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Views: 222 Author: Ella Publish Time: 2025-04-16 Origin: Site
Content Menu
● Introduction to Rotary Lift Hydraulic Cylinders
● Tools and Safety Precautions
● Step-by-Step Guide to Removing the Hydraulic Cylinder
>> 2. Disconnect Hydraulic Lines
>> 3. Remove Mechanical Fasteners
>> 4. Adjust Cable Tension and Remove Obstructions
● Tips for Handling Hydraulic Fluid and Minimizing Spills
● Reinstallation and Bleeding the Hydraulic System
>> 2. Reconnect Cables and Brackets
>> 3. Bleed the Hydraulic Cylinders
● Common Issues and Troubleshooting
>> Hydraulic Cylinder Won't Extend or Retract
● Maintenance Tips to Extend Hydraulic Cylinder Life
● FAQ
>> 1. How do I prevent hydraulic fluid from spilling when removing the cylinder?
>> 2. What safety steps should I take before starting cylinder removal?
>> 3. How do I handle the lift cables during cylinder removal?
>> 4. What type of hydraulic fluid should I use when refilling?
>> 5. How do I bleed air from the hydraulic cylinders after reinstallation?
Removing the hydraulic cylinder from a Rotary Lift is a critical maintenance task for automotive professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike. Whether you are replacing worn seals, repairing leaks, or performing a full cylinder rebuild, understanding the proper removal procedure ensures safety and efficiency. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, supplemented with detailed instructions, images, and video references to make the task straightforward.
Rotary Lifts are widely used two-post automotive lifts that rely on hydraulic cylinders to raise and lower vehicles safely. The hydraulic cylinder is a sealed unit that uses pressurized fluid to extend a piston and lift the carriage. Over time, seals can wear out, causing leaks or loss of lifting power, necessitating removal and servicing or replacement of the cylinder.
Hydraulic cylinders in Rotary Lifts are typically mounted inside the lift columns and connected to the carriage and hydraulic lines. Removing them requires careful disconnection of hydraulic hoses, mechanical fasteners, and sometimes cable tension adjustments.
Understanding the basic construction of the hydraulic cylinder helps during removal and reinstallation. The cylinder consists of a piston rod, seals, cylinder barrel, and mounting points. The piston rod extends downward to connect to the carriage, while the hydraulic fluid enters the cylinder base to push the piston upward. Proper handling during removal is essential to avoid damage to the piston rod surface or seals.
- Wrenches (open-end, adjustable, and Allen keys)
- Hydraulic plugs or caps for hose ends
- Zip ties or wire ties
- Screwdrivers and pliers
- Hydraulic fluid catch container
- Protective gloves and eyewear
- Jack or cherry picker (optional for support)
- Oil absorbent pads or kitty litter for spills
- Torque wrench for reassembly
- Clean rags and cleaning solvent
- Always follow lockout/tagout procedures to disconnect power to the lift before starting work.
- Engage the lift's mechanical locks to prevent accidental lowering during cylinder removal.
- Use proper hydraulic plugs to prevent fluid loss and contamination when disconnecting hoses.
- Be cautious of heavy components that may fall when removing retaining nuts or pins.
- Wear protective gloves and eyewear to avoid contact with hydraulic fluid.
- Have absorbent materials ready to contain any spills.
- Avoid working alone; have a helper assist with heavy lifting or complex steps.
- Ensure the work area is well-lit and free of trip hazards.
- Lower the lift fully, then raise it to the first or top locking position and engage the safety locks.
- Place suitable supports (blocks or jacks) under the carriage to secure it firmly.
- Loosen the equalizer cable on the opposite carriage if applicable to relieve tension.
- Verify that the lift is stable and cannot move during the procedure.
- Locate the hydraulic hose connected to the base of the cylinder.
- Use appropriate hydraulic plugs or caps to seal off the hose ends immediately after disconnection to prevent fluid loss and contamination.
- Remove the hydraulic hose fittings carefully and place plugs on both the hose and cylinder adapters.
- Have a container ready to catch any residual fluid that may drain from the hoses or cylinder.
- Remove bolts and retaining nuts securing the cylinder to the lift carriage and column. This often includes:
- A retaining nut and jam nut at the piston rod end (bottom of the carriage).
- Bolts or Allen head screws holding the cylinder to the lift bar or carriage.
- Any snap rings or retaining clips on the cylinder assembly.
- Be cautious: removing the piston rod retaining nut may release a heavy plate or locking bar that can fall suddenly.
- Use penetrating oil on rusted or seized fasteners to ease removal.
- Keep track of all hardware for reassembly.
- Disconnect or loosen the lift cables on the upper tie-offs to allow the cylinder to be maneuvered out without obstruction.
- Remove cable sheave brackets or column extensions if they block cylinder removal.
- Raise the carriage slightly above the top locking position to create clearance for the cylinder to be angled out.
- Sometimes, removing a plate near the pulley or jacking the head up slightly is necessary to clear the cylinder.
- Take care not to damage cables or pulleys during this process.
- With the carriage raised and cables loosened, manually pull the cylinder down and angle it out through the front opening of the column.
- Guide the cylinder carefully to avoid damaging the piston rod or hydraulic fittings.
- Use a jack or cherry picker to support the cylinder if needed during removal.
- Place the removed cylinder on a clean, stable surface to prevent contamination or damage.
- Always plug hydraulic lines immediately after disconnection to minimize fluid loss.
- Use drip pans or absorbent materials under the work area to catch any spills.
- Have extra hydraulic fluid on hand to top off the system after reinstallation and bleeding.
- Clean any spilled fluid promptly to avoid slip hazards.
- Dispose of used hydraulic fluid according to local regulations—do not pour it down drains or onto the ground.
- Use gloves and protective clothing to avoid skin contact with hydraulic fluid, which can be harmful.
- Insert the cylinder back into the column, aligning the piston rod with the hole at the base of the carriage.
- Reinstall retaining nuts, bolts, and any snap rings or clips removed during disassembly.
- Use a torque wrench to tighten fasteners to manufacturer specifications to ensure secure mounting.
- Reconnect hydraulic hoses securely, removing plugs and ensuring no contamination enters the system.
- Reinstall cable sheave brackets and reconnect cables, ensuring they are properly roped through sheave rollers.
- Adjust cable tension to manufacturer specifications, typically about 15 lbs of tension to just pull cables together.
- Confirm that cables move freely without binding or excessive slack.
- Raise the lift about two feet and open the manual bleeder valve on the top of each cylinder to release trapped air.
- Close the bleeder valve when fluid flows without air bubbles.
- Cycle the lift up and down several times to ensure all air is purged from the system.
- Check and add hydraulic fluid as necessary to maintain proper levels.
- Monitor the lift for smooth operation and absence of jerky movements or unusual noises.
- Raise the lift to full height and inspect all hydraulic fittings for leaks.
- Lower the lift fully and reassemble the arms and pins.
- Test the lift under load to confirm proper operation.
- Verify that all safety locks engage correctly and that the lift operates smoothly.
- Check for air trapped in the hydraulic lines; bleeding the system usually resolves this.
- Inspect hydraulic fluid level and quality; low or contaminated fluid can cause poor performance.
- Examine hoses and fittings for leaks or damage.
- If the cylinder piston is damaged or seals are worn, consider rebuilding or replacing the cylinder.
- Inspect all hose connections and cylinder seals.
- Tighten fittings to proper torque specifications.
- Replace damaged hoses or seals promptly to avoid further leaks.
- Check cable tension and routing; improper cable setup can cause uneven lifting.
- Inspect cylinder mounting points for wear or damage.
- Ensure hydraulic fluid levels are adequate and system is free of air.
- Regularly inspect hydraulic hoses and fittings for wear, cracks, or leaks.
- Maintain proper hydraulic fluid levels and replace fluid according to manufacturer recommendations.
- Keep the lift clean and free of debris that could damage seals or mechanical components.
- Lubricate moving parts such as cables, pulleys, and pivot points regularly.
- Avoid overloading the lift beyond its rated capacity.
- Schedule periodic professional inspections to detect early signs of wear or damage.
For a clearer understanding, here are some recommended videos demonstrating the process:
- How To Change A Two Post Lift Cylinder – Detailed step-by-step cylinder removal and replacement on two-post lifts, including hydraulic line management and bleeding.
- Remove Cylinders from Rotary Lift – Shows cable disconnection, plate removal, and cylinder extraction techniques specific to Rotary Lifts.
- Rotary Lift: SmartLift Trio - Changing Hydraulic Cylinder – Overview of cylinder removal and replacement with focus on Rotary Lift models.
- Repairing a Two Post Car Lift by Removing and Replacing the Hydraulic Cylinders – Hands-on repair with tips on minimizing fluid loss and reinstallation.
Removing the hydraulic cylinder from a Rotary Lift involves careful preparation, disconnection of hydraulic lines, mechanical fastener removal, cable tension adjustments, and safe extraction of the cylinder. Following the manufacturer's procedures and safety guidelines ensures a smooth, efficient process with minimal hydraulic fluid loss and downtime. Proper reinstallation and bleeding of the system restore the lift to safe, reliable operation. With the right tools, precautions, and step-by-step approach, this task is manageable for professionals and experienced DIYers alike.
Regular maintenance and timely repairs can extend the life of your hydraulic cylinders, ensuring your Rotary Lift remains a dependable tool in your workshop for years to come.
Use hydraulic plugs or caps immediately after disconnecting hoses to seal off fluid lines and prevent leaks. Also, have absorbent materials and drip pans ready to catch any residual fluid.
Engage lockout/tagout procedures, fully lower the lift, raise it to the locking position, and use mechanical supports to secure the carriage. Wear protective gloves and eyewear.
Loosen or disconnect the cables at the upper tie-off points to allow the cylinder to be angled out without obstruction. Be careful not to damage cables or pulleys.
Rotary Lifts typically use Dexron III automatic transmission fluid (ATF), not standard hydraulic fluid. Always check your lift's manual for the recommended fluid type.
Raise the lift a few feet, open the manual bleeder valve on the cylinder tops until fluid flows without air bubbles, then close and cycle the lift several times to ensure all air is purged.
[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSKTNrBRnes
[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TRe1QuhR-A
[3] https://media.hcrcnow.com/uploads/drawings/rotarycylinderandsealguide.pdf
[4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQ2j9QaVScU
[5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7510l3hdJo
[6] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNdnakzfht4
[7] https://www.hilotrailerforum.com/threads/how-to-remove-and-replace-the-hydraulic-lift-cylinder.402148/
[8] https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/removing-hydraulic-cylinder-front-rotary-twin-post.391172/
[9] https://www.gear-sprocket.com/blog/how-to-remove-hydraulic-cylinder-from-rotary-lift-a-step-by-step-guide-162/
[10] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7510l3hdJo
[11] https://www.youtube.com/live/fQ2j9QaVScU
[12] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TRe1QuhR-A
[13] https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/rotary-lift-cylinders-leaking-spoa7-100.394868/
[14] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nX5Ccm5U8KE
[15] https://www.practicalmachinist.com/forum/threads/ot-rotary-brand-auto-lift-repair.179173/
[16] https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/older-2-post-rotary-lift.333645/
[17] https://www.reddit.com/r/Hydraulics/comments/ktabzi/forklift_mast_cylinder_help_how_do_i_remove_the/
[18] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNdnakzfht4
[19] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQ2j9QaVScU
