How To Fix A Hydraulic Floor Jack Reservoir

Make sure that you use the best hydraulic oil and not some cheaper alternative.

How to fix a hydraulic floor jack reservoir. Depending on the make and model of the jack some can hold up to a pint of fluid. After which turn the jack s release position and pump it a few times to purge the accumulated air out. In this video i show you how to fix a few common problems with your hydraulic floor jack. If the level of oil in the floor jack is lesser than the recommended level then you can refill it.

For detailed instructions on how to change hydraulic oil for both floor and bottle jacks please refer to this video. Step 2 remove any excess air from the jack by opening the release valve and vigorously pumping the handle. If the level is higher than the recommended level then you will need to drain some of it. Use shop rags to wipe down the cylinders thoroughly before you open any.

When this occurs the air starts to accumulate in the unit preventing it to lift. If any type of debris or dirt gets into the hydraulic fluid it can do a lot of damage to the inside of the cylinders. Hydraulic jack how it works animation a hydraulic jack uses a liquid which is incompressible that is forced into a cylinder by a pump plunger. Another possible reason why the floor jack s ram won t lift is due to lack of enough oil in the reservoir.

Use the funnel to guide the fluid into the cylinder. Wipe off excess oil then test it. Open the reservoir cap and fill it with hydraulic oil until it is about 1 4 inch below the level of the hole when the jack is on its side. A substitute for hydraulic fluid is 5w 30 motor oil.

They are easy to repair and it can save you 150 200. Be sure to check the levels of the hydraulic fluid regularly. Refill the reservoir until it s full then place the seal cap back. Fill the chamber with hydraulic fluid.