One of the most frustrating things that can happen in the shop is to have the air compressor die or a lift crap out in the middle of the work day. My Challenger 4015AXO Alignment rack did just that. The good news is we have the ability to fix it and parts were available for over night freight.
-Enjoy!
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99 thoughts on “My alignment rack is broke!”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars ROBERT R Penny says:

    EO I would lube it no question dude.

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ryan Hamilton says:

    Hey eirc I was wondering do you guys live at the shop? It looked like your home kitchen/shop office in one kind of space when you went to go get mrs o

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ralph stevens says:

    that help me adjust my lift thanks

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars mataiterapreha says:

    Yea I would've lubed it, it's a clean environment under there so no need to worry about foreign material binding to the grease and creating an abrasive paste. Well done Mr and Mrs O!

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars hallcrash says:

    The method you are utilizing that step ladder is not OSHA certified…

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars TONY STARK says:

    Thanks for the warning to cover my eyes when you blow out all that dirt. I hate getting stuff in my eyes you're a good man !!!

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars sstocker31 says:

    Thanks for lubing it!!

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars athhud says:

    If you ever cared about the pocket book of the manufacturer, you wonโ€™t grease them! How are they suppose to stay in business if they canโ€™t sell you parts that fail prematurely?

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Phฦฐฦกng Ma says:

    If it was me , I send to machines redesign to add bearing press fit inside pulley . If later you need to change ? You donโ€™t have to replace pulleys but replace bearing and metal sleeve only . Some engineering design to more benefit for companies to resale new parts replacement, it just like car

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars hallcrash says:

    Disregarding the money you earn from YouTube… would it be less expensive to pay for the lift manufacturers service, as you work on vehicles? You probably earn more per minute than a lift technician.

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Tonys ToolBox says:

    I would use "Free All" on that job!

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jay Stevens says:

    I definitely would have lubed them also. ANY moving part where friction is an enemy I would lube.

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Steve Perrett says:

    could use oilight bushings

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Steve Perrett says:

    i would lube for shure

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars 3madeamps #3 in nc says:

    Lube that shit

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Nick Bochanesky says:

    Just like kingpins they are oil impregnated bearings, you can tell by cutting them or heating them and can see the oil bleed out, so they do not require lube. However, oil burns off in friction areas so it doesn't hurt to put some extra lube on them.

  17. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Cliff Davies says:

    I now know how they work๐Ÿ˜ƒ, lube everything metal on metal, love the diversity Eric, thanks for sharing ๐Ÿ‘

  18. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Chuck says:

    Good video. One of the things we take for granted in a shop. Used to go over my lifts weekly, sometimes daily. Clean them up. Wipe them down. Gives you a chance to check them over.
    All hail the algorithm. Lol hope it's enough to cover the repairs.

  19. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars BaggedF100 says:

    I found this vid uplifting..

  20. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Nikolay Boevski says:

    Another great video Eric. Im guessing that the bearings are self lubricating but i do not think that some quality grease would go amiss. Greetings from Bulgaria. by the way ๐Ÿ™‚

  21. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars New Jersey Bill says:

    If Ivan was there, he would have a GM knock sensor on each corner, 4 channel scope going, micrometers on each adjusting stud….. ๐Ÿ™‚

  22. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Sean Slater says:

    I'm no mechanical engineer but i find it strange they went with bushings over roller bearings.

  23. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars 110001010101100101010 says:

    wait is your shop at your house?

  24. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars FJB 1024 says:

    Why in the world wouldn't you lubricate that? It's a bronze bushing against a steel pin, if you don't lubricate it the bronze will eat into the pin and…. well.. we have what we see here today. I absolutely would have lubed that and the nylon rings in between and slathered the sh't out of the pin with grease before putting it in as well. The only thing you don't want is grease in between the wheel and the cable because part of how it works is the cable digs in.

  25. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Bart Goins says:

    I love that you're not afraid to attack whatever it is that needs repaired. Good job.

  26. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Tim Basco says:

    Don't lube them, yea right I'd grease the piss out of them

  27. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Gabriel Velazquez says:

    I have a John Bean 15k and have had issues with it as well. Mine it's the cables stretching. They are junk already and only 3 years old.

  28. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Cammer68 Oliver says:

    Yeah I would lube it up too! And yeah, good point that somebody said that they want the parts to wear out and service calls be generated! Youโ€™re an awesome guy dude! I think a lot of you. Love watching your videos! As someone that loves the turn wrenches on cars but yet doesnโ€™t make a living from it I really do learn a lot from your stuff! Wish I could work in a shop with a boss as cool as you!

  29. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Cappa Man says:

    All that safety on the Lyft but then you go and use a wooden ladder that stated back in the 50s that isnโ€™t very safe,

  30. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jake Sawatzky says:

    Do they not have government mandated inspections in the us? Every year southern Alberta hoist comes by and slaps a new inspection sticker on the hoists and services them

  31. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Stu Meat says:

    First thing I thought when I saw the bearing material…."Freightliner kingpins"

  32. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Indiana John says:

    Percussive maintenance!

  33. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Merks69 says:

    Hello Mrs. O

  34. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars MacAaroni says:

    Awesome video, i will never own one of these probably, but sure is interesting to watch!

  35. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Stevan Rose says:

    They prolly think that the plastic spacerโ€™s are enough to stop the friction but a little ol red and tacky or some moly lube will help prevent wear and tear.

  36. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Pelto Tablet says:

    Lubrication is key

  37. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars George Reiss says:

    Everything is better with lube. Does it move? No= paint it, yes=grease it.

  38. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Rip Vanwrinkle says:

    I think you did the right thing greasing the moving parts. My dad's old garage didn't have such complicated lifts. We had an old ram lift with I beam rails. No safety locks on it. Only ever had 1 car slip in the 30 years he owned the garage. It was less than a foot off the floor and we got to kick him in the arse for what could have been a serious accident. It was all in good fun but we all learned a lesson and never made that mistake again.

    Good to see that you have fun too. LOL. Take care and be safe out there….oh and keep the videos coming.

  39. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Chuck Dykstra says:

    Yes, lube… Great job.

  40. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Teddy Mullins says:

    The bend pack lift has grease fittings this reminds me I need to grease them

  41. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Tyree says:

    So the device fails, just out of warranty? How original…
    ๐Ÿ™„

  42. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars James Spinks says:

    Lube away, the only thing that can happen is grit can get stuck in grease and cause wear, but never as much wear as no lube.

  43. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jc P says:

    If it's metal and moves, lube it, if it's metal and don't move but should, lube it. It's all about the lube. ๐Ÿ˜‰

  44. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Paul Microns says:

    I'd grease them ,their moving part with a load on them . Only reason not to grease if theirs a dust/dirt factor involved . looks like a flaw in design. if you ask me a bearing surface is needed like a oil soaked bearing brass/bronze in stead of using a plastic/nylon bearing surface just has to be made of dissimilar material .

  45. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Steve Botnick says:

    The Mobil grease looks just like my old tub of Red Line synth CV grease. Good high pressure lube and probably just what the engineers spec'd and were overruled by profit-seeking execs. I.T. guy pro tip: start counting at zero, you would have used nine zip ties instead of sixteen. Those buggers are getting expensive.

  46. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars gac914 says:

    King pin bushings on semis eat up pretty fast without lube. I would have done the same thing and applied that lube. I think the manufacturer is probably worried about grit being attracted by the grease, but those bushings eating themselves to death like yours did certainly spread enough grit to far outweigh what the grease would have attracted! I think you did the right thing, and the other bushings you did lube when you installed it that are doing fine I think proves that!! ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘

  47. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mike Hartmann says:

    Some plastics can swell when exposed to lubricants, which will hasten their demise. However, considering the way things look without the lube, things demised anyway.

  48. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Nicholas Perna says:

    Weโ€™ve got a Berkey too! I donโ€™t have a lift but I like the video regardless.

  49. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Justa Hasbeen says:

    No Wilbert's for this one!

  50. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars KJ says:

    Nylon bushings used in a bearing situation are normally nylon MDS. It contains fine particles of molybdenum disulfide dispersed throughout the nylon to act as a lubricant. So, they self lubricate. But, grease will not harm them. They recommend not lubricating nylon bushings because it can attract dust and grime, which can cause premature wear. But that being said, Iโ€™d put some good grease or silicone spray on them periodically.

  51. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Phil Gerard says:

    Thanks Eric. Never had a chance to see that before. Interesting aspect of what you do.

  52. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Maj. Dude says:

    Since the cables always pull on the wheels toward the front of the rack, wearing out the back side of the pin, you can rotate the pin 90* every so often, so it doesn't wear through so much on the same side. Double the life. The wheel that is pulled directly by the ram gets more wear than the others I bet. You can rotate that high wear wheel down to even out the wear too, if you don't mind taking it all apart every so often. Great videos.

  53. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Angela Prater says:

    Very interesting thanks

  54. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Steven Lane says:

    Lube it up Mr O

  55. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars David Meredith says:

    I have a similar 9K direct lift at home. I drilled a 3/16 hole in thru all the pins, then drilled perpendicular, centered on the bushings and added zerk fittings to lube those bushings. The instructions said to lube periodically, it's impossible to get any grease on those bushings without disassembly.

  56. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Brian Johnson says:

    LUBE is the only WAY to GO good job sir ๐Ÿ˜Ž๐Ÿ˜Ž๐Ÿ˜Ž๐Ÿ˜Ž๐Ÿ˜Ž

  57. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Blade says:

    What kind of fancy vice grips are you using there Eric?

  58. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Johnny Hawk says:

    You would think with all the pressure on those pulleys they would have used ball bearings in them.

  59. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars rbbbjl1 says:

    Just saying if there is only 3 cables why put 3 zip ties on the third one if the other two are marked, could use those zip ties some where else. ๐Ÿค”๐Ÿ˜ณ๐Ÿ˜ I'm a professional penny pincher.

  60. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Nitous Infinitarius says:

    Hey you could take those pulleys to a machine shop, and that pin, and have them make some out of a more quality metal.

  61. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Gerard McCarthy says:

    If that was my lift id have those cables slathered in grease as it runs over those pulleys.. reduces friction and extends the life of the cables. It cost you enough.

  62. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Michael O says:

    Man that's one expensive hoist at $50k!

  63. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Nathan Johnson says:

    We run a similar or identical challenger lift at work, and it wipes out those sheaves every 4-6 months. We average 15 operations a day on the lift. Grease has extended that slightly but it is clearly an inferior product. The pin is soft and wears quickly, the sheaves turn to powder.

  64. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dan Bentch says:

    Have Abom make a pin with a grease passage on the off load side into the bushing and a zerk fitting on the end. Great video, reminds people that there are many "parts" of the business of fixing cars.

  65. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars adam j says:

    Heck I can't speak for everyone else but I loved this video, I would love to see more shop maintenance videos or repairs.

  66. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Alan McClelland says:

    Wouldn't the inner diameter of the pullies that the cables ride on be worn, so should be replaced as a set of four. Just wondering.

  67. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars temper999 says:

    You've got the coolest wife ever.

  68. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Andy inMichigan says:

    good video eric. As others have said a greasable pin would be ideal but if not would it be too much to pull it apart like that once a year just to get some eyes on it and do maintenance? At least you'd get good at it after a couple times.

  69. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Basket Case says:

    Off topic but how do you like your water filter??? Burky??

  70. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Basket Case says:

    I probably would have drilled it and put a grease fitting in it.

  71. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Busted Knuckle says:

    Looked to me like that original pin should have been lubed…

  72. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Chris Mahoney says:

    Got love the planned obsolescence of components. I stead greasing and building out of quality steel, the don't grease and build out of cheaper and weaker materials.

  73. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Busted Knuckle says:

    Just checked the price on that lube
    Amazon $25

    Just wanted some in case something special popped up

  74. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Everdream Just Plays says:

    You cant order 4 new pulleys and a pin to fix that pretty easy?

  75. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Bruce Hobbs says:

    Lube it! The lovely Mrs O running the lift! You know who the boss is!

  76. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars DALE CHAPMAN says:

    I bet AVE could make a bushing to repair that worn out pulley.

  77. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Daniel Schneider says:

    Great video, personally I think challenger should have gave you the parts, shipping on you. Welcome to Merica I guess. Thanks for the content

  78. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Perry Reasch says:

    DO NOT FALL OFF THE LADDER ERIC

  79. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Orange 72 MC says:

    A lil dab will do ya. Heck yes I would lube those bushings. Nice job ๐Ÿ‘

  80. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Paul Schlobohm says:

    I want to thank you for showing non mechanics that a lot more than just getting parts and replacing them goes into proper upkeep and maintenance for the safety of your shop. Not only do you care about your employees and yourself safety but also the safety of the equipment that you're working on. Love your videos keep on keeping on!

  81. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Benjamin Stockton says:

    Good fix Eric O. I would lube it to Eric appreciate the video buddy ๐Ÿ‘

  82. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Harold Williams says:

    I don't know why you wouldn't lube it

  83. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Perry Reasch says:

    ANOTHER GREAT VIDEO ERIC / from Idaho

  84. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ed Watts says:

    I would have lightly greased both sides of the plastic spacers, too.

  85. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mike says:

    Iโ€™m an aircraft mechanic and we use that Mobil shc on wheel bearings and landing gear axles. Your right it works dam well. Our application is for 40k lbs aircraft screaming down a runway at 150 knots.

  86. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Epic Rage Gaming says:

    i would have expected the pin to have a grease fitting.

  87. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Bradley Fisher says:

    Challenger Lifts are Junk, Always spend a little more and go Rotary!

  88. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars M McKenzie says:

    If I can lube it, you can lube it.

  89. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ghetto Wagon says:

    I had a challenger drive on lift like that at the Toyoder dealer I was at. Damn thing used to go up and sometimes even lower all messed up. I was not paying attention and i had tilting cars many times. Haha I hated that lift. The one I used was so messed up it clicked 1 2 3 4

  90. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Chrome Zone says:

    Great content. Thanks for making the effort to share that. I'm feeling guilty now – I never service my lifts

  91. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Tyler Luper says:

    I know this would not be a interesting video to most. But to the ones that has drive on lift or alignment lifts might make a video to show how you clean/wash yours for salt reasons etc. Arkansas where Iโ€™m at not much salt but we do see some during the winter time to time and my hunter lift showed a few signs of salt this year. Just interested to see how others clean theirs might have something to make it easier.

  92. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Richard E says:

    maybe drill a thru-hole in the pin with one at 90 deg. aligned with each sheave….grease fitting….!

  93. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars BangerFleet says:

    Do you think Eric O talks to himself with the camera off too?

  94. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars E M says:

    Once again, Eric you are very fortunate to have a wife who is so good with patience and communication in a shop environment. She appears to be a real asset to the business. I am sure you appreciate it and treat her like the jewel she is. God Bless and stay safe. Any bearing or bushing should never be without grease, your pin and that sheave proved that once you had them out.

  95. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dale McMurtry says:

    Figure it broke when they specify NOT to use grease, can't hurt to repair using grease. If it breaks again then it's a design flaw.

  96. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Neal Rehm says:

    Lube me up Scotty! NWR

  97. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Doug's Arrowheads And Outdoors says:

    Less than a minute in I was thinking about grease and proper lubrication on everything.

  98. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars ugh3012 says:

    Tip for the zip ties. Instead of putting the end into the slot in the correct direction, flip it around. It provides enough friction to hold it and you can pull it off later.

  99. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Matt a says:

    I had to losen a bolt on aircraft shears. It took a while to fix.

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