Wheel Alignment on a 2 Post Lift

Many people believe that wheel alignment can only be performed on a dedicated four-post lift or a pit. This is a common misconception! While these setups are certainly convenient, it’s absolutely possible to perform accurate wheel alignment on a two-post lift.

Even some garage owners and technicians are unaware of this capability, often assuming that wheel alignment requires a dedicated alignment bay or a specialised 4 post lift or scissor lift.

Wheel alignment on a 2 post lift works can literally be a game-changer for garages, especially smaller independent workshops or MOT Bays.

Can You Really Perform Wheel Alignment on a 2 Post Lift?

Yes, you can! A 2-post lift, when fitted with and combined with the right equipment can also be used for wheel alignment. While traditional alignment bays with a 4 post lift are common, a 2 post lift offers flexibility and space-saving benefits, especially for smaller garages. By using a wheel alignment machine capable of operating with a 2 post lift, you can accurately measure and adjust wheel angles, ensuring your customers’ vehicles are aligned to manufacturer specifications.

How Does Wheel Alignment Work on a 2 Post Lift?

Wheel alignment on a 2-post lift involves three key steps:

Lifting the Vehicle: The vehicle is raised on the 2-post lift, ensuring it’s securely positioned and level. This provides easy access to the wheels and suspension components.
Attaching the Alignment Equipment: A 2 post lift alignment machine is used to measure the wheel angles. These machines typically include sensors that attach to the wheels and communicate with a computer system to provide real-time data.
Adjusting the Alignment: Based on the data, the technician adjusts the camber, toe, and caster angles to meet the vehicle’s specifications. This ensures even tyre wear, improved handling, and better fuel efficiency.

Key Differences Between 4 Post and 2 Post Lift Wheel Alignment

Vehicle Access and Suspension Loading

Four Post Lift: A 4 post lift raises the vehicle by its wheels, leaving the wheels and suspension fully accessible and in a “loaded” state (as if the car were on the ground). This makes it simpler for wheel alignment with basic equipment, as it allows technicians to accurately measure and adjust camber, toe, and caster angles while the suspension is under normal load. Four post lifts are often used in conjunction with sliding plates or turntables to enable the wheels and suspension to move and simulate road use, as well as allow adjustment to the geometry for alignment purposes.
Two Post Lift: A 2-post lift raises the vehicle by its chassis, meaning the suspension is unloaded, and the bottom side of the wheels will naturally dip inwards slightly. This can make it more challenging to perform precise wheel alignment, as the suspension geometry will differ from its natural driving position. However with the correct alignment equipment and vehicle database, this adjustment can be compensated for as part of the alignment process.

Space and Versatility

Two Post Lift: 2 post lifts are more compact and versatile, making them a popular choice for garages with limited space. They can accommodate a wide range of vehicles and can be used for both repairs and wheel alignment.
Four Post Lift: 4 post lifts are larger and can be used for long-term vehicle storage as well as larger garage or heavy-duty applications. They can be adapted for wheel alignment by adding sliding plates or turntables.

Ease of Use

Four Post Lift: Wheel alignment on a 4 post lift is straightforward, as the vehicle is lifted by the wheels, providing easy access to the suspension without the geometry of the wheels and suspension being affected, since they sit on the lift as if they were on a road. This setup is widely accepted for alignment work due to its simplicity and accuracy.
Two Post Lift: Alignment on a 2 post lift does require a little more expertise and the correct alignment equipment, to accommodate the changes made by the vehicle being lifted from the chassis rather than the wheels.

Cost and Equipment

Two Post Lift: A 2-post alignment machine is typically more affordable and easier to install, making it a cost-effective choice for garages looking to add wheel alignment services. Many smaller garages will already have such a lift and it can be used without modification, when used with an appropriate wheel aligner machine.
Four Post Lift: Adapting a 4 post lift for wheel alignment often involves additional costs for sliding plates, turntables, or specialised alignment equipment, depending on the lift this may involve a full replacement. This can make it a less economical option for garages wanting to add alignment to their services.

Why Choose a 2 Post Lift for Wheel Alignment?

Space Efficiency: Not every garage has the space for a dedicated alignment bay. A 2-post lift allows you to perform multiple tasks, including wheel alignment, without needing additional equipment.
Cost-Effective: Investing in an alignment machine suitable for 2-post lift usage is generally a more affordable than setting up a separate alignment bay, or adding a 4-post lift. It’s a practical solution for garages looking to expand their services without breaking the bank.
Versatility: A 2-post lift can handle a wide range of vehicles, from compact cars to larger vans and SUVs, making it a versatile choice for garages with a range of customer needs.

Common Questions About 2 Post Wheel Alignment

Is wheel alignment on a 2-post lift as accurate as a dedicated alignment bay?

Absolutely! With the right equipment and proper calibration, a two post lift alignment machine can deliver results that are just as accurate as those from a dedicated alignment bay.

What type of alignment machine do I need for a 2 post lift?

You’ll need a wheel alignment machine specifically designed for use with 2 post lifts. These machines are compact, easy to install, and provide precise measurements, accommodating the geometry changes that the wheels, steering and suspension go through when a car is raised by its chassis.

Can I retrofit my existing 2 post lift for wheel alignment?

Yes, in most cases, you can add an alignment machine to your existing two post lift setup. However, it’s essential to ensure your lift is compatible and that the alignment equipment is properly calibrated. And there may be some size restrictions, so some sites may require an initial visit to measure up and ensure there is enough space and assess the best place for the alignment machine to go, for best access, and usage.

How quickly will a wheel alignment machine pay for itself?

A wheel aligner can often pay for itself within the first month of purchase, depending on the initial cost of the machine, the amount you charge for calibrations and the number you do each day. Running costs for wheel aligners are extremely low, with occasional database updates (some alignment machines may have live data with pay-as-you-go costs) and calibrations.

To find out how much money your garage could be making by offering wheel alignment, use our simple wheel alignment profit calculator.

The Importance of Regular Aligner Calibration

To maintain accuracy, your wheel alignment equipment must be regularly calibrated, and some equipment also require regular database updates too.

Misaligned equipment or out of date vehicle data can lead to incorrect adjustments, causing uneven tyre wear, poor vehicle handling, and unhappy customers!

At Concept Garage Equipment, we offer professional wheel aligner calibration services to keep your equipment in top condition.

Ready to Upgrade Your Garage?

Wheel alignment on a 2-post lift is a practical, cost-effective solution for garages looking to expand their services and improve efficiency. Whether you’re investing in a new 2 post alignment machine or need to calibrate your existing equipment, Concept Garage Equipment is here to help.

Contact us today to learn more about our range of alignment machines for 2 post lifts and how we can support your garage’s growth. Let’s make wheel alignment on a 2 post lift your next big success story!

Call us today on 0113 469 0572 or use the website contact form today, we are here to help.

Wheel Alignment on a 2 Post Lift: Most People Don’t Realise It Works!