Your elevator just went down again.
The technician shows up, pokes around, and finally drops the bomb:
“The part you need is obsolete.”
They say it could take 6 months to find a replacement if one even exists. Oh, and by the way… maybe it’s time to consider a full modernization starting at a cool six figures.
Sound familiar?
If you’re a building owner, facility director, or asset manager, this situation isn’t just frustrating it’s paralyzing. You’re hand-tied between the mounting pressure from tenants, visitors, guests, or patient and a service provider telling you there’s only one way out, leaving you with no options.
There may be other options. You just need to have the right expert in your corner.
Obsolete Elevator Parts: What Does It Really Mean?
First, let’s clear something up:
“Obsolete” doesn’t always mean only unavailable, it also means unsupported.
In many cases, it means that the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) no longer produces or stocks the component. Common “obsolete” elevator parts include:
- Controllers from the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s
- Hydraulic valves and pump motors
- Door operators
- Relay logic boards
- Selector systems
- Certain VFD drives
OEMs may stop supporting these parts, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. In most cases when the parts become obsolete the OEM may send a notification or put it on their website. There are third-party suppliers, refurbished part dealers, retrofit solutions, and more; you just need someone who knows has the experience and knows where to look. The other important part is having someone install the part; you need to thoroughly understand your service contract and pricing to have the part installed. This is the second hurdle you must overcome.
Why Elevator Companies Push Elevator Modernization So Quickly
Let’s be honest. Elevator companies make money off various projects.
A modernization isn’t just expensive it’s lucrative for them for numerous reasons like maintenance, installing proprietary equipment, change orders, cost of maintaining older equipment, etc.
So when a part becomes unavailable through their own channels, many default to recommending a full elevator or escalator system upgrade. But the question you should ask is:
“Is this in the buildings best interest or theirs?”
In reality, you might only need:
- A refurbished part from a third-party vendor
- A retrofit solution
- A temporary repair while a proper replacement is sourced
- Or, yes, an elevator modernization but on your terms, not theirs
Step One: Get an Independent Elevator Expert On Your Side
This is where The Elevator Consultants comes in.
We’re not tied to any manufacturer or elevator service provider. We don’t sell parts. We’re not trying to push a big-ticket modernization.
We advocate for YOU.
Our elevator consultants evaluate your exact situation with clarity and objectivity:
- Is the part truly obsolete or just difficult for your provider to source?
- Can it be repaired, rebuilt, or retrofitted?
- Are there third-party vendors who stock or remanufacture it?
- Is a full modernization necessary — or can we develop a phased upgrade strategy?
You get straight answers, clear options, and a roadmap you can actually work with.
Step Two: Understand Your Options (More Than You’ve Been Told)
Let’s talk real-world possibilities:
Refurbished & Rebuilt Parts
Many elevator components can be rebuilt or sourced from reputable aftermarket vendors. This process can take several weeks and months since these companies are specialized and busy.
Retrofit Kits
In some cases, newer components can be integrated into older systems with the right retrofit engineering without replacing everything. Some elevator companies understand this and will provide a retro elevator kit however in most cases you do not know the life span of this fix so be proactive on your next step.
Phased Modernization
Instead of dropping six figures at once, you may be able to upgrade in phases starting with the most critical components. This can get complicated and over the period of this time of upgrade may be more expensive than if you did a full modernization in the beginning.
Competitive Bidding
If modernization is needed and your only option, The Elevator Consultants creates a competitive elevator modernization bid spec so you get the right scope and pricing not a bloated proposal or a partial proposal resulting in change orders.
Step Three: Start Being Proactive (Even If You Haven’t Been)
Here’s a tough truth:
Most building teams are reactive, not proactive.
That’s not a judgment it’s a reality. You’re busy. You’re juggling a hundred things. Elevators usually don’t get attention until something breaks. Buildings rely on their elevator service provider for their elevators every decision and not.
But there is a smarter path forward:
Know your elevator equipment — Know what model, manufacturer, and vintage you’re working with.
Stock critical elevator components on-site — Some parts are worth sourcing now and keeping on hand.
Be proactive— Don’t rely 100% on your service provider, make sure you have elevator maintenance records, record service intervals and log all repairs. This is also code per ASME A17.1 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators.
Schedule regular audits — A proactive elevator performance and service evaluation from The Elevator Consultants can prevent reactive mode and allow proper planning.
Passed elevator inspection myth— It is common for buildings to feel that their elevators are in perfect condition because they pass inspection The annual inspection is a safety inspection not a performance or life cycle inspection.
Final Word: Remember You Have Options. You’re Not Alone.
When you’re told an elevator part is obsolete, it can feel like you’re backed into a corner. But you’re not.
With the right partner, you can get the facts, take control, and make decisions that are smart, strategic, and in your best interest not just your provider’s.
The Elevator Consultants is here to help you break out of reactive mode, avoid unnecessary costs, and keep your vertical transportation systems running safely and reliably.
Need Immediate Help with an Obsolete Part or Proposal?
Don’t wait. Don’t overpay. Don’t guess. Let’s see if we can help.
Get a consultation from The Elevator Consultants today
Let’s get your elevator and your peace of mind back on track.
FAQs
How do I know if an elevator part is truly obsolete?
Ask for the part number and manufacturer, and contact an independent elevator consultant. Many parts labeled “obsolete” by elevator companies are still available on the secondary market or through refurbishment vendors.
Is an elevator modernization always required when parts are obsolete?
No. An elevator modernization may be one option, but not always the best or only one. An elevator consultant can help you explore alternatives like retrofits, rebuilds, or phased upgrades.
What should I do if my service provider says a part will take months?
This may be true so ask for specifics. Ask where they’re sourcing from. Get a second opinion. In some cases, we can locate elevator parts in a shorter timeframes pending the part and situation.
Can I get ahead of this issue for other elevators in my portfolio?
Absolutely. We recommend performing a proactive elevator audit and building a part stocking strategy especially for older systems. A little effort now can save you six figures and months of headaches later.
How can The Elevator Consultants help in a situation like this?
We perform a detailed elevator analysis of your equipment, diagnose the situation, and give you real options. Whether that’s part sourcing, negotiating repair proposals, or managing a modernization bid we protect your time, budget, and building reputation.