DIY Guide: How to Install a Car Lift (Step by Step Guideline)?

By reading this article, you can learn how to install a car lift. So if you are interested to know it, keep reading.

Sometimes, a jack isn’t enough to repair your car. Certainly, these tools are useful for changing a flat tire. However, to do something more complicated you need a car hydraulic kit. You need a car lift.

Car lifts are stable, tough and durable. They turn any complex repair in a piece of cake. In addition, they can raise a car at a comfortable height, so you don’t have to take awkward positions that could cause you serious pain.

Car lifts are the best tools for heavy vehicles. The most powerful models can lift up to 10,000 lbs with relative ease. You just need to press a button and wait for the tool to do the rest.

However, when it comes to car lifts, things get difficult when you try to install them by yourself. You may contact a contractor to do the work for you. However, most of them charge too much money.

If you need a car lift in your home garage, but your budget is only enough to buy it, don’t worry. Today you’ll learn all those tips you need to know to install a lifting tool and that contractors won’t reveal.

Pay close attention and carefully follow each of the steps in this guide so things go well.

Car Lift Installation Kits

Learning how to install a car lift and do install a car lift by yourself isn’t easy. In fact, you’ll need someone else’s help to do it. You’ll also need tools and safety equipment for you and your assistant. So, before you start, make sure you have all you need.

Here’s a list with the equipment that you’ll require during installation:

The heavier your car lift, the more difficult it will be to install. If the columns are too heavy, you’ll maybe need a chain pulley to set them in place.

Also, the drill must be powerful enough to pass through a reinforced concrete slab without problems. Hammer drills are the best for this purpose because they allow you to apply extra pressure during drilling.

To get clean holes, free of imperfections, it’s advisable to remove the accumulated dust with an air blower. If not, the drill bit will lift a dust cloud while it rotates.

If anchor bolts aren’t included in the installation kit, be sure to buy the ones recommended in the installation guide. Verify that the diameter and anchor mechanism are correct.

Before installing anchor bolts, you’ll need to apply epoxy glue so they don’t move while applying torque. Also, make sure the epoxy glue adheres well to concrete. You can know this by reading the instructions on the product packaging.

Step by Step Guide: How to Install a Car Lift

Before installing, made sure the concrete slab meets the minimum resistance conditions to withstand a loaded car lift.

If you weren’t present during construction and you don’t have blueprints of your car garage, you may need to make a test perforation to identify its characteristics.

These are the requirements:

Depending on the weight capacity of the car lift, some requirements may vary. Therefore, it’s convenient that you take a look at the user manual before getting started.

If the required conditions are a guarantee, you just have to follow these 17 steps:

1. Lay the columns on the floor and install the extensions in each one.
2. Using chalk, mark the exact point where each column should go. Make sure the separation between columns is enough to let a car pass. You can find these measures in the user manual.
3. Then, raise the columns in their respective position. If you and your assistant can’t support the weight, you’ll need a chain pulley to get the job done.
4. Verify that the columns are perfectly vertical with a bubble level. Correct any possible inclination by placing dummy shims under each column support.
5. Install the overhead bar with the help of a friend. To do this, you’ll need two folding ladders next to each column.
6. After that, drill the first hole with the hammer drill. Use an air blower to remove accumulated dust. Then, pour epoxy glue into the hole, place the anchor bolt and hit it with a hammer. Finally, apply torque with a torque wrench.
7. Repeat step 6 with all the anchor bolts in the first column.
8. Maybe, during anchor bolt installation, the second column moved a little. Check the inclination with a bubble level and rectify by placing dummy shims and hitting the column with a hammer. Finally, install the anchor bolts.
9. Install the steel wires and the hydraulic lines. Follow the procedure in the user manual.
10. After that, install the lifting arms.
11. Then, install the power unit and apply the required transmission oil.
12. Install the safety locks.
13. Connect the hydraulic lines with the power unit.
14. Set the hydraulic lines to the columns with metal clamps.
15. Connect the safety cut wire with the power unit’s safety switch.
16. Cover the whole interior of the columns with industrial grease.
17. If necessary, adjust the lifting cables so both lifting arms rise to the same height.

Conclusion

As you can see, installing a car lift in your garage is easier than it seems. Make sure you have the right tools and someone else’s help to do it. Also, remember to follow the user manual suggestions to avoid mistakes.

If the product doesn’t include installation instructions, follow the advice in this step-by-step guide. Tutorial videos on the Internet can also help you to better understand the process. But, if you don’t have the experience and skill required to do the job, it’s better to hire a professional.