Understanding Car Lift Set-Up and Routine Maintenance
Where Should You Install a Vehicle Lift?
Several considerations need to be made to determine the best possible position for your lift to fit properly in the bay. The best starting point for 2 post lifts is to determine the largest vehicles you intend to lift and set the lift columns accordingly. For example, if you know you will be lifting a long crew cab dually pickup, pull it into the bay and park it where you want it to be while on the lift. Carefully examine the space you are leaving around the vehicle for walking space, cabinets, workbenches and other obstacles. The lift columns position will be located based on your largest vehicle to be lifted then everything smaller will fit without issue. If you do not have the vehicle a simple rule of thumb may prevail. Centering the columns 10-12 feet from the front wall will allow a few feet of workspace in front of the vehicle. For asymmetric lifts, closer to 10 feet from the front wall will work best. Asymmetric loading is typically a 30/70 split with the 30% in front of the columns using only about 4-5 feet leaving enough space for workbenches and walk space. For symmetric loading closer to 12 feet from the front wall will work best. Symmetric loading is typically a 50/50 split with 50% in front of the columns using about 6 feet leaving space for workbenches and walk space. Of course, you may move the location according to your specific space needs. Where space is limited, place the largest vehicle in the bay and make the most of what space you have.
Note: Car Lifts with Supersymmetric arms may be lifting vehicles both symmetrically and asymmetrically, plan accordingly. Also, most lift manufacturers recommend to stay 6-8 inches away from significant concrete cracks or seams. Refer to the installation manual for more concrete information.
When marking the spot for the columns to be bolted down, determine where they will be in relation to your largest vehicle. The center of gravity will typically be based on whether the vehicle is front wheel drive or rear wheel drive and if the lift is asymmetric, symmetric or supersymmetric.
According to the Automotive Lift Institute: On rear wheel drive cars, the center of gravity is usually below the driver’s seat. On front wheel drive cars, the center of gravity is usually slightly in front of the driver’s seat, beneath the steering wheel. This may help guide you to determine the proper column location.
Determining the Center of Gravity Helps to Locate Lift Columns
Electrical Hook-Up
Proper electrical planning is very useful when positioning the lift. Considering the electrical hook-up before the lift is placed can save you a lot of time. Most car lifts today have columns that face each other squarely as opposed to being turned on angle. When the columns are straight and square to each other it means you can place the front lifting arms on either side of the lift or approach the lift from either direction depending on your needs. This gives you the added flexibility to place the column with the power unit mounting bracket on either side because you can arrange the arms to enter from either direction. So, if it is easier to run your electrical drop to one side versus the other, just place the power unit column on that side.
Note: It is common practice for commercial shops to place the power unit column on the passenger side of a 2 post car lift. Doing so allows the operator to position the car, get out and set the arms on the drivers side, walk to the passenger side and set those arms, stand up and use the power unit to raise the lift. Can be a real step / time saver!
Hydraulic Car Lift Maintenance After Installation
Bleeding The Hydraulic Cylinders
Once the lift is installed and before you have raised a vehicle, it is important to remove any air that has been trapped in the hydraulic system. For 2 post car lifts that have direct drive hydraulic cylinders, there will be a bleeder screw on top of the cylinder. Use the following steps to bleed the air out or watch the video:
- Raise the lift about 12” off the floor and locate the bleeder screw on top of either cylinder.
- Loosen the bleeder screw slightly to let the air escape without removing the screw. Tighten the screw back when only fluid is coming out and no air. Repeat the process for the other cylinder.
- Next, lower the lift all the way down and then raise the lift up and down 1 full cycles. This will help any remaining air to flow back into the cylinders. Lower the lift back down and then raise to about 12”. Repeat steps 1 and 2 to remove any remaining air.
For “chain over cylinder” car lifts, simply cycle the lift up and down for several cycles. When the lift is lowered all the way, continue to hold the lowering valve for about 10-15 seconds for each cycle before lifting again. Holding the lowering valve while the lift is fully down will bleed any air back into the reservoir tank which will allow the air to escape through the vented cap.
Synchronizing the Cables
The cables on 2 post car lifts are used to synchronize the 2 hydraulic cylinders (one in each column) so they travel at the same position during the lift cycle. This synchronization equalizes the hydraulic pressure for each cylinder allowing the 2 sides to be locked at a level position. This is achieved by properly adjusting the lift cables.
- Once the cables have been installed according to the manufacturers installation manual, raise the lift a few feet off the ground. You will want the top of the lift carriage visible to see and access the adjustment nut on top of the cable. Note which side the lock is engaging (clicking noise) first while raising the lift.
- Feel the tension on each cable to see that they are similar and that one cable is not tighter than the other. Too much tension on one cable can cause other lift issues.
- To equalize the cables you will adjust the nut on the side that the lock was engaging first. This will cause the other side to raise up and equalize. Only adjust a few turns at a time then recheck the locking positions. You want to hear both locks engage at the same time while maintaining as equal tension on both cables as possible.
- Once the cables have been synchronized, you may notice that the cables will lose their equalization after lifting several vehicles. This is normal due to cable stretching and will only need readjustment when you notice the locks are not clicking together.
This Lift has a Square Access Hole (black plastic square covers hole) on top of the lift carriage to allow access to cable adjustment.
Follow each lift's operators manual for all of the maintenance requirements and frequency schedule. Lift inspections should also be maintained and performed by a qualified lift inspector according to the manufacturers inspection guide or current ALI lift standards requirement.
How to Install a 2 Post Car Lift or a 4 Post Lift
When purchasing either a 2 post or 4 post lift, it’s important to consider the concrete, clearance, and space requirements before installation. You should also consider where to place a lift for accessible use.
When your lift is delivered, it’s going to be heavy and will most likely be unloaded with a forklift or truck-mounted crane so once it’s placed on the ground, you won’t be easily picking it up and moving it around. It’ll help to have dollies or some kind of rolling table to help maneuver boxes once they’re unloaded. Your very first step will be to read the product manual for installation instructions.
- After you’ve read the manual, you’ll start with assembly. Follow directions carefully, and only tighten bolts by hand until your component is properly aligned. Make sure you’re assembling the lift close to where you’ll be installing it. Once your components are put together, it’ll be very difficult to move.
- Next, you’ll need to make sure you have all cables, locks, and hydraulic systems as stated in the manual. Install these pieces while your lift is still on ground.
- Once the lift is mostly assembled, make sure the floor is marked so when you get around to raising the lift using adequate lifting means (such as a forklift), you don’t end up being way off the installation mark.
- Use caution when drilling concrete holes and ensure you have the right tools and protection to prevent any accidents. Drill the necessary depth and make sure you’re using the recommended wedge anchors and hardware to secure your lift to the concrete.
- Lastly, you might need a qualified electrician to finish installation by giving power to your lift. Follow the final installation steps as recommended by your product manual and your lift should be ready to go.
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