How To Repair A Floor Jack That Won’t Hold Pressure
If a floor jack doesn’t hold pressure, the cause could be one of a variety of issues. The most common problem is that users ignore weight limits and overload a jack. If that isn’t an issue, you should check hydraulic oil levels. It is also possible that air or dirt have entered the floor jack, causing damage. Finally, check the release valve and other parts for rust or other issues.
A Floor Jack’s Weight Limitations Are Sometimes Incredibly Precise
Many people skip over a basic assessment of their floor jack and immediately begin considering how to repair a floor jack that won’t hold pressure. The weight limits for floor jacks are often very precise. Before beginning costly repairs, check the recommended weight limit on your jack, and test your jack’s strength with lighter items to make sure the issue is with the floor jack itself.
The Oil Ratio Affects Its Ability To Hold Pressure
The oil levels of a floor jack can affect its ability to hold pressure. If there is too much oil, it may be difficult to pump the floor jack up in the first place. If it is too little, however, the pressure may quickly deflate as well. Like your floor jack’s weight limit, you should check your manual for the recommended oil level when deciding how to repair a floor jack that won’t hold pressure.
Contaminants In The Joints Or Oil
Contaminants like dirt and air can prevent a floor jack from staying up. Dirt in the oil can stop it from distributing properly. Air bubbles can likewise interfere with your jack’s oil, release valve, or handle.
Grit or dirt in the jack can cause several problems. Dirt may block the release valve, stopping it from closing. Pressure will then steadily slip away through the opening. Dirt can also get in between joints if it is in the oil, making it harder to crank the handle. This can also lead to a steady depletion of pressure, or stop it from building in the first place.
To remove air, you should use a process known as bleeding. You must first put the release valve in an entirely retracted position. This means turning it to the side opposite of the handle. Then, remove the oil filler screw. Finally, you should pump the handle several times to remove any air bubbles. Replace your oil filler screw and test your jack’s ability to hold pressure when done.
Give Other Parts A Double Check
If your floor jack continues to deflate once elevated, the release valve may be stuck open. This allows pressure to steadily slip away. You may need to tighten the release valve if it is loose.
If the handle is loose, it may not transfer energy properly into the floor jack. This can make it hard to build pressure in a floor jack, or it can release the pressure you have built up the moment you let go. Check this and other joints to make sure the parts are attached properly.
To Conclude
If you want to know how to repair a floor jack that won’t hold pressure, you should first identify the location of the issue. Use your oil fill plug to check your oil levels and its cleanliness. Check the manual for weight limitations you may have missed. If the issue is mechanical, use a wrench and other tools to tighten your release valve and release air from the handle to improve its performance.
