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Hydraulic car lifts are an essential component in any auto repair shop. These versatile devices come in multiple sizes and dimensions, making it easy for you to find the make and model that best meets your needs and budget.

What is a Hydraulic Car Lift?

A hydraulic car lift is any car lift powered by hydraulic fluid. These lifts were first invented in 1925 and subsequently modified and updated as new technology enabled lift manufacturers to improve the original design.

What Are the Common Hydraulic Car Lift Dimensions?

Hydraulic car lift dimensions vary depending on the lift make and model you pick for your shop. Car lift dimensions for smaller lift models tend to be between 108 and 148.5 inches high and about 132 inches wide. Arm length ranges from 680 to 1,300 mm and the distance between the columns is about 102 inches. These lifts tend to require a minimum ceiling height of 12 feet. Larger models, on the other hand, can be up to 200 inches long and have a column height of about 88 inches. The width between the posts is about 100.2 inches.

How Many Types of Car Lifts Are There?

There are about nine different types of car lifts, but some are far more common than others. The lifts typically used in most car repair shops are two-post, four-post, and scissor lifts.

Two Post

Two-post car lifts are easy to install and only require minimal maintenance. They’re ideal for working on cars, SUVs, and light trucks as they allow mechanics to access the vehicle’s undercarriage, engine, body, and wheels with ease.

Four Post

Four-post car lifts can hold more weight than two-post car lift models. This makes them ideal for auto repair shops that service commercial vehicles. These sturdy lifts work well for undercarriage work, engine work, and bodywork. They can also be used for jobs such as wheel alignment and tire changes if you have a rolling jack or alignment kit to go with the lift.

Scissor Lift

Scissor lifts get their name from the X-shaped steel structures that enable the lift to raise or lower a vehicle. These lifts can be used to work on both personal and commercial vehicles. Most scissor lifts are fixed to the garage floor to keep vehicles stable, but some models are portable, allowing car shop owners to move the lift around or even out of the shop.

What to Know Before Installing a Hydraulic Car Lift

One of the first things you need to know before installing a hydraulic car lift is the amount of space you need for the job. Check the hydraulic car lift dimensions before finalizing the purchase. Additionally, bear in mind that you need not only space to fit the lift but also space for mechanics to walk around a vehicle on the lift. You’ll also want to know how the lift works, the type of care and maintenance it needs, and where to find reliable replacement parts.

How Much Space Do You Need for a Car Lift?

You’ll want at least two feet of extra space around a car lift to allow workers to repair vehicles. Additionally, you should have at least one foot of ceiling space once a vehicle is placed on a lift and raised. There should be no fans or light fixtures in this additional space to prevent accidents and/or damage to customer vehicles. Allow about six feet of space under a lift to enable mechanics to work comfortably under the vehicle.

Steps for Installing a Car Lift

The first step in installing a car lift is to prepare your shop for lift installation. Check your concrete flooring; it should be at least four inches thick to hold the weight of a lift. Read the owner’s manual for your lift and make sure you have all the tools you need for the job. Finally, choose a spot for lift installation that meets your needs and the lift’s specifications. Consider both your current and long-term needs to make sure the lift will serve you well for the foreseeable future.

Hydraulic Car Lift Installation Tips

Start by anchoring the lift to the floor. Make sure the anchors are secure and then assemble the lift components. Finally, install the cables, lines, hoses, and arms. Test your lift before you start using it to make sure everything is in good working order.

Consider Lift Height and Width

Your owner’s manual will tell you the height and width of your lift model. However, you also have to consider how high the lift can raise certain vehicles. When in doubt, measure the vehicle’s height to make sure you can raise it completely off the ground. Width is yet another important factor to consider, as you may need to use multiple tools to repair or renovate a vehicle, and you’ll want ample space for the job.

Invest in High-Quality Car Lift and Safety Parts

A car lift can last between fifteen and twenty years. This is especially true if you install the lift properly and maintain it in accordance with the instructions in the owner’s manual. Buying high-quality lift and safety parts also plays an important role in proper maintenance, as the right part won’t put a strain on the lift and will allow you to operate the device without problems.

Follow a Budget

Set aside some money each month to repair and replace lift parts. Once a year, you should switch hydraulic hoses, rollers, cables, chains, and sheaves. Hydraulic cylinders and the motor should be replaced as needed. If the car lift can’t be raised or lowered properly, you may need to replace the air latch cylinder, cable latch, and/or air switch.

SVI International Has the Hydraulic Car Lift Parts You Need

SVI stocks tens of thousands of top-tier parts for multiple range lift models. These include truck and bus lifts, specialty lifts and cylinder products, and hydraulic tubing and fittings. We offer same-day shipping to make it easy for you to get needed parts without delay. Get in touch with us to get price quotes and place an order.

The workhorse of your automotive lifts, hydraulic cylinders are devices that use fluid pressure to generate force and movement. Over time, continual use of your lift can cause wear and tear on the components which can hinder the performance of your equipment.

The internal seals on your hydraulic cylinders are one common weak component that experiences wear, buildup of debris, and other issues. This guide will show you the steps needed to replace your seals so you don’t have any troubles with leakage.

What You Should Know Before Working on Your Hydraulic Cylinder

Before proceeding with the process, it is necessary to understand the possible causes of hydraulic cylinder seal failure and to be equipped with the right tools and experience should you attempt to try the replacement yourself. For the large majority, having a trusted professional do the repair will save lots of hassle and worry of safety concerns.

There will always be at least one seal found on the hydraulic cylinder. They can be installed on either the end of the cylinder body, or at the end of the rod. Check that you have the correct parts for your hydraulic cylinders as different cylinders require different seal kits. You can confirm you have the correct parts by referencing the old parts or reviewing an owner’s manual.

Once you have everything you need, you are ready to fix your seal.

Preparation

Find a clean space appropriate for hydraulic cylinder maintenance. Make sure you have plenty of space to store cleaned parts so they can remain free from debris.

Have tools ready such as protective gear, a screwdriver, pliers, wrenches, emery clothes, a mallet or hammer, and a seal kit.

Clean surfaces of cylinders that will be sealed so all traces of dirt and fluid are removed. Check for any imperfections that could cause leaks and smooth over any rough patches.

Replacement

Loosen the hoses from the point of connection with the cylinder body. This releases the pressure from the cylinder. Work on one cylinder at a time.

Carefully remove the cylinder from the lines and ensure its weight is supported so it does not get damaged or cause injury.

Remove the piston rod then remove the lock nut to unscrew the piston and remove it from the cylinder.

Take the time to ensure the rod and cylinder are kept completely clean and placed on a clean surface where parts are not coming into contact with one another. These extra steps can prevent any costly damage to the components of the cylinder.

Keep parts in order to ease reassembly process. If it helps, take a photo for reference. This can also help when replacing the seals in the next few steps.

To prevent confusion, replace seals one a time. Pay attention to what kind of seal is being used and identify the correct replacement part. Fit the new seals in the exact same position that was previously used. Once again check for any dirt on the seal groove before replacing the part.

Reverse the process of removing the cylinder by starting with re-fitting the piston and securing it back into the cylinder body. Reconnect the cylinder to the hydraulic lines and remove any additional dirt or fluid created from the reassembly.

Testing

After the replacement is complete, operate the machine as normal. Check that all connections are secure throughout. No fluid should be escaping from the cylinder. If all looks good, then your replacement is complete.

Beyond Hydraulic Cylinder Maintenance

Replacing a broken seal is a smart way to perform preventative maintenance on your hydraulic cylinder, but at times it might just be a temporary fix. That is why it is always best to know how to diagnose any underlying causes so that these repairs do not become a reoccurring issue. One of the most common causes for a leaking hydraulic cylinder is broken or worn-out seals, but at times, a repair will not be enough. Sometimes fixing the issue, not the seal, will provide the best long-term solution, and a full part replacement might be needed to save you time and money.

SVI International: Connecting You with High Quality Automotive Equipment

If ever in doubt about how to replace hydraulic cylinder seals, what parts you need to complete a maintenance repair, or replacement tips, SVI International is always here to help. As a leader in repair parts for automotive lifts, you can always expect a prompt delivery from one of our three warehouses across the United States. Reach out to us at (800) 321-8173 or complete our online contact form. Ask us about specialty hydraulic cylinders if customized needs are required for your job.

Hydraulic cylinders play a vital role in multiple industries, including aviation, civil engineering, construction, and manufacturing. Hydraulic cylinder seals, which block fluid in these machines, are needed to keep the cylinders running properly but should be replaced periodically, as they can wear out due to continual use. If a cylinder registers a drop in hydraulic pressure, overheats, begins shaking more than normal, or starts making loud banging or clunking noises, it’s wise to check the seals for signs of damage. Leaking is yet another sign that a cylinder may be broken or damaged.

What are Hydraulic Seals Used for?

Hydraulic seals serve multiple purposes. Some cover the gap between two surfaces to prevent fluids from getting past a joint. Others prevent fluid from entering the piston head and stop fluid from leaking from the cylinder. Some types of hydraulic seals can also prevent contaminants from entering the machinery.

What to Consider When Choosing a Seal

There are many types of hydraulic seals to pick from. While some may be arguably better than others, in most cases choosing a hydraulic seal is a matter of identifying which type of seal would be best for a particular cylinder. Following are some points to consider to ensure the seal is a good match for the device in question.

Material Compatibility

Hydraulic seals can be made from various materials. A company that needs a new seal will want to make sure the material chosen is compatible with the cylinder in question. A seal that isn’t compatible with the cylinder or the workload may shrink or break, which could damage other parts of the cylinder.

Pressure Rating

The pressure rating on the seal will play a large role in determining how the hydraulic cylinder can be used. Medium-pressure seals have a PSI ranging from 150 to 500 and can be ideal for low-pressure use. High-pressure seals may have a PSI of up to 10,000. When choosing a seal, bear in mind that most seals can’t operate at their upper pressure and speed ratings at the same time.

Temperature Range

The temperature range varies depending on the seal chosen. Typical options include seals that can handle from -50°C to 120°C (-60°F to 250°F) and seals that can handle from -40°C to 200°C (-40°F to 400°F).

Size and Dimensions

Hydraulic cylinder seals come in various sizes, and it’s not hard to find ones to fit standard devices. However, it can be challenging to find the right seal for a custom device. If you aren’t sure about the right seal size or dimension for your device, you can measure it with a tape measure and calipers.

Chemical Resistance

Fluid compatibility is important when choosing a new seal. Some may be able to handle water but not mineral-based oils. Others may be incompatible with synthetic and/or fire-resistant fluids.

Keep temperature ranges in mind when determining chemical resistance, as a seal that may be compatible with a liquid at room temperature may not be able to handle that same liquid in extreme cold or heat.

Types of Hydraulic Seals Found in Auto Equipment and Lifts

Piston Seals

Piston seals come in multiple materials and different sizes. They are designed to prevent fluid and other media from bypassing the piston. Piston seal options include lip seals, compact-squeeze seals, and application-specific designed seals.

Rod Seals

Rod seals ensure pressurized fluid won’t leak out of a system. They are also available as uni-directional seals that only seal pressure from a single side. Rod seals are available as lip seals, PTFE cap seals, compared squeeze seals, and application-specific design seals.

Wiper Seals

Wiper seals can not only prevent fluid leakage but also stop contaminants from entering the shaft mechanism. There are snap-in and press-in wiper seals as well as seals designed to keep out certain pollutants. Options include dust and particle exclusion seals, dry rod operation seals, and low friction system seals.

Buffer Seals

Buffer seals are bi-directional. They seal most of the rod while allowing some fluids to pass through to the secondary rod seal. They also pump fluid from the secondary rod seal back into the system and protect the main rod from the effects of shock pressure loading.

U-Cup Seals

U-cup seals get their name from their U-shaped design. They typically have an outside static sealing lip and an inside dynamic sealing lip. There are also O-ring loaded U-cup seals (also known as loaded lip seals and PolyPaks) and these are ideal for users who need optimum sealing performance at low pressures.

O-Rings

O-ring seals are designed to stop the passage of gasses and liquids. They can be shaped like a donut or torus and are one of the most common seal options on the market. They can be purchased in just about any size and you can install them on your own or using a cylinder seal kit.

Vee Packing Seals

Vee packing seals are designed to prevent leaks. They have multiple lips and many have both a male and female adapter. These seals are ideal for use in medium to heavy-duty devices and can be used with either single or double-acting cylinders.

Wear Rings and Guide Rings

Wear rings and guide rings are used in cylinders to prevent certain parts of the cylinders from coming into contact with each other. They typically have a longer lifespan than seals.

What Materials Are Used in Hydraulic Seals?

Seals can be made from multiple materials. Common ones include polyurethane, rubber, engineered thermoplastics, nitrile, silicone, and Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

Finding A Reliable Parts Provider for Your Needs

Seals may be small, but they play an integral role in keeping a hydraulic cylinder operating as it should. Failure to notice and replace a damaged seal on time can not only cause equipment problems but also pose environmental hazards. That’s why companies throughout the United States turn to SVI to find the seals, seal kits, and other products they need. Our warehouse stocks over 40,000 products, offers ideal pricing programs, and has two ready-ship warehouses to ensure fast shipping to any destination. Get in touch with us to find out more about our products, special offers, shipping times, and more.

Hydraulic systems are a must for any car shop, but like with any equipment, you’ll have to replace some hydraulic fittings eventually.

Hydraulic fittings keep fluid within the system, connecting the hydraulic hose to other components (cylinders, pipes, or tubes). These fittings must fit tightly to prevent any leakage in the hydraulic system. If you’re working on your hydraulic system and need to replace your fittings, you may need advice about which ones to purchase. There are many different hydraulic fitting types, each with varying sizes of tread, sealing types, and purposes. We’ll help you identify the various types of hydraulic fittings so you can understand which one is best for your project.

How to Identify Different Types of Hydraulic Fittings

Identifying Fitting Type: Reusable or Permanent

The first step in determining which type of hydraulic fitting you need is to understand whether you need a permanent or reusable fitting. Most hydraulic systems require permanent hydraulic fittings, which are much more common than reusable fittings.

Permanent hydraulic fittings need an attached hydraulic crimper on the hose. Because of this, permanent hydraulic fittings are also referred to as crimped fittings. These crimped fittings are easy to assemble and are known for their reliability in the hydraulic industry. In addition, mobile technicians and even onsite mechanics can use portable hydraulic crimpers. So it’s no surprise that permanent hydraulic fittings are the go-to choice for hydraulic systems.

While permanent hydraulic fittings connect to hoses using a crimper, reusable fittings use a vice and a wrench. Reusable fittings have steel bodies with brass components and are also known for their reliability and resistance to corrosion. Reusable fittings are best for low to medium-pressure applications. However, they are less widely used than permanent hydraulic fittings because of their time-consuming process and higher costs.

Match Connections and Fitting Ends

Once you’ve identified whether you need a permanent or reusable hydraulic fitting, you’ll need to determine which connector type and fitting end you’ll need. The port connection needs to match that of the hose.

Some common connector types and hose combinations are listed below:

• BSPP (JISPF) and 60-degree NPSM Swivel
• BSPT (JIS-PT) and 30-degree Flare (Metric)
• DIN Metric and O-Ring Face Seal (ORFS)
• ISO 6149 and 24-degree Flareless (DIN)
• JIS-B2351 and 30-degree Flare (BSPP)
• Metric Taper and 45-degree Flare
• NPT-NPTF and 37-degree Flare
• SAE Straight and 24-degree Flareless (SAE)

Identify Fitting Sealing Type

Once you’ve determined your connector type and fitting, you’ll need to identify the sealing method, which usually consists of an O-ring, automated angle, or tapered threads.

Mated angle hydraulic fittings have either straight or parallel threads for sealing. While the male and female counterparts thread together, the seal is formed when the two mating angle seats are brought together. Examples of standard mated angle fittings are SAE 45° and JIC 37°.

If you need a fitting for high-pressure applications, you’ll likely need an O-Ring Face Seal or ORFS. This type of hydraulic fitting is known for its reliability and security, eliminating leaks in hydraulic systems with pressures up to 6,000 PSI. There are a few different types of ORFS fittings, including:

• Straight ORFS
• Cross ORFS
• Elbow ORFS
• Tee ORFS

The straight ORFS fitting is a straight screw connection with a male connection point, while the cross ORFS fitting has four male connection ports. The elbow ORFS fitting has a male and female connection at an angle, and the tee ORFS fitting has two male ports and one female port. 

Other less standard hydraulic fittings include the DIN (Deutsches Institut für Normung) and BSP (British Standard Pipe). DIN fittings are often interchangeable with different brands and are used across various industries. BSP fittings are popular in the plumbing industry in Europe.

Identify Thread Size and Fitting Design

While figuring out which thread to use might seem overwhelming, the following steps can help you identify them.

Determine if your thread is tapered or parallel.

Visual inspection alone is often enough to determine whether your thread is tapered or parallel, as tapered threads get smaller toward the end of the fitting, while parallel threads stay the same size. However, if it’s not apparent, you can use a caliper.

NPT/NPTF and BSPT are tapered threads, while UN/UNF and BSPP are parallel.

Measure the pitch

Use a pitch gauge to determine the number of threads within a specified distance. Most threads have a distinct pitch.

Determine the size

Determining the thread size is relatively simple, depending on whether it’s a pipe thread. If it’s a pipe thread, compare it with a nominal-size profile (or for pipe sizes smaller than 2 inches, you can measure the outside diameter and then subtract a quarter inch).

For non-pipe thread, measure the outside diameter with a caliper. 

Once you’ve completed the above steps, you’ll know what type of thread you’ll need, whether it’s NPT/NPTF, BSPT (JIS-PT), SAE Straight Thread, or ISO 6149, JIS-B2351, BSPP (JIS-PF), or 4-Bolt Flange.

Ensure Quality Hydraulic Connections and Fittings with SVI