How to Disassemble a 4-Post Car Lift: Your Guide to 4-Post Lift Disassembly
Knowing how to disassemble a 4-post car lift yourself can save you a ton of money on professional service fees, whether you're relocating, selling, or upgrading.
Think of 4-post lift disassembly as car lift installation in reverse - same components and bolts, just coming apart instead of going together. You simply do the opposite order. So whatever you finished with during installation, you start with for taking apart a 4-post lift.
It takes planning, the right tools, and at least one extra pair of hands. Here's the full breakdown on what to expect, what you'll need, and how to get your 4-post car lift safely broken down.
Is Taking Apart a 4-Post Lift Practical?
Taking apart a 4-post lift is a reasonable DIY project if you have the help, the space, and the equipment - and you’ll also need the work ethic, of course. It’s not a simple Saturday afternoon project. But maybe you don’t have a choice. Common reasons for 4-post lift disassembly include:
- Relocating to a new shop or garage
- Selling the lift to a new owner
- Upgrading to a different model
- Reconfiguring your workspace
Disassembly is the first step toward a new setup - maybe you’re revisiting the 2-post vs 4-post lift decision. And if a 2-post car lift ends up being the better fit for your space, your anchor bolt locations will be completely different.
Set your expectations, though. These lifts weigh anywhere from 1,500-3,000 pounds depending on the model. Most of that weight sits in the columns and runways. You'll need at least one helper, and in many cases, an engine hoist or forklift to handle the heavier pieces safely.
Another thing to plan for: Do 4-post lifts need to be bolted down? The answer is yes in many cases, which means pulling anchors from the concrete is part of the job. That leaves holes in the slab that'll need patching if you're not reinstalling in the same footprint.
We’ll show you how to disassemble a 4-post car lift below, but expect to spend anywhere from a few hours to a full day on the project (depending on the model).
How to Disassemble a 4-Post Car Lift: Step-by-Step Guide to 4-Post Lift Disassembly
Keep in mind your specific lift may vary, so always defer to the manufacturer's instructions over any general guide. Also, you can get in touch with our team for one-on-one support if you purchase your car lift here at My Garage Supplies. Here's the general sequence of taking apart a 4-post lift:
Step 1) Review the Manufacturer's Manual
The first step in how to disassemble a 4-post car lift is the least physical but most important. Pull the manual for your specific model. Every manufacturer has a recommended 4-post lift disassembly sequence. Skipping it can create safety issues or damage components you plan to reuse or resell.
Lost your manual? Most brands publish them online as PDFs. This guide on 4-post lift disassembly is a general guide, not an exact step-by-step resource for every make/model.
Step 2) Clear the Lift and Prep the Area
Remove any vehicle, tools, or loose equipment from the runways and the surrounding floor space. You'll need room to lay out parts as they come off. Have a catch container ready for hydraulic fluid and a set of labeled bags or bins for hardware. Keeping bolts, pins, and fasteners organized makes reassembly at a new location way easier.
Step 3) Lower the Runways and Disconnect Power
Bring the runways all the way down to their lowest position. Shut off the breaker feeding the power unit and disconnect the wiring at the junction box. There's no risk of the lift accidentally activating during 4-post lift disassembly with the power disconnected.
Quite note: Bring in a licensed electrician for this step if you're not comfortable with electrical work.
Step 4) Drain and Disconnect the Hydraulic System
Open the relief valve to bleed any remaining hydraulic pressure. Never disconnect lines while the system is still pressurized. Drain the fluid into a catch pan and set it aside for proper disposal.
Disconnect the hydraulic lines from the cylinders once they’ve drained, and cap all open fittings to keep dirt and debris out. This is extra important if the lift will be stored for an extended period or transported elsewhere before going back together.
Step 5) Remove the Runways and Crossbeams
This is the most labor-intensive part of taking apart a 4-post lift. Runways can weigh several hundred pounds each. That’s why we said you’ll want an engine hoist, forklift, or at a minimum, two strong helpers for getting them off the columns safely.
Set them down flat on the floor. Then remove the crossbeams or headers connecting the tops of the columns. These horizontal members give the lift structure its rigidity, so the columns will be freestanding once they're off. Handle them carefully.
Step 6) Take Down the Columns and Pull Anchor Bolts
Each column can be unbolted from the floor and carefully lowered with the runways and crossbeams removed. Again, they're heavy - so use mechanical assistance if you have it.
Pull the anchor bolts from the concrete slab once all four columns are down. If no new lift is going in the same spot, fill the holes with concrete patch or epoxy filler to leave a clean surface. That completes the 4-post lift disassembly!
Final Words on How to Disassemble a 4-Post Car Lift
Now you know how to disassemble a 4-post car lift from start to finish. Taking apart a 4-post lift is totally doable with the right preparation.
Careful 4-post lift disassembly comes down to following the manual, respecting the weight of the components, and not shortcutting the safety steps. Keep your hardware organized if the lift is being moved or sold. This will avoid massive headaches down the road.
If disassembly is happening because it's time for an upgrade, we can help with that. We carry every type of car lift for garage and commercial use, all sourced from the best car lift brands in the industry.
Whether you're shopping for the best 4-post car lift for home garage use or outfitting a professional bay, give us a call at (307) 381-1810 or email Sales@MyGarageSupplies.com - our team will help you find the right fit!