally, our same-day shipping is a fraction of the cost of most other automotive equipment repair parts suppliers.

So, let SVI International be your equipment repair parts partner! Our forty years of experience can protect you from downtime, your employees from potential injury, and your customers from an extended return time. So, request a quote from us today – we look forward to hearing from you!

When it comes to keeping your shop operating smoothly, it’s crucial to keep your equipment properly maintained. However, some mechanic shops rely on reactive maintenance rather than preventative maintenance. This method, akin to “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” may work in some settings but is not beneficial overall. 

A proactive or preventative maintenance plan can help identify problems before they occur. For example, regularly scheduled tasks like oil changes, lubrication, and cleaning are part of an excellent preventive maintenance program. During these routine checks, you can replace minor parts and make adjustments, preventing potentially more significant problems.

A reactive approach to your shop’s equipment can cause unwanted downtime, equipment failure, loss of revenue, and safety concerns.

Types of Preventative Maintenance

Four main types of preventative maintenance can keep your shop running smoothly.

Usage-Based

Usage-based preventative maintenance depends on a set amount of usage or time the equipment is used. This fixed time can forecast when maintenance or inspection should be completed.

For example, this type of maintenance can be based on the number of hours the equipment is used. Every piece of equipment has different recommendations for usage-based preventative maintenance.

Predictive Maintenance

Predictive maintenance allows shops to determine the condition of their equipment to estimate the timing of care. Unlike usage-based maintenance, predictive maintenance is only performed when necessary.

This type of care is designed to prevent unexpected equipment failures by noting the equipment’s condition. Once its condition is determined, you can set up a proper maintenance schedule.

Prescriptive Maintenance

Prescriptive maintenance is similar to predictive but goes a few steps further. While predictive maintenance can predict when equipment failure may occur, prescriptive maintenance allows you to calculate the effects of changing various operating conditions.

 For example, prescriptive maintenance can tell you that lowering your equipment’s speed by a specific amount can double its operating time before it’s going to fail.

This type of preventative maintenance can also explain why equipment failure is happening.

Time-Based

Time-based preventative maintenance is one of the more common methods for equipment care. This maintenance plan occurs at a scheduled time based on days, weeks, months, or years.

Importance of Preventative Maintenance

Preventive maintenance offers many benefits, including a reduction in downtime, an increase in productivity and efficiency, and the prevention of costly emergency repairs.

Reduce Downtime

While downtime is almost inevitable in a repair shop, a preventative maintenance schedule can significantly reduce your shop’s downtime.

With a reactive approach to maintenance, your shop will have a significant amount of unexpected downtime, which can cause a substantial loss of productivity. Preventative maintenance allows you to schedule your maintenance tasks, so your downtime is limited and less troublesome.

And when you decrease downtime, you ultimately increase efficiency, productivity, and revenue.

Increase Efficiency & Performance of Equipment

The increased efficiency of your shop’s equipment is one of the main benefits of a solid preventative maintenance schedule. While some shops use software to help schedule maintenance, it’s not a requirement, especially for smaller shops. However, a simple maintenance calendar can help you plan when to perform part replacements, oil and fluid changes, and inspections.

 Cost Savings

A solid preventative maintenance plan will provide your shop with significant cost savings. In addition, because you will unlikely deal with unplanned equipment failure, your downtime will be significantly reduced, increasing productivity and reducing the cost of an emergency repair.

An emergency repair can often cost up to 9 times more than planned maintenance, with the cost of rushed shipping on repair parts, specialized technicians, and lost revenue while the equipment is down.

When you implement a preventative maintenance program, you ensure that your equipment won’t fail prematurely, saving you from replacing the whole thing.

Improve the Lifespan of Machines

Although reduced downtime, increased efficiency, and cost savings are all benefits of a preventative maintenance plan, you must remember the increased lifespan of your equipment.

When you keep your equipment in good working condition, you can lengthen its lifespan, allowing it to run longer and keep your shop operating efficiently.

Safer Working Conditions

A safe and optimal workspace is one of the most important aspects of a preventative maintenance plan. With a more reactive maintenance plan, you are exposing your techs and mechanics to an unsafe working environment. Unfortunately, mechanics are often injured when working in a hazardous environment.

Thankfully, preventative maintenance can give you peace of mind, increasing the safety of your equipment and lowering the risks of injury because of hazardous machines. Unfortunately, health and safety are often an afterthought regarding preventative maintenance, but they are more important than anything else.

A significant injury to one of your mechanics can increase downtime, reduce efficiency, and increase costs and damage.

Wrap-up: Why is Preventative Maintenance Important?

If you’ve been able to perform a reactive approach to your maintenance schedule without any negative results, you are lucky. However, the risks of this approach will multiply with time, causing an unsafe working environment for your mechanics.

However, a solid preventative maintenance program can increase productivity, reduce downtime, decrease emergency repair costs, and increase revenue. And, more importantly, provide a safe working environment for your team.

Whether you are a new shop or you’ve been operating for decades, having a trusted automotive repair parts partner is crucial to your success.

SVI can be your trusted source of automotive equipment repair parts, with over 40,000 parts available and two ready-to-ship warehouses. Our one-stop shop offers everything from brake lathe and fluid delivery products to petroleum equipment and auto lift parts.

We can ensure that you get back on your feet quickly, so your downtime is limited. Contact us for real solutions and quality-engineered parts. Our knowledgeable staff stands ready to serve you and provide you with same-day shipping on our in-stock parts.

We look forward to being your equipment repair parts partner!

Buying an auto lift is a tremendous and rewarding investment for your business. Regardless of this being your first or fifth auto lift purchase, many factors need your consideration.

It is not recommended that one should impulsively purchase such a critical piece of equipment and machinery. From understanding your shop and budgeting limitations to researching lift manufacturers and warranties, acquiring a new auto lift requires shop and business owners a great deal of forethought. In the content below, we explore the top ten things you should know before buying a lift for your auto shop.

Measure Your Shop’s Ceiling Height

Before buying a lift for your auto shop, consider the height of your workspace. Does your shop have low ceilings? In order to ensure a safe lift installation, your shop’s ceiling height must measure at a minimum of 11 or 12 feet, with clearance for overhead hazards such as lights and fire alarms. The higher your shop’s ceiling is, the wider selection of auto lifts you can choose from.

Determine Your Available Floor Space

Though ceiling height may not be a cause for concern, assess the remaining floor space available for the installation of a new auto lift. You may purchase the greatest lift for your auto shop only to find out it’s physically impossible to feasibly install it in your cramped floor space. It is imperative that you measure as many times as needed for you to guarantee that a lift will not only fit but also provide the necessary room to adequately service vehicles. If you are unsure about the minimum space requirement for your new auto lift, consider contacting a local and reliable installer.

Clarify the Intended Purpose of Your Lift

Consider the most common vehicle types your shop services. Are they pickup trucks, motorcycles, or traditional, compact and SUV cars? Making a wise auto lift purchase depends on assessing and determining your typical load capacity, needed lift height, and desired lift speed.

Select the Type of Lift You Anticipate Purchasing

Despite a singular purpose, individual car lifts feature unique lifting mechanisms, bringing strength to various applications. Exploring a complete guide to the different types of car lifts will be in your best interest when considering your intended purposes. For your reference, the main types of car lifts are the following:

• Frame Engaging Lifts
• Two-Post Surface Mounted Lifts
• Four-Post Lifts
• Drive-On Parallelogram Lifts
• In-Ground Lifts

After assessing your shop’s ceiling height and available floor space, you can easily eliminate auto lift types unsuitable for your conditions and applications.

Calculate Your Total Spending Budget

It is important that you get the best value from a newly purchased lift. Often, the car lift best suited for your shop’s needs is neither the least expensive nor the most expensive lifts available. Once you determine the exact type of lift needed for your business, explore the different costs to determine what you can afford. From the lift’s price to warranty and installation expenses and fees, map out your entire spending budget before buying anything to avoid creating a financial burden for your business.

Forecast Necessary Lift Maintenance

Each lift model comes with its own maintenance specifications and schedule. With the model you intend to purchase, explore its weekly, monthly, and yearly maintenance tasks necessary to preserve your auto lift investment. Doing so can help you determine which lift best suits your maintenance schedule and capabilities.

Research the Lift’s Manufacturer and Reputation

A lift is only as reliable as its manufacturer. Before purchasing a lift or any automotive machinery, research and verify the validity of the product’s manufacturer and how long they have been in the industry. Assess client reviews in search of any claims that the product was faulty or that the company is known for scamming unsuspecting customers.

Review the Warranty Plan

Regardless if you purchase the world’s most reliable auto lift, repairs and maintenance will be needed as wear and tear accrues over time. Prior to buying a lift for your auto shop, take some time to review and understand what type of warranty it comes with. Typically, warranties are standard applications to a lift purchase with the option to extend coverage for additional years or even the lift’s lifetime. Manufacturers who offer standard warranties with the purchase of each lift show that they stand behind the products they make.

Solidify the Installation Plan

The great question here is this: Who will be responsible for the lift’s installation? Will you hire a team to drill through your concrete, bring in machinery to transport the lift to your shop, and complete the entire process? If so, be sure to find a reliable installer who will protect your new equipment and guarantee a sound installation. If you intend to assume the responsibility of installing the lift on your own or with your shop’s employees, take the necessary time to develop a thorough plan of action and determine a realistic completion date.

Locate the Lift’s Replacement Parts

One would hope that after purchasing a new lift, you wouldn’t need to worry about replacement parts for quite some time. However, researching the availability and accessibility of spare and replacement parts for your lift’s model helps immensely, especially once your warranty expires. Before buying a lift, explore where you could order replacement parts and how soon they could be delivered. Purchasing older models of an auto lift may save you on expenses at the forefront. However, when you cannot find the necessary replacement parts for outmoded lifts, you might be re-thinking your lift purchase.

SVI International: High-Quality Auto Lifts and Replacement Parts

Finding a reliable auto lift supplier with high-quality products doesn’t have to be difficult. At SVI International, we are the industry’s leading supplier of repair parts for all types of automotive lifts. Besides traditional, every-day parts, SVI is known in the industry as the problem solver – tackling specialty lift concerns with innovative products. Our supply of high-quality products can play a significant role in protecting your auto lift investment. We’re just a phone call away. If you have questions, concerns, or need help placing an order, please reach out at (800) 321-8173 or via our online contact form.

Choosing the right equipment for your auto shop can spell the difference between a successful business and one that struggles to scrape by. You need to know not only which equipment is most important but also where, when, and how to buy it in order to get your business started on the right foot.

When to Start Purchasing Equipment for Your Auto Shop

It’s a good idea to make an auto repair shop equipment list before you open your shop. Don’t buy things “just in case” but do buy every single item you’ll need for the services you intend to provide. Shopping in advance enables you to provide the best possible service to new customers. It also helps you save money as you can take the time to find good deals and special offers.

New vs Used Equipment for Your Auto Repair Shop

When you buy new equipment, you’ll know beyond a shadow of a doubt that it will work well. Plus, you’ll have warranty coverage if something goes wrong. However, purchasing all-new tools and equipment can be a huge expense for any new business, which is why many new auto shops purchase at least some items used. If you plan on going this route, you’ll want to choose a seller with care and thoroughly inspect each piece of equipment to make sure it’s in good working order.

1. Tire Changers

A tire changer is one of the most important pieces of equipment for any new auto shop. Take some time to consider the options before picking that one that best meets your needs. You’ll also want to make sure you have a reliable parts supplier to keep your changer in good working order at all times.

2. Transmission Jack

While it’s important to have basic floor jacks, at times something more robust is necessary. If you plan on offering services where you will need to support large transmissions, consider purchasing a transmission jack. You should be able to find several additional uses for a transmission jack, as having it around will come in handy anytime you need to hoist something heavy.

3. Wheel Alignment Machine

Wheel alignment is an important, in-demand service that can significantly increase your revenue stream. To choose the right machine for the job, consider your floor space, flexibility of the model in question, and the pros and cons of choosing a computerized machine.

4. Hydraulic Press

If you’re in need of crushing or bending metal material, look into the expensive, but useful hydraulic press. With this, you can separate rusted parts and straighten bent metal, which can really speed up certain repairs.

5. Air Compressor

Air compressors are pneumatic systems that convert power into pressurized (compressed) air. An air compressor is necessary to operate many other essential tools around the shop, so choosing a reliable, powerful air compressor is important. It can help clean dust and dirt behind engine blocks with its pressurized air. In addition, a quality air compressor helps clean many mechanical parts, such as behind the fissures inside rotors. 

A high-quality air compressor also allows you to operate many tools in your shop, such as air ratchets, airbrushes, sandblasters, paint sprayers, air saws, and sanders. Lastly, garages with tire inflating tools can’t function without air compressors. Air compressors generate air pressure, which helps to inflate tires. Choosing a suitable air compressor can improve your productivity.

Get the highest capacity you can afford to be sure you have the power you need for powering your shop’s needs. For many auto shops, a 60 or 120-gallon compressor is sufficient.

6. A/C Machine

An A/C machine will allow you to service A/C units. The demand for this service is especially prevalent in warmer months. Look for a system that will recover, recycle, and recharge air conditioning systems.

Having an air conditioning machine in your shop will make flushing and diagnosing air conditioning systems quicker and more reliable.

Of course, skip this purchase if you don’t plan to offer A/C servicing.

7. Jacks and Jack Stands

Jacks and jack stands are used to temporarily lift a vehicle off the ground to complete repairs. In many auto repair shops, floor jacks are regularly utilized. Like your air compressor, this purchase is one of the most important.

Floor jacks come in various sizes with differing capabilities. A 2-ton jack is sufficient for simple jobs; however, purchasing a larger jack isn’t a bad idea. The ideal capacity should reach about seventy-five percent of the vehicle’s overall weight. Weight ratings are usually found on a driver’s side doorjamb sticker. 

The most common car jacks are the scissor, floor, screw, bottle, and farm jack. We recommend buying a high-quality, highly-recommended jack system that can accommodate vehicles of various sizes.

8. Digital Vehicle Inspection Technology

Though not absolutely necessary, purchasing a system that can run a thorough diagnostic on a customers’ vehicle will give your auto shop an automatic edge among your competition. The tool is helpful for your technicians and can assist in customer relations. A straightforward inspection report can help explain why a certain repair is needed.

9. Oil Drain/ Oil Caddy

Changing oil or transmission fluid – among the most common auto shop services – requires an oil caddy. Oil caddies are available in a variety of fluid volume capacities. To choose the best option for your shop, determine the largest fluid volume you anticipate handling. For example, do you plan to work on RVs or SUVs? Purchase a caddy to meet this capacity.

To increase efficiency, consider buying a standing oil caddy. A standing caddy can be utilized when a vehicle is on a lift, allowing you to complete additional repairs while the oil is draining. Though a standing caddy is not a must-have, it certainly optimizes oil and transmission fluid changes.

10. Oxygen-Acetylene Torch

If you service an area with a lot of environmental moisture, you can expect customers to come in with rusty vehicles. An oxygen-acetylene torch is used to fix rust issues efficiently. In drier areas, this piece of equipment is not vital.

11. Press

There are many reasons for using a press in your automotive repair shop, including separating rusted parts, straightening bent parts, and compressing used oil filters.

However, having access to a press in your shop will give you much more.

A press has a dozen uses in the auto shop. Made to deform workpieces under high pressure, a shop press is often used to press parts together, such as fitting bearings into housings. Presses can be purchased with between 1 and 30 tons of pressure. For an auto shop, a 30-ton press is ideal.

12. Brake Lathe

As the name implies, brake lathes are designed to effectively and efficiently service brakes. Another one of the most common reasons a customer may come to your auto shop.

When doing brake jobs, it lowers your shop’s productivity if you have to take drums or rotors to another service to resurface.  Buying a brake lathe for your shop will make brake services more efficient and profitable, so the investment quickly pays for itself. 

Be sure to purchase a high-quality name-brand lathe to ensure the availability of replacement parts when needed. 

Additionally, identifying a trusted brake lathe parts provider will eliminate wasted downtime in the event that your lathe fails.

13. Strut Compressor

A strut compressor is essential if you’re fixing a vehicle’s suspension. The compressor reduces the size of the springs, making them easier to remove.

Because every vehicle needs new struts around 70,000 miles, offering the service can be lucrative. Purchase a strut compressor that can handle the variety of vehicles you plan to service – the investment is well worth the return.

You need to find a sturdy, durable tool that won’t compromise your safety because handling springs can be dangerous.

14. Engine Hoist

If your shop plans on doing any transmission or engine work, you’ll need an engine hoist. An engine hoist can lift engines, transmissions, and other parts out of the vehicle. 

There are a few different engine hoists, including hydraulic, chain engine, and electric hoists.

Consider the weight capacity when deciding what engine hoist to purchase for your shop. Standard weight capacities for engine hoists are 1- and 2-ton, although there are higher weight capacities for larger engines. 

Many shops purchase a 2-ton hoist even though they don’t plan on working on engines that size. Going with a higher weight capacity is a good idea in this circumstance. 

15. Battery Charger/ Jump Box

Once again, your battery charger will be one of the most-used items in your shop. Vehicles need to be jumped constantly. We recommend purchasing a high-quality, name brand battery charger – the best you can afford. With the frequency of use, purchasing a cheap battery charger or jump box is ultimately a waste of money and will have to be frequently replaced.

16. Vehicle Lift

Last but certainly not least, the vehicle lift is one of the most critical pieces of equipment found in an efficient, profitable auto repair shop. Depending on the vehicles you plan to service, you may need a light lift, a small equipment maintenance lift, a heavy-duty truck lift, or a combination of these options.

There are several types of automotive lifts to consider, including 2-post, 4-post, scissor, portable, in-ground, alignment, and mobile column lifts. To purchase the right lift for your shop, you’ll need to know how much space you have and what type of vehicles you’ll be repairing. With a variety of lifts to choose from, it is invaluable to read a guide to car lift types to determine which is best for your shop. Be sure to buy high-quality and name-brand lifts to ensure the availability of parts and service. Lifts are essential for your repair shop, built to last many years.

Extra Auto Repair Equipment & Tool Needs

Hand Tools

Hand tools may be small, but they’re important. You’ll use them for just about any auto repair job. Some vital ones to have on hand include screwdrivers, wrenches, hammers, breaker bars, pry bars, chisels, a tire pressure gauge, and a battery charger.

Power Tools

Every auto shop should have a good drill driver kit and impact wrench. Other important power tools include a torque wrench, strut compressor, an oxygen-acetylene torch, and digital vehicle inspection tools.

Safety Equipment

A fire extinguisher is a must for any auto repair shop. You’ll also need safe waste receptacles to dispose of flammable and/or toxic garbage. Your mechanics will need safety gear such as gloves, safety goggles, work overalls, and steel-toe work boots.

SVI: Trusted, American-Made Vehicle Lifts

Managing an auto repair shop is no small task, but SVI can make your job easier by giving you easy access to top-tier auto repair shop tools, tool replacement parts, and more. We have two ship-ready warehouses to send out orders within 24 hours of receipt. We offer a huge selection of supplies to meet the needs of any new business owner.

At SVI International, we are the lift industry’s leading supplier of parts, known for our high-quality, American-made products. With over 40,000 products, we serve as a one-stop-shop for equipment parts, lifting equipment, RELS brake lathes, and much more.

We are trusted by auto shop owners across the country – and we would love to talk to you about how we can help meet your auto shop equipment needs. To get in touch with a team member, give us a call at (800) 321-8173 or fill out our contact form. We look forward to speaking with you!