Using lift

[jyork965]

Had a Forward 4 post lift installed earlier this week. I'd like to put the Ford up top and this is my question to those of you with lifts. Previously, I'd use chocks at the wheels leaving the emergency brake off. Is it safe to do the same or would all recommend to use the e-brake with the car elevated? What do other folks do?

 

[Empty Pockets]

Had a Forward 4 post lift installed earlier this week. I'd like to put the Ford up top and this is my question to those of you with lifts. Previously, I'd use chocks at the wheels leaving the emergency brake off. Is it safe to do the same or would all recommend to use the e-brake with the car elevated? What do other folks do?

Personally, I always engage the 'brake on any car.
Why would one not? ;-)

 

[Tomcat]

I have heard that cars that are rarely driven may have their parking brakes get stuck and my Pantera was one where I used chocks on my 4-post. But I religiously use the end stops/vertical plates AND set the parking brake on my "upper car" on my lift.

 

[extrap]

I've heard of the stuck emergency brake before too, so leave the car in gear instead. Of course, I'm speaking from pretty flat Florida.

 

[Tomcat]

I've heard of the stuck emergency brake before too, so leave the car in gear instead. Of course, I'm speaking from pretty flat Florida.

Yes...in gear too! Florida AND North Carolina (some hills).

 

[PeteK]

Oh, I ve had stuck emergency brake plenty of times. It almost always happens after I've been driving in the wet, and park it for a week or more. Rust forms between the E-bake pads and disc and sticks them together. But just putting it in gear and letting the clutch out will break them loose. However, to avoid it, my current practice is to use the E-brake and 1st gear when I park the car when I'm out and about. But when I get home, I just leave it in gear, but without the brake applied. Of course, my garage floor is level. If yours isn't, then use both.

I'll assume your lift platform is level too, so either E-brake, or in gear, or chocks, or any combination will be fine.

 

[RPM217]

I leave in gear, and chock in front and back of the front tire.

 

[jyork965]

Thanks for your replies. I was concerned about stuck e-brakes but guess this is a problem with prolonged storage/wet discs which doesn't apply to me. I'll feel better with the brake applied. This forum rocks!

 

[HOOKED ON GT]

After I wash the car I take it for a 1min drive and make sure brakes get warm.... no pad binding.
Upside is a wipe down and loose water thats started running from hidden areas on the short drive.

 

[jyork965]

Yes, appreciate the input. Another thing learned from plane owners here is that they'll often taxi with brakes lightly applied to dispel water from brake pads and rotors.

 

[mmlcobra]

I chock one front and rear.
In gear.
E brake appears to invite issues.
Other question is protecting tires on metal runners for long term storage.
Best,
Mark

 

[RPM217]

I chock one front and rear.
In gear.
E brake appears to invite issues.
Other question is protecting tires on metal runners for long term storage.
Best,
Mark

I overinflate the tires to 50lbs., all around, and haven't had any issues.............

 

[jr66]

Use flat stoppers to protect your tires and they provide a stop to any rolling. I also use the end plates on the lift.

 

[MTV8]

I leave the car in neutral with parking brake disengaged and all four wheels chocked. My lift front end plates are also cut down to be sure they clear the splitter.