Have you ever had noises when using the lift? Noises that were not there before and that now cause you some concern.
In addition to being annoying, these sounds can be a sign of component wear, which could lead to a major breakdown and put user safety at risk.
With this in mind we have created the following article, where we will unravel the possible causes and what to do when the lift makes noise. Ready to find out what's behind those noises? Keep reading!
Possible Causes of Lift Noise
When the lift makes noise, it is a sign that something is wrong. But what could be causing these annoying sounds? These are the most common causes that can be behind these noises:
1. Component wear
Constant use and the passage of time cause natural wear and tear on lift parts. Some components that can generate noise when worn are:
- Guides: Constant friction between the cabin and the guides can cause squeaking or scratching.
- Pulleys and bearings: Wear on these elements can cause metallic humming or grinding noises.
- Traction cables: If the cables are worn or poorly tensioned, they can cause friction and noise.
- Brake pads: Excessive wear of the brake pads can cause squealing or noise when braking the cabin.
2. Lack of lubrication
Lack of lubrication is one of the main reasons why the lift makes noise, causing:
- Friction: Friction between metal parts generates heat and wears down parts, as well as producing noise.
- Increased resistance: Lack of lubrication increases resistance to movement, which can cause noise and overload the motor.
3. Vibrations
Vibrations can be caused by various factors, such as:
- Cabin imbalance: If the load is not evenly distributed, vibrations may occur, generating noise.
- Engine problems: A worn or unbalanced motor can vibrate and produce annoying sounds.
- Shock absorber failure: Shock absorbers absorb vibrations, if they are damaged, these can be transmitted to the entire structure of the lift.
4. Misalignments in the doors
Lift doors are a common source of lift noise. Misalignments can cause:
- Rose: If the doors are not aligned correctly, they can rub against the frame, generating annoying noises.
- Hits: Knocking noises when opening or closing doors may indicate problems with the locking mechanisms or shock absorbers.
5. Problems in the electrical system
Problems in the electrical system can also cause noise. Some examples are:
- Faulty contactors: Contactors are devices that control the flow of electricity in the motor. If they are damaged, they can produce sparks and noise.
- Motors with damaged windings: Motor windings can deteriorate over time, generating humming or strange noises.
What to do if the lift is noisy?
Detecting sounds can be worrying, especially when you don't know what to do when the lift makes noise, but don't be alarmed. The most important thing is to act quickly and responsibly.
1. Don't ignore the problem
The first thing to do when your lift makes noise is to take action, as these sounds don't usually go away on their own. Ignoring them can lead to bigger problems, such as a complete breakdown of the equipment, which could put your safety and that of other users at risk.
2. Inform the Technical Service
At this point, it is important to contact the maintenance company in charge of your lift. They have the personnel and tools necessary to diagnose and solve the problem efficiently.
3. Describe the noise in detail
When contacting technical support, it is essential that you describe the noise in as much detail as possible. Try to specify:
- Noise type: Is it a squeak, a buzz, a bang?
- Intensity: Is it a soft or loud noise?
- Frequency: Does it happen all the time or only under certain circumstances (when starting, braking, going up or down)?
- Apparent location: Where do you think the noise comes from?
This information will be very useful for technicians to get an idea of the problem and schedule the inspection visit.
How to stop your lift from making noise
Prevention is always better than cure. To prevent your lift from generating annoying noises and prolong its useful life, it is essential to carry out regular preventive maintenance.
This includes a series of periodic inspections and adjustments that allow problems to be detected and corrected before they become major breakdowns. Some of the tasks performed in preventive maintenance are:
- Application of suitable lubricants on moving parts to reduce friction and wear.
- Visual inspection of guides, pulleys, cables, motors and other components for signs of wear or damage.
- Checking and adjusting the tension of cables and other elements.
- Removal of dust and dirt that may accumulate in the different parts of the lift.
In some cases, lift modernization may be the most effective solution to reduce noise. Installing more modern and efficient components, such as permanent magnet motors or variable frequency drives, can significantly reduce noise levels.
When carrying out this procedure, it is important to choose high-quality, wear-resistant materials. This will ensure quieter and longer-lasting operation.
Additional sound insulation may also be necessary when the lift is noisy, in order to reduce disturbances outside the lift. This is especially important in residential buildings or in areas where noise may be bothersome to occupants.
Remember, a well-maintained lift is not only quieter, but also safer and efficient. By investing in regular preventative maintenance, you will be prolonging the life of your lift and avoiding costly repairs in the future.
At Eleva Balear we are specialists in lifts
Don't let noises worry you. Contact us today and one of our specialized technicians will evaluate your lift, provide you with an accurate diagnosis and offer you the most suitable solution. Trust Eleva Balear, specialists in lifts in the Balearic Islands, for the lift maintenance in Mallorca or lift repair in Mallorca!
