trfindley

In 1980 I bought a 2-ton floor jack and used it for 25 years. About 6 years ago, it would only raise the car 4 inches, then go no further. I was trying to use it this week on the HHR, and it's no better. With the info on the Internet, I found I should bleed the jack and add some oil. I did, and it still won't work.

I looked for info on how to replace the seals, and could only find a vague article. I get the idea that most people throw the jacks away and get new ones when they won't work. This to me is like throwing a M 1 9 1 1 a 1 away because the barrel wore out.

Has anyone ever replaced the seals on a jack, and can give guidance? I don't think that repair shops or tire dealers throw their big ones away when the seals wear out.

Sidecardog1

I hear you! I like to fix stuff also. Remember that the jack is a hydraulic pump which has a piston ring, shaft seals and check valves that all have to be working. Check out this link for some ideas on wear to hunt for the problem. http://www.hyjacks.com/H7.HTM Also, if you get it apart, many times the piston seals can be turned over and used satifactorily. You may have somehow gotten some contamination under one of the check valve seats causing a bleed down of pressure. The contamination may simply be some bits of rust from water vapor if the jack was sitting for a long time. Good Luck with the repair. Remember, you have nothing to lose as a new jack is pretty inexpensive!

whopper

Never rebuilt one - hard to justify rebuilding one, especially a 25 year old one, when a new replacement is cheap, and finding replacement seals might be a real challenge. That said, I'd probably take mine apart to see what was inside, before I ever throw it out LOL

Check:
http://www.ehow.com/how_8472962_fix-...leak-down.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_7703890_rebu...ulic-jack.html
http://www.hyjacks.com/H7.HTM

843de

I'd say it depends on the maker of the jack, if its a good quality name brand jack, then give it a go. If you're dealing with a 25 year old department store special, or some nameless Chinese critter, then its time to upgrade to something new.

Most good quality jacks have rebuild kits available from the manufacturer and the kits have step by step instructions included. Its not a huge job, the last one I did took about an hour.

unique_w

I have one sitting for the same reason, had one rebuilt once but it did not last. Current one bought at Harbor Frieght Tools, 2 1/4 ton, on sale for around $50

Here is a nice 2 1/4 ton used on Craigslist in Johns Creek GA for $30
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/tls/2553074675.html

AceMan

Here's a jack from Harbor Freight. I have one in each of my autos in place of the original equipment. From time to time I have seen them on sale for about $20.

http://www.harborfreight.com/2-ton-c...ack-66725.html

oneton

Now your talking real nameless Chinese critter from harbor freight !

sleeper

I drain hydraulic oil & flush my jacks with Seafoam*, when I replace the 0-rings, then refill. It's not hard.

But 2 ton jacks are very low cost.. Most floor jacks will come with extra seals & instructions.

I have 3 ton floor jacks. & a couple bike lifts. So doing maintenance on mine is important for longevity.

catdaddy137

Harbor Friegth got their aluminun jack on sale now $59.99 W/ coupon .

Gas Man

Gotta luv seafoam!!! But that's the first time I ever heard it being used for that.