How to Service a Floor Jack
Hydraulic floor jacks make lifting vehicles a solo task. Whether changing a tire or lifting the vehicle to change the oil, a floor jack is part of the do-it-yourselfer's tool repertoire. The potential for personal injury is high if a floor jack fails to perform as expected. Regular maintenance will keep your floor jack operating properly and in peak condition.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Lubricate all moving parts as needed by wiping them with an oily rag.
-
2
Inspect the condition of the jack. Look for parts that are cracked or show signs of excessive wear. Replace parts as necessary.
-
-
3
Check the oil level. Remove the oil fill plug and visually check the level of the oil in the reservoir. Add oil as needed.
-
4
Replace the oil in the jack every three years. Remove the oil plug. Tip the jack to drain the oil into a drain pan. Right the jack, then fill the reservoir with hydraulic jack oil. Open the release valve and then pump the handle several times to bleed the system. Close the release valve and install the oil plug.
-
5
Test the jack for proper operation.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Check the recommendations of your jack's manufacturer for service intervals. The manufacturer may recommend an annual inspection at an authorized service center.
Always use good quality hydraulic jack oil. Hydraulic jack oil is not the same as hydraulic brake oil. Never use oil meant for hydraulic brakes in your floor jack. Inspect and test the jack prior to every use. Do not use the floor jack if oil is leaking or if any parts are excessively worn or damaged.
