Hydraulic Jack Issues
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On The Tree
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 133
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From: TX
Hydraulic Jack Issues Having some issues with my hydraulic jack. When I pump it, fluid leaks out right underneath where the handle goes in. There's a lot of fluid that comes out. Anyone have any ideas on what is going on? Sorry in advance for the grainy photos I can retake them in better light if that's necessary.
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 133
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From: TX
OK so to give you guys a little more info, I took it apart a little bit. I guess that's what people like me do in a problem situation. It looks like when you pump the handle down, there is a very small piston that goes into the hole shown in red in the picture. There is a seal in there that is obviously not up-to-par and it's this junction where the jack is leaking. Can this seal be fixed? I tried getting that nut off, but it wouldn't budge. I even got a torque wrench and put it in a vise.
I disagree with the "throw it away" mindset. The photo is not that clear but you should not need to take that nut off. It looks like a simple O ring. Most jacks use one in that location. Usually a piece of debris gets on the little shaft and goes in down to the O ring and tears it a little. Then it leaks. Hook it out of there with whatever you can get in with. Lube up a replacement and poke it down in to its groove. Inspect the shaft and make sure its not gouged, if it is you are out of luck. I have repaired my own jack that way. Those O rings are all standard sizes. A neoprene O ring should be fine, get one at a hydraulics place if you really want something more fluid proof. Besides the jack only lifts the car, its sits on stands when you go under the car.
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 133
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From: TX
Sweet. Those are both some serious responses - I think I'll go ahead and take a shot at fixing it. I always, always put the car up on jacks and check them thoroughly before getting underneat the car. So I don't think that fixing the jack will be a huge issue. Worst case scenario is that I just buy a new one; this one was pretty cheap. Where do you think a good locale for replacement O-Rings would be? A big home improvement warehouse? Plumbing shop? Others? (Please list) Thanks in advance and great responses
On The Tree
Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Elizabethton, TN
Originally Posted by Adnectere
Sweet. Those are both some serious responses - I think I'll go ahead and take a shot at fixing it. I always, always put the car up on jacks and check them thoroughly before getting underneat the car. So I don't think that fixing the jack will be a huge issue. Worst case scenario is that I just buy a new one; this one was pretty cheap. Where do you think a good locale for replacement O-Rings would be? A big home improvement warehouse? Plumbing shop? Others? (Please list) Thanks in advance and great responses
