Bendpak air lock not releasing

[Monte406SS]

I finally got my Bendpak 9XW installed and wow, why the hell did I wait so long to get a lift. Did 2 oil changes today and all was well, until....

I went to drop my truck down and the front left air lock would not release. After further inspection the lock was moving but the plunger that pushes out to disengage the lock looked like it needed to push out like another 1/2" to work. Was finally able to disconnect the air lock and manually release the lock to get my truck down.

Anyone else run into this issue? Had plenty of air pressure in the compressor and the other 3 worked fine. I am going to email Bendpak to see if they could shed any light on the issue. Still, it was an awesome day and it was amazing doing even a simple oil change, not a drop on the floor.

 

[Monte406SS]

 

[bob_the_builder]

Hi Monte406SS,

I am sorry I cannot help you with your issue but I know there are a bunch of people with Bendpak lifts on this site which can hopefully point you in the right direction.

I was wondering if you had any other pictures of your truck on your lift. I am considering some type of 4 post lift (9K or 14K) and I am trying to get a feel of what a full size Silverado would look on it. Did you end of getting a rolling jack so you can take the tires off?

Bob

 

[Monte406SS]

I think I have another one, will post it up. Truck fit great on the lift, and I have a 2500 crew cab with and 8 foot bed. Truck is just under 22 feet long. I got the rolling jack but haven't tried it yet.

 

[goforride57]

I would take the actuator off the lift and move it by hand. See if you can free it up, then take a blow gun with shop air to see it extend all the way out and contract all the way in. Shouldn't need much TLC being new.

 

[logical]

One of them on my brand new 9xw is doing the same thing. It stays in the lock/extended position or the unlock (when air is applied) but needs a nudge with a screwdriver to go from one position to the other. I haven't call my dealer or Bendpak yet, or tried to free it up myself... but as far as I can tell it isn't a problem with the cylinder, the lock is just binding.

 

[Monte406SS]

Thanks. The actuator is working, but it is like if it pushed out another 1/2" there would be no hang up. I will take a look and see. Installer thought maybe the ladder (not sure what you call the piece with all the holes every 4" is called) but the guides keep that real tight where the locks click in. I wanted to get the race car up so the better half could park underneath and now I am a bit concerned it will be a struggle getting the car down.

 

[DonPowers]

Did you check for air leaks at the cylinder and tee before the cylinder? Mine has a few leaks at the tees that I need to fix, for now I have the air pressure turned up a bit so all the locks release.

 

[Monte406SS]

I did and they were good. What pressure are you using to release?

 

[DonPowers]

Don't recall how high I turned it up. I use a small portable compressor and adjust the pressure, with the button held down, till all four click. I bought some new hose and fittings and plan to replace the lines next spring.

The lift is currently in its winter storage position between bays.

View media item 45844

 

[Monte406SS]

Got it, thanks

 

[logical]

Thanks. The actuator is working, but it is like if it pushed out another 1/2" there would be no hang up. I will take a look and see. Installer thought maybe the ladder (not sure what you call the piece with all the holes every 4" is called) but the guides keep that real tight where the locks click in. I wanted to get the race car up so the better half could park underneath and now I am a bit concerned it will be a struggle getting the car down.

To get down I just activated the air to release the locks (I use a little qwik clamp on the button), poked the sticky one with a screwdriver to get it to retract like the other three, and lower the lift. No big deal as long as you know it is sticking and operate accordingly to stay safe.

 

[Monte406SS]

Thanks. I am happy it is sticking this way vs. the other way and not clicking in the safety lock at all. Plus the sticky one is the one where the controls are so it makes it a little easier if doing it myself

 

[skips69]

Thanks. The actuator is working, but it is like if it pushed out another 1/2" there would be no hang up. I will take a look and see. Installer thought maybe the ladder (not sure what you call the piece with all the holes every 4" is called) but the guides keep that real tight where the locks click in. I wanted to get the race car up so the better half could park underneath and now I am a bit concerned it will be a struggle getting the car down.

I am having the exact same issue. It seems like the cylinders are not actuating the safety latch far enough. If I apply pressure to the arm after the cylinder is fully extended, I am able to get the safety arm to clear the ladder. Has anyone else ran into this? Any suggestions on what to look for?