A floor jack can make servicing your car much easier, but it can be a pain if it isn’t working properly. If you find that your floor jack isn’t lifting as high as it used to or if it seems to be leaking fluid, then it’s time to give it a little TLC. With just a few tools and some basic knowledge, you can service your floor jack and get it back in top working condition.
In this article, we’ll show you how to service a floor jack. We’ll cover:
– Draining and refilling the hydraulic fluid
– Cleaning and lubricating the moving parts
– Checking and adjusting the safety valve
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With just a little bit of time and effort, you can get your floor jack working like new again. Let’s get started!
How to Maintain Your Floor Jack (6 Steps)
In order to keep your floor jack in optimal condition, you should maintain it on a regular basis. Here are six tips on how to do so:
1. Storage
When you’re not using your floor jack, release all the pressure in the jack and make sure to keep it in an upright position. It’s best to store it in a cool, dry place. If you live in an area with high humidity, consider storing your floor jack in a moisture-proof container.
2. Keep It Clean
As it has exposed grease, the jack will accumulate dust and dirt very easily. To keep it looking good, clean it on a regular basis with a clean cloth and lightly oiled cloth for moving parts. At least once a year, (or more if you used it very frequently), wipe the jack clean using a solvent to remove any residue that isn’t readily removable.
3. Regular Inspection
Inspect your floor jack before each use to make sure that all the parts are working properly and that nothing is damaged. If you notice any damage, replace the part before using the jack. Also, check to make sure that there is no oil or grease leaking from any of the seals.
4. Lubricate Moving Parts
To keep your floor jack working smoothly, regularly lubricate all the moving parts. You can use a variety of lubricants, but be sure to avoid using anything that will degrade the seals, such as WD-40. Once you’ve lubricated the jack, pump it a few times to spread the lubricant evenly.
5. Change the Oil
Just like with your car, you need to change the hydraulic oil in your floor jack on a regular basis. When changing the oil, be sure to use a high-quality jack oil designed for floor jacks. Before draining the cylinder, take note of its level and do not overfill it. If the jack is overfilled, the lifting system might become damaged. If it’s underfilled, it’ll be flimsy and ineffective.
6. Bleed the Cylinder
If your floor jack isn’t working properly, you might need to bleed the cylinder. This is a relatively simple process that involves releasing the pressure in the cylinder and then re-pressurizing it.
To do this, first release all the pressure in the jack by lowering it all the way down. Then, find the bleeder valve and open it. As you do this, press the handle down slowly until you feel resistance. Once you reach resistance, close the valve and check the pressure gauge to make sure that it’s at the correct level. If it’s not, repeat the process until it is.
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How to Repair A Floor Jack That Won’t Hold Your Car
If your floor jack won’t hold your car up, there are a few things you can do to try and repair it:
1. Inspect the Lifting Capacity
One of the first things you should do is check the manufacturer’s specifications to make sure that your jack can actually hold up your car. If it can’t, then there’s not much you can do other than buy a new one.
2. Check the Hydraulic Fluid Level
Other than the weight of the car, the only thing that’s holding your car up is hydraulic fluid. If there’s not enough fluid in the jack, it won’t be able to hold the weight of your car. To check the level, find the dipstick and see where the fluid line is. If it’s below the minimum line, you’ll need to add more fluid. Never fill it past the maximum line.
3. Bleed the system
If the fluid level is fine, the next thing you should do is bleed the system. This will remove any air bubbles that might be in the system, which can cause the jack to fail. To bleed the system, first, release all the pressure in the jack by lowering it all the way down. See the above section on how to do this.
4. Inspect the Release Valve
The release valve is what allows the hydraulic fluid to flow into the system. If this valve is damaged, the jack won’t be able to hold any weight. To inspect it, remove the cap and look for any damage. If you see any, replace the valve.
5. Perform Overall Inspection Once Again
After you’ve tried all of the above, it’s time to inspect the jack again overall. Look for any cracks, leaks, or other damage. If you find any, replace the damaged parts.
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Conclusion
Hopefully, this guide has helped you figure out how to service your floor jack. Always inspect it before each use and regularly change the oil and lubricate the moving parts. If you do all of this, your floor jack should last for many years.
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