How to Fix a Leaking Floor Jack

If you own a car or a vehicle, you know how important a floor jack is. It helps you lift your car and perform necessary repairs. However, like any other tool, a floor jack can malfunction, especially when it starts to leak. If you are experiencing this problem, don’t panic. In this article, we will guide you on how to fix a leaking floor jack.

Identify the Problem

Before fixing your leaking floor jack, you need to identify the problem. There are two common types of leaks: hydraulic oil leaks and air leaks. Hydraulic oil leaks occur when the oil seal in the jack’s hydraulic system is damaged. Air leaks happen when the seal in the air valve system is broken.

Tools You Will Need

To fix your leaking floor jack, you will need some tools. These include:- A floor jack- A jack stand- A flat-head screwdriver- A hammer- A wrench- A seal kit

Step-by-Step Guide

Once you have identified the problem and gathered your tools, follow these steps to fix your leaking floor jack:

Step 1: Position your car on a level surface and secure it with a jack stand to prevent it from moving.

Step 2: Locate the jack’s oil filler plug and remove it using a flat-head screwdriver.

Step 3: Drain the hydraulic oil from the jack by pumping the handle until there is no more oil coming out.

Step 4: Remove the hydraulic cylinder from the jack by unscrewing the bolts that hold it in place.

Step 5: Use a hammer and a flat-head screwdriver to remove the old oil seal from the hydraulic cylinder.

Step 6: Install the new oil seal from the seal kit into the hydraulic cylinder using a wrench to tighten it.

Step 7: Reinstall the hydraulic cylinder into the jack and tighten the bolts.

Step 8: Refill the jack’s hydraulic system with new oil until it reaches the oil filler plug.

Step 9: Reinsert the oil filler plug and tighten it with a flat-head screwdriver.

Step 10: Test your jack by lifting your car a few inches off the ground. If it works properly, then you have successfully fixed your leaking floor jack.

Conclusion

A leaking floor jack can be a frustrating problem, but it is not difficult to fix. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can repair your floor jack and get back to performing necessary repairs on your vehicle. Remember to always take safety precautions when using a floor jack and to maintain it regularly to prevent future leaks.