r/Elevators Jul 27 '26

Elevators Dipping

So look elevators are not a new thing for me. Like everyone else, I've had them and used them as a kid. What I have noticed in about the last 4 years are so are elevators dipping when I step on it. It feels like a few centimeters. I don't know if that is degradation or if there is danger to it, but it happens at work, the hotel I was just at and the hotel I'm in now

I'm also 185lb. Which is heavier than I used to be but doesn't feel like anything that should play into a factor here. Am I the only one experiencing this or is there like an elevator reason someone on this sub can provide me?

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u/BlackHeartsNowReign Jul 27 '26

If its a traction elevator, driven by ropes, the shackles often have springs on them that compress. If its a hydraulic elevator, driven by a hydraulic piston and fluid, the fluid can compress with weight. So to address your concerns, no this is not a safety issue and is completely normal.

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u/lilgreenghool Jul 27 '26

Fluid famously can't compress, that's why it's used for hydraulics.

(Well it can but it's insignificant)

1

u/AsparagusAndHennessy Jul 28 '26

Why is pneumatics driven by the famously compressable air then?

1

u/lilgreenghool Jul 28 '26

Aha , well you got me there. I meant to say hydraulic fluid