What should I do if my Stannah stairlift starts making unusual noises?

If your Stannah stairlift starts making an unusual noise, stop using it when the sound is loud, sudden or accompanied by jerking, a change in speed, difficulty stopping or movement that feels different. Park the stairlift safely, remove the key if applicable and contact Independent Stairlifts for advice or a professional inspection. Do not remove covers, adjust components or apply lubricant unless this has been specifically authorised for your model.

Some operating sounds are normal. You may hear the motor, drive system or rollers working as the chair travels, and a brief click may occur when controls or safety features operate. An unusual noise is one that is new, becoming louder, occurring intermittently or accompanied by a change in how the stairlift moves. A noise alone may not identify the fault, so continued use can allow a minor issue to develop into a safety or mechanical problem.

Stop using the stairlift immediately if you notice:

• Grinding, crunching, scraping, knocking or repeated banging sounds.
• A loud whine, burning smell, smoke or signs of overheating.
• Jerky, hesitant or uneven movement, reduced speed or unexpected stopping.
• The chair rocking, the seat or footrest becoming loose, or the stairlift failing to lock correctly.
• A sound that occurs together with an error indication, loss of power or a problem with the controls.

Move away from the stairlift only when it is safe to do so, particularly if it has stopped on the stairs. Do not try to force it to move, pull it manually or climb past it while it is operating. If there is smoke or a burning smell, switch the stairlift off at the main isolation point only if this can be done safely, keep clear and seek urgent assistance.

Possible causes include worn or obstructed rollers, debris on the rail, a problem with the drive mechanism, loose fixings, an issue with the seat swivel or footrest, or a fault affecting the charging or electrical system. The sound may also come from an object catching against the chair or track. These possibilities cannot be confirmed safely by listening alone, and the correct repair depends on the stairlift model and the location of the noise.

Before contacting us, make a note of:

• Whether the noise occurs while starting, travelling, stopping, swivelling or charging.
• Whether it happens in one section of the staircase or throughout the journey.
• Whether the sound is a squeak, click, rattle, vibration, grinding noise or electrical buzz.
• Any change in speed, movement, stopping, charging or the operation of the safety sensors.
• When the noise first appeared and whether it is becoming more frequent or louder.

If it is safe to do so, check that there are no loose household items, clothing or other obstructions near the rail, footrest or seat. Do not place your hands near moving parts and do not remove guards or covers. Avoid using general-purpose oil, grease or cleaning sprays: the wrong product can attract dirt, affect sensors or damage components. Cleaning and lubrication should follow the instructions for your particular stairlift and should not be used to conceal a developing fault.

Contact Independent Stairlifts for an assessment if the noise persists, returns after a simple obstruction has been removed or is accompanied by any change in performance. A trained engineer can inspect the track, rollers, drive components, electrical connections, batteries, controls and safety features, then explain whether adjustment, cleaning, replacement or further servicing is required. Keep the stairlift out of use until it has been checked if its operation does not feel completely normal.

Do not attempt to diagnose or repair the stairlift by removing the carriage, motor or electrical covers. Internal components can move unexpectedly and electrical systems may remain hazardous even when the chair is not travelling. Professional attention is particularly important where the stairlift is used by someone who cannot safely manage the stairs without it, as an unreliable lift can leave them stranded or increase the risk of a fall.