Floor jacks are an integral mechanical commodity used for heavy lifting around the garage/workshop.
Among other things, this car maintenance equipment requires regular oil checking for smooth operation. It must be performed exactly the right way to avoid damage.
Oil checking and changing sounds like a simple enough task but when combined with all the various components of a floor jack, anything can go wrong. If performed the wrong way, we’re not only wasting oil but also over greasing the rest of the equipment. It is important for a floor jack to have adequate greasing for it to perform well in lifting weights.
Before we get into the process of changing or adding oil in a floor jack, we must first understand why it is important to grease our floor jacks. We will lay down the simple steps anyone with a floor jack must follow while changing oil.
What Makes Oiling Helpful in Floor Jack Maintenance
Oiling is the foundation of a smooth running floor jack. Not only does it prevent rusting or squeaking but also enhances the reaction time of the equipment. It is important that all components are lubricated well enough to work smoothly in rhyme.
We must keep the concept of friction in mind while using a floor jack for longer time intervals. Strong materials such as metals and aluminum are bound to get rough with close constant contact therefore oiling helps in keeping them working in alignment. If all the components do not coerce with one another, the floor jack will give you lifetime stable service.
One other important thing to remember while oiling floor jacks is to avoid any leakage. Too much greasiness or oiling of a wrong component might make a heavy vehicle get out of control. Such consequences can be fatal and damage property as well. To avoid any such accidents, one must follow the following steps to ensure safe oiling.
6 Easy to Follow Steps – How to Add Oil to a Floor Jack
Here are some easy steps that you can follow and learn better the right way on how to add or change oil to a floor jack without messing around. Go through them, follow each step carefully and you’re good to go.
Placing the Floor Jack
Before you begin refilling oil you must first make sure to place it on a flat sturdy surface. Keep in mind to keep the area with the valve in direct contact with yourself. It is important the release valve is easily accessible to avoid any mishaps.
Once you open the valve the oil inside will flow towards the reservoir valve. You’ll find this valve at the bottom of the jack in most cases therefore the jack must be placed face down. You’ll be exposing the ram piston and lowering it once the valve is open.
If at this stage you face any leakage from the residual oil, make sure to wipe it off with a rag. A clean and oil-free workstation is important to complete this task efficiently.
Locating the Oil Fill Plug
Oil fill plugs are usually covered with an additional plastic covering on top of the knob to protect leakage. It is placed at the bottom of the jack in most cases and may also be on top of the oil reservoir in some jacks.
It will appear to be in a cylindrical shape when you place the jack upside down. Once opened there might be oil leakage again which must be taken care of effectively. This process helps in avoiding mixing up old oil with the refill.
Monitoring Oil Level
The oil plug can be easily removed with a wide wrench. Once it’s removed you can take a look inside with the help of a small flashlight. Avoid any contact of the oil with your face and skin as much as possible.
You must make sure that the oil level is ⅛ inches deeper than the opening of the plug. If you find oil higher than that then your jack does not need a refill as that might result in an overflow.
Pouring the Oil
If you find that the oil level is below the required range you can make use of a funnel to pour some oil. By slowly and in small intervals will help you avoid making a mess. Once the oil has been added you must allow the oil to dissipate before closing the oil plug. You can end by rechecking the oil levels with a flashlight again.
Enclose the Oil Fill Plug
One you’re absolutely certain that the right amount of oil has been added, close the oil plug. Make sure to clean around any excessive oil, this will help you look for any new leaks later on. Once the jack is placed in an upward position and the pump is being used, check for any leakages.
The pump and ram piston are two components that must be safe from any oil leaks. Make sure to tighten the fill plug to make sure there aren’t any constant leaks.
Place it on Down Position
One you’ve covered all the above steps feel free to place the floor jack in a full down position. You can now release the jack and make one final check for any oil leaks. Make sure to clean up the entire equipment well to make note of any new oil leaks in the future. It is easier to notice an oil leak on a clean jack than a greasy one.
Conclusion
The process of adding oil to a floor jack can sound long and troublesome, you’re sure to get your hands dirty! We’ve simplified all the necessary steps for you and with little time and patience it can be an easy enough task.
Always keep in mind that a dysfunctional floor jack with a lack of friction can be hazardous for those working around you and for the car or other heavy object you’re lifting. Oiling is an important part of maintaining safe and reliable mechanical equipment.
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