In order to ensure a reliable workflow your new car lift must be regularly maintained. Procedures such as the cleaning of dirty or greasy parts, the lubrication of all moving parts and checks for paintwork damages are therefore essential for a proper operation of the lift. We will show you the areas you should particularly watch out for when checking your car lift.
Note
Due to the huge variety of different types of automotive lifts, slight differences in the design of the lifts shown here may exist. All of the described components by us are based on our RP-TOOLS hydraulic 2-post lifts, which are also present in the design of similar lift types. The existing list can therefore be considered as a rough guideline.
Control of the most important areas
For the lubrication of the most important parts, our special RP-TOOLS adhesive lubricant for car lifts is highly recommended. These include…
… the cable pulleys for instance, equalization cables as well as the steel wire. They should be regularly lubricated at both posts of the lifting platform and checked for an undamaged state …
… though the lift’s lower pulleys should also not be forgotten.
The entire chain including the chain rollers on top of both cylinders should also be subjected to lubrication every week.
The corners of the inside of posts, where the load bearings are located, should be especially well lubricated.
Only after proper lubrication the arm restraints, gear teeths and the moving parts of the support arms will function quietly and reliably.
The non-slip rubber pads stabilize the vehicle during the lifting. To ensure the best possible grip at any time, the pads are equipped with rotatable screw threads. A weekly lubrication of the pads helps minimizing wear.
It is important to regularly check and correct the hydraulic oil level to ensure the lift’s smooth operation. The oil containers volume is generally up to ten liters, with an intended optimum filling capacity of approximately nine liters. When it is tightly closed the lift can be vented then. To do so, the “Up” button must be pressed for 20 – 30 seconds in order to distribute the oil within the entire hydraulic system. In addition to this it is recommended to tighten and lubricate the mechanical parts of the electric unlocking mechanism.
In order to minimize the risk of accidents, the ground anchors must always be securely bolted to the ground. A torque wrench for 80 Nm can be used to tighten the nuts of the anchors on both posts.
Further notes
Cleaning
The lifting platform should be cleaned sufficiently during every maintenance in order to quicker identify emerging damages of the paint and the components. Waste lubricants should also be disposed of immediately instead of reusing it, as the contained dirt could damage essential parts.
Oil tank
The oil container should be cleaned at least once a year and be completely replaced in case of occurred damages.
Paint damage
Although the lifting platform is often seen as a tool, any paint damage should be repaired immediately after its discovery in order to prevent appearing rust.
Checklist
Daily checks of …
- the hydraulic system for possible leaks
- damages and defects
- the safety devices (especially the lifting arms)
- arm locks
Additionally …
- making sure all screws, nuts, and bolts are tightly screwed
- visual inspection and safety interlocking during operation
Weekly checks of … (conducted by the workshop master)
- all chains and cable connections, pins and screws for proper installation
- all columns for correct alignment and leveling
- steel cables for the correct tension; adjust if necessary
- swing-arm-pivot restraints while paying attention to the restraints
- non-slip contact pads; replace if necessary
- hydraulic oil; refill if necessary
- hydraulic seals; replace if necessary
- ground anchors; tighten if necessary
- the hydraulic pump while paying attention to any strange noises
- safety devices for their functionality
Additionally …
- lubrication of all moving parts and pivots
- lubrication of the posts if necessary
Monthly checks of … (conducted by the workshop master)
- the perpendicularity of the posts
- tension of the equalization cables; adjust if necessary
- arm pins; adjust if necessary
- non-slip lift pads; replace if necessary
- hydraulic oil; replace if necessary
- the hydraulic system for correct operation; loosen connections if necessary
- any wear parts; replace by original RP-TOOLS spare parts if necessary
Additionally …
- cleaning the lifting platform
- lubrication and inspections of the steel ropes every two weeks (ropes must meet a quality standard of GB5972-86)
- all parts must be lubricated according to the LUBRICATION SCHEDULE
Yearly checks (conducted by the workshop master)
- cleaning of the the hydraulic oil filter; change if necessary
- replacement of the hydraulic oil Original RP-TOOLS Hydraulic Oil
- ventilation of the hydraulic system
Yearly check of…. (conducted by authorized maintenance staff)
- the oil for aging and contamination (can lead to valve damage and shortened pump and gear life)
- components and mechanisms for damage and wear
- equilization cables for wear not exceeding 5%; replace if necessary
- nominal lifting capacity of the lifting platform
- accessibility and readability of all labels
- accessibility of all operating procedures
- all supporting components including the weld seams
- electrical components (motor, limit switch, control unit)
- cable isolations for damages
- condition of the hydraulic unit
- all security systems
- functioning of the lift operation
- carriage guide for functioning
- mounting parts including the anchoring bolts
- exposed surfaces and edges
- mechanical impact of the lift
- adapter for functioning
- lowering speed of a lift loaded with a vehicle (not exceeding 0.15 m/s)
- testing of the equalization cables for functioning
- all screws and connections; tighten if necessary
- all accessible pipes, hoses, valves and brackets
- the loaded lift for lowering and hydraulic leaks after stopping in the middle of the lifting operation
Additionally …
- empty the hydraulic tank
- clean the oil filter of the hydraulic unit; replace it if necessary
- carry out the working process under observation (with and without supercharged vehicle)
- ask operators for unusual operating incidendes
Every five years
- replacement of all hydraulic hoses
- replacement of the equalization cables for synchronization
If required
- oil refill
After each oil change
- hydraulic system venting
After prolonged non-use
- check the lift (see weekly and monthly test)
- hydraulic oil must be replaced every 12 months by new Original RP-TOOLS Hydraulic Oil