The Challenger 37018 hydraulic valve is the direct replacement for the Challenger lift it came off of. Cross-referenced as ALS-7228-78V, it is the genuine Challenger part — same part number, same fit, and same working specification as the one already on your lift. Ordering the Challenger hydraulic valve from us gets you the OEM piece that matches the lift, not an aftermarket knock-off that is close but not the same. Specifications Part number: ALS-7228-78V Brand: Challenger Type: Genuine OEM hydraulic valve The lowering valve (release valve, dump valve) is the solenoid or manual valve on the pump that opens to let fluid flow back to the reservoir when you lower the lift. When it fails it either leaks internally and the lift descends by itself with a car on it, or it sticks and the lift will not lower at all. Diagnosis: raise the lift to max height and watch. If it drifts to the locks in less than an hour with no external leaks, the lowering valve is the answer. Related parts for this lift The parts below are commonly ordered alongside this one — cables, sheaves, seals, and hardware wear on similar schedules, and most repairs go faster when the whole set is done in one visit. Lock Release Air Valve Switch - Challenger - 37016 Ordering the right revision Before this goes in the cart, grab two things off your lift: the model number and the serial number, both on the manufacturer's plate. The serial matters more than most people expect — lift makers revise components between production runs without renaming the lift, and the run your serial falls in determines which revision of this part is correct. If you are working from a failed part rather than a plate, measure what you have and photograph how it mounts. Send that to us along with the lift brand, and we will check it against the same parts breakdowns our own techs use in the field before you commit to the order. Check while the valve is out Pump face and threads — clean, no burrs Solenoid coil and wiring (if electric) — melted lug ends, corrosion Handle and pivot (if manual) — not sticky, not bent Check valve, if separate — a failing check valve on the pressure side gives the same "lift drops on its own" symptom, so verify the lowering valve is actually the problem The valve o-ring seals on hydraulic oil. Use ISO-32, ATF, grease, or vaseline as installation lubricant — not thread sealant, which will end up in the hydraulic system. 10 seconds on the release lever after the lift is down. Not 3, not 5 — 10. A pressurized valve backing out under impact torque will hurt someone. Why buy your Challenger hydraulic valve from Auto Lift Services We install, inspect, and repair Challenger lifts every week — the ALS-7228-78V is a part we handle in the shop, not a random SKU we drop-ship. The phone answers if you have a question mid-install — call 800-674-9302. We confirm the right part for your lift's serial and production year before you order. Every part ships as genuine Challenger — no aftermarket substitution unless you specifically ask for an aftermarket equivalent. If you also need companion wear items — cables, sheaves, seals, hardware — for the same repair, use our parts lookup and we will build the whole kit for your lift so you order once and finish the job.
