Wednesday, December 11, 2013
How to Repair Hydraulic Bottle Jacks
Hydraulic bottle jacks are expensive to purchase and are an essential tool for every mechanic. When you need to lift a car, nothing else will do the job in the same way as will a bottle jack. When you have an issue with yours, it can be very frustrating since it often means the jack needs to be sent out for a costly repair. However, you may be able to fix a few of the common problems with your bottle jack yourself, without sending it out for repair.
Instructions
- 1
Compare the capacity of the jack to the weight of the vehicle you are lifting. The capacity of the jack is usually written either on the jack or on the documentation that came with it. The vehicle weight is usually on a plate on the drivers door pillar.
2Extend the piston all the way by pumping it up or by opening the release valve and pulling it up. Watch the piston for binding and check it for dirt, grit or excess oil. There should only be a little oil on the piston. Once it is up, check the seal at the bottom to make sure it is not pinched or cut. If the seal needs to be replaced, it should only be done at an authorized repair facility.
3Open the oil reservoir plug. This is the uppermost cap on the jack. The oil should be 1/4 inch below the opening. Top off the hydraulic fluid to get it there.
4Bleed the jack. Open the release valve and pump the handle vigorously several times. Close the release valve, pump the jack to its full height and let it down again by opening the release valve. If the jack does not reach its full height, then repeat the process until it does. Wipe down the jack with a cloth before bleeding and examine it afterward for evidence of any leaks.
5Lift the load using the jack. If the jack still will not lift, then the problem is likely to be the pump. Pump replacement procedures vary by jack and are best carried out at a certified repair facility.
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