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Troubleshooting Guide for Common Four-Post Car Lift Issues: Solutions for Abnormal Noises and Asynchronous Lifting


As a core piece of equipment in automotive repair shops, four-post car lifts inevitably develop various malfunctions during prolonged use. This article provides systematic troubleshooting methods and solutions for the most common issues—abnormal noises and asynchronous lifting.

I. Abnormal Noise Troubleshooting


1. Metal Grinding Sounds

  • Possible Causes:

    • Insufficient rail lubrication

    • Worn sliders

  • Solutions:

    • Clean guide rails and apply specialized lubricating grease.

    • Check slider wear—replace if exceeding 3mm.


2. Hydraulic System "Clicking" Sounds

  • Possible Causes:

    • Low or contaminated hydraulic oil

    • Air trapped in the oil pump

  • Solutions:

    • Top up with ISO VG46 hydraulic oil to the standard level.

    • Bleed air from the system (use the pump’s bleed valve).


II. Asynchronous Lifting Issues


1. Single-Side Lag (Exceeding 5mm)

  • Troubleshooting Steps:

    1. Check chain tension on the lagging side (standard: 10–15mm deflection).

    2. Measure hydraulic cylinder pressure (deviation should be <5% between sides).

    3. Inspect guide wheels for sticking or misalignment.


2. Slow Lifting Speed

  • Common Causes:

    • Aged motor capacitor (replace with the same specifications).

    • Wrong hydraulic oil viscosity (use low-temperature oil in winter).


III. Other Common Faults

  • Safety Lock Failure: Adjust hook clearance (1.5–2mm is optimal).

  • Control Panel Malfunction: First check the 24V transformer output.


Preventive Maintenance Tips

  1. Daily Inspections:

    • Listen for unusual noises.

    • Check hydraulic oil levels.

  2. Quarterly Calibration:

    • Use a laser level to verify synchronization.

  3. Spare Parts Inventory:

    • Keep 10% spare parts (e.g., sliders, pressure sensors).


Safety Reminders

⚠️ Always:

  • Lower the platform fully before troubleshooting.

  • Disconnect power before electrical repairs.

⚠️ Never:

  • Perform hydraulic repairs under pressure.

  • Ignore recurring issues—contact the manufacturer if problems persist.


Final Notes

By following this guide, you can reduce downtime by 70%. For complex electrical or hydraulic failures, always consult the manufacturer’s technical support.