Why Is My Stairlift Making a Noise?
When all is going smoothly, a stairlift or stairlift system should make about as much noise as the hum of a kitchen microwave, so when you hear a grinding, whirring, or beeping sound, it's usually a sign that something has gone wrong.
Common stairlift problems include:
A flat battery
Worn rollers
Failing parts
An obstruction in the track
Insufficient track lubrication
The information in this guide should be sufficient for resolving some of the most common stairlift problems. If your stairlift is still making a noise, the best thing to do is to call a technician.
One Beep Is Normal for a Stairlift
If you've just bought a stairlift or had a rental stairlift installed, you'll notice that the stairlift beeps once after you press the up or down button on the armrest. This beep is completely normal and just means that the stairlift is about to move. No further action is needed.
What if a Stairlift Is Beeping for Other Reasons?
The most common reason that people ask, "How do I stop my stairlift from beeping" is that their stairlift has started to make a continuous beeping or chirping sound, occasionally with flashing lights.
There are several possible reasons for a continuous beeping or chirping noise:
The battery charge is low.
This may be the result of a faulty power supply, a buildup of dirt on the plug—as dust can cause electrical contact failure, failure to park the lift carriage at the charge point, or an extended power outage.
The batteries need to be replaced.
The experts at our Denver, Colorado showroom recommend replacing stairlift batteries every three to five years or sooner if their performance is compromised. If you see no light or only a red light, this is a sign that your batteries are flat.
A part is about to fail.
The motor and other parts of a stairlift eventually wear out and will need to be replaced. If you are renting a stairlift, part replacement should be included in the rental cost.
A connection has become loose or there is a problem with the circuit.
A professional technician will need to check the circuit breaker and the ground fault circuit interrupter to find out what the problem is.
A safety device has been activated.
Most stairlifts have a safety switch that stops the stairlift from moving if the armrests are up or there is an obstruction on the stairs.
To diagnose the problem, check the diagnostics display located on the stairlift for an error code and write down the exact sequence of chirps or beeps. Then, turn the device off by flipping the battery disconnect switch or pressing the "off" button on any separate control units to stop the beeping, check the user manual to see what any error codes mean, and call a professional stairlift technician if it's a problem you can't fix yourself.
Mechanical Problems that Create Noise in a Stairlift
Problems that are mechanical rather than electrical in nature probably won't show up as a beeping sound or error code but could create other worrying sounds like grinding or whirring.
There Is Something Obstructing the Rack Hinge Rail
Stairlifts use a rack-and-pin system, which means that gears move the chair up or down a track depending on the direction that the gear on the chassis turns. After pressing the up or down buttons on the chair arm, you might hear a grinding noise in the track if new carpet or flooring, trailing wires, or other small objects have become caught in the track.
Worn Rollers
Another reason you might hear a grinding or scraping noise is if the rollers are worn out. Aside from making an unpleasant noise, worn rollers will likely make the stairlift run slower and compromise stairlift safety. If you suspect worn rollers, stop using the stairlift and call a technician.
The Track Needs Lubricating
A dry track could cause a grinding noise while the chair is in motion. Stairlifts need lubricating every few months to continue to run smoothly. You can either lubricate the track yourself or call a technician to lubricate the track for you.
Regular Maintenance Can Prevent Most Stairlift Issues
To prevent problems with your stairlift:
Wipe your stairlift and the track with a wet cloth (without detergent or solvents) once a week to prevent a buildup of dust. Follow up with a dry cloth and make sure the stairlift is dry before turning it back on.
Use a can of compressed air at the top of the railing every six months to blow out dust and debris.
If you have a brand or model that requires lubrication, review your owner's manual for specific instructions and apply a lubricant that’s approved by the manufacturer. The stairlift brands offered by Mobility Plus do not require lubrication.
Schedule a stairlift service once per year. The technician will check your stairlift, batteries, electrical circuit, and remote control for problems. Then, he or she can replace an inoperable remote control and any parts that are worn out.
Pay Attention to Unusual Sounds on Your Stairlift
Constant chirping or beeping noises or a grinding sound when you use your stairlift aren't normal and should be looked at right away.
In some cases, it could be something simple like dust on the charging plug. In other cases, your batteries, motor, or rollers might need to be replaced.
As there are several stairlift models and brands and all of them are slightly different, it's best to have a technician fix any advanced problems rather than trying to do it yourself.