How Do I Refill My Hydraulic Floor Jack?
Anyone who does his own automobile maintenance has probably used a hydraulic floor jack. Unlike bottle jacks that use a vertical hydraulic cylinder, the cylinder in a floor jack is mounted horizontally in a steel framework that rides on a set of wheels. This makes for easy rolling under even the lowest vehicles. Floor jacks operate much the same as any hydraulic jack, whereas the handle is pumped to raise a lifting pad that is positioned under the vehicle’s jacking points. Regular maintenance of your floor jack should include checking the level of the hydraulic fluid in the jack and refilling it when necessary.
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Things You'll Need
- Helper
- Flat blade screwdriver
- Hydraulic fluid
- Plastic squeeze bottle
- Flashlight
- Rag
Instructions
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1
Lower the jack fully by inserting the jack handle into the release valve, usually located under the handle sleeve opposite the lifting pad. Turn the handle in a counterclockwise direction. Wait for the lifting pad to drop to the lowest position. Remove the jack handle and place it aside.
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2
Stand the jack up so that the hydraulic cylinder is in the upright position and the release valve is at the top. Have a helper hold the jack in this position, if desired.
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3
Locate the rubber oil filler plug on the side of the cylinder near the top. Pry the plug out with a flat blade screwdriver and place it aside.
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4
Use a plastic squeeze bottle and add hydraulic fluid into the oil filler opening until the oil level covers the inner cylinder as seen from the oil filler opening. Use a flashlight to peer into the opening to check the level, if necessary. Do not overfill the cylinder or your jack may not operate properly. Wipe up any spills with a rag.
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5
Push the oil filler plug back into the hole until it is fully seated. Place the jack back on its wheels.
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Tips & Warnings
Proper maintenance of your jack should include changing the hydraulic fluid at least once a year. Do this by removing the oil filler plug. Turn the jack over so that the hydraulic fluid runs out of the oil filler opening and into a suitable container. Refill the cylinder using the above directions.
When storing your jack, always lower the lifting pad to its lowest setting. This keeps the piston, or ram, from rusting or accumulating dirt.
References
- Photo Credit Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images
