Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 56 Section 1 Introduction to Automotive Technology Lift A lift is used to raise a vehicle, Figure 5‑2. Using the lift makes it more convenient to work on vehicles. With a lift, components are more accessible, especially those located under the car. Draining oil, changing tires, and repairing exhaust systems are some of the repairs commonly performed with a vehicle on a lift. Service Procedure To use a lift to raise a vehicle: 1. A vehicle on a lift has the potential to fall and cause damage and personal injury. Ask your instructor or supervisor for a demonstration and get permission before using a lift. 2. Position the vehicle’s center of gravity (the point at which weight is evenly dispersed and all sides are in balance) on the lift as described by the lift’s manufacturer and/or the vehicle’s service information, Figure 5‑3. 3. When you are lifting a front-engine vehicle or a pickup truck with little weight in the rear, position the lift arms more to the front of the chassis. When you are lifting a mid- or rear-engine car, place the lift pads more to the rear to balance the weight on each lift arm. 4. Raise the vehicle slowly while keeping your fingers away from any moving parts on the lift. Raise the car about 1″ (25 mm). Double-check your lift points and make sure the vehicle is perfectly level. Always place your head next to the shop floor so you can see the alignment of the lift pads and the lift points (vehicle pinch welds or frame rails), Figure 5‑4. 5. When the vehicle is high enough, engage the lift’s mechanical safety catch. Do not walk under the vehicle without the catch in the fully locked position. Memory Stockphoto/Shutterstock.com Figure 5-1. A well-maintained automotive shop can be an enjoyable place to work. Always do your part to keep the shop clean and well organized. Lift arms Rocker panel pinch welds Lift arms santol/Shutterstock.com Figure 5-2. Always read the manufacturer’s operating instructions closely before using a lift. Twin post lift points Frame contact or floor jack Drive on hoist Scissors jack (emergency) locations Control arm (Caution: Do not lift on control arms) Lift Points on Frame Rails Chrysler Figure 5-3. Follow the service information instructions when raising a car on a lift. Note the specific lifting instructions and lift points for this specific vehicle. Ford Figure 5-4. The car’s weight must be centered on the lift. Unibody cars have thick pinch weld lift points running along edge of rocker panels. Bend down and hold your head parallel to the shop floor so you can see the alignment of the lift pads and vehicle pinch welds or frame rails.