rotary lift broken cable

[ichabod]

at my buddies shop, the cable has broken a couple of time now on his rotary 2 post lift. is this a common deal, or is something causing this. he has a guy coming in Monday to replace cable.

 

[21bubba]

Can't help you with the cause but will say that ain't normal.

 

[James-W]

If it breaks once, it could have been caused by a defective cable. If it breaks several times, something is definitely wrong.

 

[kaymccampbell]

Something is causing the cable to be overloaded. Friction is probably the culprit. Frozen sheave? Frozen roller on the arm assembly? Dirty or rusty inside the columns? Broken or worn plastic guide? Crescent wrench jammed in the cable way?

 

[jnkpile]

The cables are designed only to balance the lift, the hydraulic cylinders do the lifting. If he's breaking cables, I can only assume the cables are incorrectly adjusted or he's regularly lifting with only one side of the hoist.
Like using one leg and lifting just one tire. When this is done, you'll notice one cable is crazy taught and the other is completely slack.

 

[ichabod]

I will be stopping by the garage on my way home from work tonight, and see what they said. in the past he said the guy just replaced the cable and left a bill.

 

[plow]

Sub'd

 

[James-W]

I will be stopping by the garage on my way home from work tonight, and see what they said. in the past he said the guy just replaced the cable and left a bill.

That doesn't sound like a very thorough job, especially since this has happened several times now. I would think a reputable and conscientious repairman would try to ascertain why the cable keeps breaking.

 

[srmofo]

Ive seen them break on 2 different 4 posts lifts both within a few months of each other. I was in that shop for 10 years. Who knows how old they were before I got there.

Broken cable several times...somthings gotta be wrong.

 

[rburke65]

Well that can not possible be normal! I'd be calling in a "lift person" ifna can't find the cause yourself. Wouldn't want to be under that lift.....

 

[ichabod]

Well, the "lift guy" replaced the cable and left a bill for $ 225.

 

[404]

Crack the bleeder screws at the top of the pistons and see if any air comes out.

Trapped air will make the two sides rise unevenly, putting a great strain on the cables.