Weather changing, elevator lubrication & elevator maintenance

In the Spring and Fall we get more than our ordinary amount of calls for the elevator making “strange noise”.  When the weather changes it effects the composition of the lubricants we use on the elevator system, which we need to address by adding more or removing the existing lubricant and adding a different type. 

There are a few areas on elevators that may need more attention when the warmer weather turns to dryer colder weather two of them are the rails and the hydraulic gland packing.

Hydraulic elevator rails – The rails should be lubricated and as an elevator maintenance provider we need to pay attention that the rails are lubricated with the correct lubrication especially during the fall and winter months.   The lubrication also protects the rails from corrosion caused by humidity and environmental pollutants.  The lubricant should remove some of the resistance or “chatter” that causes noise and lets the elevator have increased ride quality.   The proper process is to provide a very light coating with a cloth that is nearly invisible.   The rails should be cleaned before you apply a new type of lubricant.

Traction elevator rails – Same lubrication information as the hydraulic elevator except we need to be sure that the lubrication does not interfere with the function of the safeties.  Lubricant that does not break down under pressure may inhibit the elevator safeties ability to work properly.  A lubricant that does break down under extreme pressure will allow direct unlubricated contact between safeties and rails and allow the safeties to operate within the set stopping distance required by code.

[This is a random elevator I visited last week we do not maintain this elevator - the picture  is to show the different application of elevator traction versus hydraulic]

[The elevator safety is on the left which engages with the rail to stop the elevator in the event of an over speed in the down direction emergency - we do not maintain this elevator]

Hydraulic cylinder packing – During the transition between Summer and Fall or Fall to Winter we may feel hard starts and stops on the elevator system. We can add a product called Max Glide, made by Maxton Manufacturing[www.maxtonvalve.com] that will reduce or stop harsh stops and starts.  This product can be put on the elevator piston as well as put in the hydraulic  power unit reservoir.   This may be effective for a few days, a few months or years depending on the composition of the hydraulic cylinder gland packing.  If the Max Glide does not work, you most probably will need to repack the elevator cylinder gland.

[The cylinder packing is in-between they cylinder and the piston, the shinny long object]

www.maxtonvalve.com

As an elevator maintenance provider we should be monitoring the lubrication of the elevator and have it on a lubrication schedule.

If you have an questions or would like information from Colley Elevator you can go to www.colleyelevator.com, email Craigz@colleyelevator.com or call 630-766-7230.