HOW TO: Repair Your Floor Jack

In this video I show you how to fix a few common problems with your hydraulic floor jack. They are easy to repair and it can save you $150 - $200. Plus it keeps a perfectly good tool from being thrown away!
Remember to always exercise caution when working on equipment like this. Wear safety glasses! Hydraulic fluid is harmful to your eyes.
When refilling your jack with fluid, do not use motor oil or brake fluid. Use the proper hydraulic jack fluid. Your local auto parts store, or tractor supply store should have it.
Feel free to post comments or questions below!
****************************************************************
If you enjoy and have benefited from my content and are feeling generous I would love your support! You can "buy me a coffee" here:
► www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted... ☕
By supporting my channel you are encouraging me to continue with this time consuming endeavor. A lot of time goes into design work, building my projects, filming the videos, editing the videos, etc. Plus it all costs money! Your generosity goes a long way in helping me bring you better content as often as I can!
Follow me on Instagram!
► / embraceracing 📷
If you liked this video, perhaps you will also enjoy some channels that I personally find inspiring and interesting...
DIY and MAKER:
► The Hacksmith
/ @thehacksmith
► Adam Savage Tested
/ @tested
► Thomas Sanladerer
/ thomassanladerer
Car Content:
► Mighty Car Mods
/ @mightycarmods
► Drivetribe
/ @drivetribe

[@hearnjack]

You saved a Lot of headaches. Grateful for your post. May The Great Redeemer of our Souls Bless you & your family.

[@EmbraceMaking]

Same to you!

[@vettefret]

This really helped on my Harbor Freight 1.5 ton Pittsburgh jack...The 2 pistons in the back with the springs were both frozen about half way down...I tapped them both out all the way with a large screw driver and a hammer, lubed them up with oil and worked the handle up and down until they started holding up the handle again...Then I popped out a bleeder screw, let out the air and filled the port...Pumped a few times and opened the port and more air came out...Tightened up the port screw and now she works like new...Thanks a million or $74.99 plus tax...

[@tellmesomething2go]

You have to pay the taxes.

[@KevinIndreland]

1st video...exactly what I needed! Thanks alot for this information! God bless!

[@EmbraceMaking]

You're very welcome! Merry Christmas!

[@kiddbrother3]

hello! they rebuilt both of my walker jacks & ir231 impact gun all work great!! fast service!!

[@brettkramer]

Awesome, This gives me an idea on where to start with my leaking 2 Ton Harbor Freight jack, thanks so much !

[@EmbraceMaking]

You're very welcome! Glad I could help!

[@jacquevolluz17]

if he says umm again i will go nuts

[@dennisvo4182]

I'm having this exact issue with the pump returning. You saved me 150. Thanks!

[@EmbraceMaking]

Glad to help!

[@mrjameschong]

Thank you very much ... your infinite curiosity helped me a lot, I am thinking of buying a jack floor like yours

[@dragonflygirl1961]

Thanks for the information! My floor Jack may just live because of this video.

[@EmbraceMaking]

You're very welcome! Glad it helped!

[@cnguyen616]

very good explanation. Thank you.

[@COL321]

That's great info! I would have had to abandon a job half way through for lack of a working jack if it wasn't for your video. Thank you.

[@EmbraceMaking]

Appreciate the kind words! Glad it helped!

[@shawnmaclean155]

Thanks for the video. I used zip ties to compress the spring around the cylinder and was able to take the snap ring off no problems. what a pain to refill , very slow and lots of spilling.

[@EmbraceMaking]

I hear you, but I hope your issue was resolved!

[@n3dnarbofficial95]

You are a hero, and that disposable society you speak of in this video is soon to be forgotten. Thank you so much for all the help

[@EmbraceMaking]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@carterwest7807]

Thank you for the instructions. I was about a minute from throw away my old "throw away" jack when your video was the first hit on my Google search. After topping off the near empty reservoir the jack pad would only raise about 2 inches (should go to at least 15). I understand fully the post Tom wrote and appreciate his experience and sharing. But, with this cheap kind of jack, it doesn't come with a bleeder valve. The only valve is the one marked "do not adjust". So, naturally, I removed it. A very small burp and then oil seeped just a little. I replace the valve to the same position it started at. And WhooWho! The jack works like new. Thanks again.

[@EmbraceMaking]

Glad to hear it worked out for you Carter. Thanks for watching!

[@kennethyearwood5127]

⁶

[@easyrider920]

I have a 2 ton jack like this with the same problem and thought I might have to buy a new pump for it. I'll try this first. Thanks for the tutorial.

[@EmbraceMaking]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@colinwilliams7760]

Hi thank you for your video it was a big help you would have no idea how many times i have been told its not worth fixing and what do you know it was 100% worth fixing :) now i am going to start buying stuffed jacks and fixing them thank you so much for this :)

[@michaelreece458]

I went directly to the "do not adjust" screw.... turned it tight, backed it off a bit and now works like a charm.

[@EmbraceMaking]

Glad to hear you found something that works for you!

[@Rusiputki]

dude, I like the fact that you use GoPro for your video. I love wide angle photography. More people should use head camera for their DIY videos. It's really gives you great perspective of things.

[@teresavasquez1685]

I think your video was great and very informative thank you and your speech is ok so keep up the good work thank you again

[@EmbraceMaking]

Thank you so much! Hope it helped!

[@keithnoneya]

Nice little video, mine works but I thought I would look at it because I want to rebuild my 35 year old floor jack. You have the same problem I have when talking on videos, that is using the "UM" word when I need to fill it space when talking about something. I found a script works to help reduce it. Thanks for the post. Best Wishes n Blessings Keith

[@EmbraceMaking]

Thanks Keith, check out some of my other videos and you'll notice I don't normally do this. I have no idea what got into me for this video but it is what it is. Thanks!

[@johnjkizer6399]

Thank you very much this detailed video, it answered some of the questions I had regarding the safety valves. How would you suggest getting the safety valve n far enough to meet that 1.5 ton. Same Jack I have. Thanks again

[@mklik4]

Great video!

[@deanp7899]

i have the exact same jack from Canadian Tire , jack PN 199-2783-2. just tried to use it today to take the winter tires off. the pump piston at 9:00 m was also stuck in the down position so the handle just flopped up and down without doing anything. i'll probably soak it with Release-all or Liquid Wrench (diesel fuel in a can). seeing this video i now know that nothing has actually broken off the jack just seized. thanks for the video

[@EmbraceMaking]

Common problem, hope it worked for you!

[@antocarb]

A thousand thanks! Now I know what to do whit the floor jacks in the shop, they just don't stay up. I will also change the o-rings and test the jacks for a while before put them on duty again.

[@EmbraceMaking]

You're very welcome! Be sure to subscribe for more great videos :)

[@antocarb]

Done!

[@kimberlycook1419]

Thank you. Why are people so rude? Fixed my Floor Jack!

[@EmbraceMaking]

+Kimberly Cook Because it's the internet. They wouldn't be so rude in person, but doing it over the internet helps them feel better about their own insecurities. Glad the video helped!

[@toyota218921]

I've got the same problem with a piston on my pump. Thanks for the vid 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@EmbraceMaking]

No problem 👍

[@rjuarez4913]

The fence gong was like church bells. Lol

[@BruceLyeg]

Thanks for the video.

[@EmbraceMaking]

You're very welcome!

[@bustyboy123]

Hi the problem I’m having with my (brand new jack) is that it’ll lift the load with the first few pumps and will get about 1/4 of the way up then stop and make a sort of “hissing” sound. I’ve tried bleeding/purging it (not sure if I’ve done it properly) but bled it many different ways and has made no difference, what would it be? Seals or something?

[@aguilayserpiente]

Fine, detailed instruction. How does one know if the o rings are good or should be replaced soon? Yes, a leak is one sign. O ring kits are economical at 99c Store and Harbor Freight. Thank you adding to our knowledge base.

[@EmbraceMaking]

Thanks Jose, if you can visually inspect the O-ring I would consider it bad if it shows signs of dryness (cracking/splits) or has lost it's elasticity. Or you can just play it safe and replace it anyways since they are so cheap as you mentioned.

[@aguilayserpiente]

@@EmbraceMaking Thank you.

[@docisin7826]

Thanks man-helped me out!

[@EmbraceMaking]

You're welcome, thanks for watching!

[@radianbiker]

1st hit on search...cool! Experienced same issue on my double piston harbor freight jack after at least 5 years of use. 1 piston didn't retract all the way and now it has seized. I came to same conclusions for disassembly. Since duel pistons, jack still worked but needed repair. Problem occured because the piston was greased from factory but grease attracts dirt. Didn't realize the issue until it happened. From now on, keep piston clean with WD or compressed air. Other jack still functions fine.

[@EmbraceMaking]

Thanks! I did notice the same thing, the grease attracts some dirt but it obviously also provides lubrication and may keep water out. It's worth having some grease on there but might need to disassemble in another 5 years.

[@ninamgtez]

Just spray some silicone gel on the spring and piston both sides and take a screw driver and pop it out using a hammer. Worked for me. Also adjusted the screw you said not to adjust by turning counter clockwise . Also bled the other two screws holes and used Teflon tape on the screws to use as seals. Jacked up my Toyota and left it jacked up for 1 hour and jack held its pressure.

[@EmbraceMaking]

More than one way to skin a cat! Glad you got it resolved :)

[@fordman1776]

Good video, thanks👍🏻

[@EmbraceMaking]

Glad you liked it!

[@stevendowns5574]

Screw on the other side do you remember what order the ball bearings and spring was in? I messed mine up now when you pump the handle the jack will go up but when you lift the handle it goes back down

[@InocenteSandoval]

Dude. Thank you!

[@EmbraceMaking]

Inocente Sandoval No problem! Glad it helped you!

[@muneer24]

How did you reset that safety valve, the one that you were talking about around the 14:45 mark

[@msimms37]

Great video.Wish I found it before I started playing with that safety valve... How did you end up setting that safety screw back up to ensure proper functionality after the jack was all reassembled? Mine is the same Motomaster jack. I was trying to bleed both valves (the wrong way) and ended up with fluid coming out of the safety valve. Thanks!

[@EmbraceMaking]

I had a pretty good idea of the depth that the safety valve was threaded in. You could always go back to the store and measure the depth of one that hasn't been touched?

[@hardinelders8457]

Thanks for taking the time to post this, it was helpful. I was going to comment on the Ahhhs and Ammmms , but i see that has been covered buy others. One BIG POSITIVE is that you avoid profanity....very nice not to have to listen to that and it leaves your videos free to use for instructing my children. A big thank you !!

[@EmbraceMaking]

Thanks Elder. The umms and ahhs shouldn't be present on my newer videos. Not sure what was going on here, but it is what its is. And no reason for profanity on instructional videos :) Glad you enjoy!

[@ronniegarmon4486]

I have a 3 ton floor Jack that the handle want turn the bottom gear & the Jack is up now but want come down because I can't move the bottom gear Any Suggestions Thanks

[@pollydor07]

THANKS

[@EmbraceMaking]

You're welcome!

[@moeh3737]

well explained

[@EmbraceMaking]

Thank you... an old video of mine and have come a long way since in every aspect. Good to know some people are still finding it useful.

[@samhan7048]

I have a HF 3 Ton low profile floor jack. Love it but the damn thing squeaks like hell when raising my 02 Honda Civic. Is that normal for jacks? If not, how can I fix it? Also, I've lubed the area where the rollers on the bottom of the handle body meet the piston because I think that's where the squeak is originating from but to no avail.

[@kadyszrybak6280]

I took my jack same type with 2 screws like this one with name ac delco on it , mine was leaking from the main body from the big piston ,not what is shown . I tucked all apart . Replaced 2 o rings that i bought at hardware store that's used in faucets . after assembling , the jack did not want go up . What i found is that inside main body behind washer there is a cavity that ball bearing should be there . The bearing fell out . Once i put the ball bearing back everything worked fine.

[@bobwolf2322]

Great vid. I have an old floor jack from Montgomery Ward. There's no marking on either of the 2 valves. How do I know which is the safety, and which is the bleeder valve? Thanks.

[@davidthorne6796]

Like he would know??? Left one fill and don't touch the right one.

[@MiltonAlvis]

Likely useful for helping some people, yet not mention checking the: (1) ram fill, (2) pump fill or (3) ram release valves; all 3 also crucial for jack function, along with the ram seals. Additionally, showing work using a clean surface to reduce debris from getting on the parts and entering the jack & oil system would have been useful.

[@EmbraceMaking]

Thanks for watching Milton! I more or less covered how to fix this one particular issue, but there are many other important functions as you pointed out. It would also be nice if I had a clean shop work bench to work on, but unfortunately many other people are in the same boat as myself. Just important to be conscious of keeping the parts clean like you said.

[@adriannyasia]

Exactly! The most nonsensical thing I’ve seen today

[@cavalierthompson9743]

have any info on a jack that's stuck in the up position??

[@Stratoszero]

After about 5 years use my jack suddenly dumped oil out of the bleed valve screw and the handle falls slowly. Does that sound f****ed or repairable? BTW the comments below say not to touch the top 2 screws inc the bleed valve screw, how do you top the thing off with oil then?

[@nivaldo758]

Where to find the O-rings used on the valve to lower the jack?

[@AngelFlores-zm4ub]

My hydraulic jack is small and it only has one screw that said do not adjust and unfortunately I Took it off because I was trying to fixed I just want to know if I can still fixed.? I have all the things

[@lalind9393]

That's how to talk with CB radios :) But Thanks good Video

[@JayKay-ht8rg]

Great video. I wish you’d of undone the release valve too. As mine drops down too fast. I’m sure it must be a release valve issue.. Allowing the oil to flow back too quickly thereby dropping the car abruptly. (No matter how slowly I rotate the handle to lower it) Any ideas how to fix? I know I have a small ball bearing at the bottom of the release valve when it’s undone and removed..

[@Rusiputki]

By the way I enjoy the cheap jacks more. The once that are for 4x4 (bigger) yet the hand and the bleeding valve a separate. They have great lifting distance and of course they cost 1/3 of the price of a good jack. Of course leaking and seals is a big problem but once you know how to replace them you can pick them from the garbage and repair them.

[@BlairAir]

Amazing how far we have come just since 2014! Jack technology has gone super high tech! See this months "Jack Attack" feature of Artificial Intelligence jacks in Get Jacked magazine! ok, ok... but seriously, this is described as a 1.5 Ton, 3000 lb. jack. (it looks a bit more like a current 2 or 2.5 ton Harbor Freight "racing" aluminum jack - but ratings are what you use, not "what it looks like", lol! It's also a single piston pump for the hydraulic cylinder. That doesn't make it "bad" it just needs a bit more pumping to raise a vehicle.

[@badrhadri7216]

hi thanks for the video. i just do not know where could i buy a hydraulic unit like this for an old floor jack that been missing this functional part.

[@EmbraceMaking]

Wish I could help you out there but unfortunately I'm not sure!

[@MrDpotts2]

I found it difficult to get the hydraulic fluid into the jack without spilling a lot. I found that using a drinking straw was a big help. Just hold the straw over the fill hole then apply the fluid from the bottle to the outside of the straw. The fluid will run down the straw into the fill hole with a minimum of spillage.

[@tracylemme1375]

Try using a pump type oil can.

[@fungames24]

Haven't you hear of a funnel?

[@robertgwalsh5878]

Thank you

[@EmbraceMaking]

You're welcome!

[@justinloxley7300]

If you do open the safety valve and tip it over and the spring and two bearings fall out... (UGH) Do you happen to know the orientation for replacing them correctly?

[@khalidboccelli7445]

nice footage! ... mine is a Chinese Hydraulic jack floor type! it leaks continuously resulting the handler does not pump the entire designed head! but yours seams gorgeous! ... one thing! you recommended not to use motor oil or gear fluid but only the hydraulic one! should i empty the jack first then refill it with the fresh fluid?

[@EmbraceMaking]

If fluid comes out and it does not look fresh, then yes, you can drain it all and replace it. I would replace it if it looks milky (contaminated with water) or very dirty.

[@RaisinAmy]

Too much bla bla bla. Not enough meat and potatoes. Confused as to which is the fill vs bleed port. Anyway thanks tho... Am grateful for guys like you that do actually post these things. Appreciate it...

[@EmbraceMaking]

It's an old video of mine, admittedly one of my worst and yet it has the most views. Go figure lol

[@NathanReevesnate808]

I've got a 3.5 ton jack that pumps up but them "droops" slowing back down, returning to rest on the jack boby. any ideas? i assume it low on hydraulic fluid but wanted to get some ideas on what to check just in case its not the fluid...

[@dzldick]

+Nathan Reeves , The seal on the main ram is worn out. I have a jack repair business in Daytona Beach. The guy in this video is doing way to much work to fix this jack. Also, in my experience, especially in my climate, ATF actually causes premature failure as the seals in newer jacks are not rubber. They are some kind of neoprene composition that hardens when exposed to ATF. Stick with hydraulic oil.

[@venom17a]

mine under 1yr old, handle losing pressure already!! idk y or how to fix yet. loox alot like urs in vid too. 1-1/2ton low profile

[@RicardoSanchez-yt3wb]

Buenos días, soy de Costa Rica, como puedo adquirir una de estas

[@qivarebil2149]

New O-rings are cheap. Reusing the old ones, makes You cheap. 🤩

[@MattSeals]

Thanks meant for supplying these types of terrific content.

[@EmbraceMaking]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@EmbraceMaking]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@Anthony_in_Bloomington_Indiana]

Good Day, My jack looks a lot like yours (It's just blue instead of red.). I bought it at Harbor Freight. There was a little block of black plastic between the bottom of the handle and a rod, about 4 inches long, that goes from one side of the jack to the other. When I moved the handle, the plastic block pushed against that rod and bent the rod! I took the rod out and pounded it straight with a dead blow hammer. But I did not realize that the part that the handle goes into had moved forward! There are 2 round parts behind the part the handle goes into, each one has a spring. I would call them pistons. Pushing down the handle presses on those 2 pistons. But now the handle part is too far forward and I can not press those pistons down! I tried putting a tire iron under that handle block and pressing on one of those pistons. It would not budge. What can I do? Thank you for your help.

[@jamesbowles6539]

Anthony Starfield k

[@denzelw9664]

Realize this is a old video but would be grateful if you could assist me. So my jack would only go up 3/4 of the way and I checked fluid level and for air which seems ok. I got frustrated and adjusted the screw which they say not to. I like the little jack and don’t want to dispose of it. I would greatly appreciate if you could help me with resetting that screw with the correct adjustment. This is a edit after watching further. I might not have adjusted the safety valve if it’s under that cover but would still appreciate the information, thanks.

[@GTA351C]

my valve keeps spinning so can't shut if off or jack, not sure how to get the valve screw assy out?

[@arturorodriguez5464]

Por favor por favor sería poderlo pasar dicho video en español Gracias está muy bueno pero gracias para entenderlo mejor thank you r

[@jamescc2010]

My jack lost its lifting height. How do I fix it? Thx

[@collinbarratt9705]

So what is the refill and bleed process ?

[@smallenginedude71]

damn your jack is clean. Mine has spent 10 years of work in a mechanics workshop. its a nice jack, its a blue point beast. Mine isnt very strong anymore. it wont lift up really heavy cars anymore. Id say its just worn. but it still works fine for smaller cars.

[@EmbraceMaking]

Yeah I try and keep it clean along with my tools and work space. Since the video, it's unfortunately gotten much dirtier lol

[@smallenginedude71]

Embrace Racing haha. that tends to happen. my blue jack is black :D

[@arshpreetchahal7306]

Hi I was working on my car with 2 ton jack nd jack was lowered by self nd won't work again nd not making enough power to lift car . So what could b problem nd how to fix thx

[@raymondjiii]

I'm curious what you used to clean up the cylinder and piston? And why not a drop of hydraulic oil on the piston before sliding it back in place?

[@EmbraceMaking]

Hi Ray, it has been a really long time since I did this, but if I remember correctly I think I used some emery cloth to clean it up. Hydraulic oil on the piston would have been best practice, yes!

[@shiroitake]

My Jack leaks fluid from the fill valve ( on the top of the cylinder) whether it's in use or not. It's a very slow leak. Any ideas?

[@Fucknuts4u]

+Celan Fernan - Yes. Put in garbage.

[@jflory0207]

do you have any pointers for a floor jack that won't retract. I have my car up but when I twist the handle it spins and nothing happens. out just keeps spinning

[@EmbraceMaking]

Might have something to do with the piston seizing, or possibly the mechanical condition of the pivot points in the linkages? Is it old and rusty?

[@ercost60]

Aren't there some ball check valves inside which could be a failure mode?

[@paulamarston1003]

Thanks for the video. My, but you attract a lot of trolls. If they don't like they way you speak, they can turn down the volume and turn on the closed captioning. Thanks for helping us repair our floor jack!

[@EmbraceMaking]

Thanks for watching Paula! Internet trolls are everywhere. The uhms and ahs are uncharacteristic of me, not sure what got into me here, but it is what it is. Haven't had that problem in my other videos :) Hope you have many more happy years with your floor jack!

[@harrydraude7683]

I enjoyed your vedio I was going to throw mine in the trash but now I might make it a project, I lifted something heavier then the Jacks capacity It has no leaks and will lift the car but it will not hold position it bleeds off Any ideas where to look for this type of problem Thanks

[@EmbraceMaking]

Might have to rebuild the hydraulic cylinder... maybe the piston seals are blown?

[@fair2middlin]

This is, um, er, a pretty good, uh, video-- basically um. While basically my jack is not like that uh, um I basically uh learned um stuff.

[@jrhanisee3439]

Ummm aahhhh ahh umm ahh ummmm um ahh, and that's how you fix your floor jack. haha!

[@EmbraceMaking]

haha, yeah none of this was scripted. Kind of a video on the fly as you pointed out. I'm working on it ;)

[@jrhanisee3439]

I'm just joking. It is normal to stutter when giving speeches. I've learned that most people don't even know they do it. Thanks for the video though. I wasn't able to fix mine, but it's because its a Craftsman and they apparently don't make theirs like most brands.

[@EmbraceMaking]

JR Hanisee What seems to be the issue with yours?

[@jrhanisee3439]

My jack loses pressure randomly and it takes a long time to get it raised. It may have E.D. hahaha.

[@matthews826]

JR Hanisee stuttering is not the same as using filler words ... since you brought it up. now give your jack some of those mojo pills!! props to Embrace Racing for putting the video together and taking criticism without acting like a jack(pun intended)ass in response. signs of a good dude!

[@SleepinOnU]

my jacks handle won't stop turning when its closed or lowered is that normal or having to do with why it went even lift. do i just need to purge and add hydraulic fluid

[@EmbraceMaking]

Sounds like something is wrong with the valve if it keeps turning. It must not be closing and then when you go to lift you probably keep pumping it and the fluid won't go into the cylinder to lift the car.

[@kyoteecasey]

Sometimes my jack wont "catch". When depressing the handle occasionally the jack will raise as the piston is depressed but then returns back out as if the valve that keeps the pressure in the cylinder from the piston has gotten temporarily stuck. Do you know where this valve is located on most jacks? under the piston, on the cylinder itself. Its the check valve that allows the jack to pump up and stay up until the handle is turned to open the release valve.

[@EmbraceMaking]

Hmm, not sure I completely understand what it is you're saying. So you pump the jack, the jack goes up, but sometimes doesn't? Sometimes it retracts while pumping?

[@dakotak8437]

I have a problem that Turing it clockwise it just keeps spinning but to drop the jack it turns 3 times and stops I don't get it any ideas

[@Kenneth-xg6kg]

I have a problem with my jack the handle won't turn either way can you help me

[@gazman1001]

Hi How did you film this, with a head cam. Well done.

[@EmbraceMaking]

Thank you! Far from my best video but it was done with a chest mount and GoPro

[@charlesmills6169]

i have a sears jack ,ive always used and trusted their jacks,so i needed a new one and bought the black 3 ton jack,ive bleed it more than once but it gets a little better.but the handle wants to come up and hit the car,and once you pump it to the height you want it bleeds down and the car comes down,it looks like i have to go to harbor freight,all the guys i know say stay away from craftsmant,so it looks like its time for me and sears to part ways

[@ricturtle]

90 percent of the time the parts are more expensive than the Jack itself. speaking as someone who has maintained jacks for a living.

[@tracylemme1375]

I think it depends on the jack. But in most cases today, just go to Harbor Freight and buy a new one.

[@PopsRacer61]

...LMAO! ..those uuhhhhms and ahhhs were driving me crazy !!!

[@howarddozier8804]

my motorcycle lift lifts up fine but after a day or two it slowly starts going down so I have to pump it back up.can`t see any oil leak.is it shot or does it need bleeding?

[@EmbraceMaking]

Does it go down under load or without a load?

[@howarddozier8804]

under load

[@howarddozier8804]

under load

[@cletusvanndam8927]

I tried to watch your very informative video but the um's were just to much but i gave you a like any way

[@EmbraceMaking]

Ha thanks... unfortunately I'm not sure what got into me in this video... also its one of my earlier videos where the quality is crap BUT it happens to be my most popular video... so I leave it up. I have done so many better videos than this and they don't get a fraction of the viewership... such is KZbin.

[@AmericanCarnage]

What brand is that? I I'm currently in the market for a new jack and I'm looking around to see what other people have and if they're happy with them. Thanks

[@EmbraceMaking]

Mine is a Mastercraft branded floor jack. I'm from Canada, so this is the "Canadian Tire" brand. It's basically your generic floor jack re-branded to whoever is selling it. You can probably find the exact same model at your local harbor freight, princess auto, autozone, etc.

[@AmericanCarnage]

Oh okay. Yea I only need a 2 ton jack. Maybe a 1.5 ton but from harbor freight I'll rather get the 3 ton jack just to be safe. I've never bought anything from there besides a floor mat. There seems to be mixed reviews on their jacks. I'll probably replace the O-rings and and fluid to beef it up a little.

[@garyronan5568]

AmericanCarnage I have A H. B. 1.5 ton aluminum that worked for about A year / year and A half. I haven't had time to deal with it so I bought A 3 ton last winter from H. B. So far so good as I am doing brakes on my F-250 and it lifted it no problem but I did one wheel at A time. I would not buy there cheap low tonnage Jack's again. The 3 ton ain't no Walker but I don't care to spend 500 Buck's for A jack if I can help it.

[@garyronan5568]

Gary Ronan That should be H.F. ( Harbour Freight) Getting late and I'm ready to sack out!

[@ltr450NoS]

Is it normal for the pump piston to leak every time I pump the jack?

[@EmbraceMaking]

Nothing should leak during normal operation...

[@jerryvelasco1474]

How'd you get a Red aluminum Hf floor jack, thought they all came in blue?🤔

[@EmbraceMaking]

In Canada they are sold from a store called Canadian tire branded as "Motomaster" I believe. We also have another store called Princess Auto and their brand is Power first. They all come from the same place in China and are repainted / rebranded.

[@jerryvelasco1474]

@@EmbraceMaking Dam that's not fair, I want a Red one.😞

[@chozen0018]

your hilarious, safety value,dont play with it, i did but you dont lol

[@MrDpotts2]

Nice video but unfortunately I already turned the safety valve. How do you go about resetting it?

[@EmbraceMaking]

+David Potts Hi David, did you completely remove the valve? Did any of the springs or anything inside fall out? If not, then you may still be able to reset it. From my understanding the safety valve is a spring loaded ball valve. If you try and exceed the rated capacity of the jack, it will build too much pressure and the safety valve will open, allowing fluid to pass and the jack will not lift the heavy load. Now I'm no jack expert, BUT, if my thinking is correct... you may be able to unscrew the valve a bit. This will release some pressure on the spring and reduce the crack open pressure. Take it over to your car and see if you can jack the vehicle up. If not, then screw the valve in maybe a half turn at a time and try again until you can lift the car. Once you find a setting where you can lift your car (assuming that whatever portion of the car you are lifting is below the maximum rating for the jack) I would probably just go another half or full turn in. Again, I'm not an expert but from an analytical point of view, this should theoretically work.

[@MrDpotts2]

+Embrace Racing Thanks for your fast reply and info. I did not take it out, just turned it some in both directions so when I get the jack working I will try your suggestion. After looking at several videos I think my trouble may be air in the system. Thanks for taking the time to make the video and replying to my question.

[@MrDpotts2]

+David Potts . Thanks to you and some other folks who made videos, I now have my 3 ton floor jack working great. I was ready to toss the thing. Sure glad I saw the videos. thanks again.

[@EmbraceMaking]

+David Potts That's great! Glad you got it working again!

[@taledarkside]

YES! I do have a broken floor jack!!

[@TheEgg185]

I loosened the fill screw with the jack UP and some oil slashed out and now the jack doesn't work at all now. What do I do? I'm trying to find an animation or something that explains HOW a jack works. But I can't find a single video on this site. I guess thats a sign of the FUCKING times because no one seems to be interested in learning how things work and fixing them. I WANT to learn about all sorts of things but I can't get the info.

[@zee-lusay4087]

OK HYDRAULICS 101. Physics: for all practical purposes you cannot compress a liquid. Any pressure applied to a liquid is dispersed throughout the container equally. E.G. if you place 10 lbs pressure on one end of a pipe full of water there is 10lbs pressing at the other end but also in all other directions. So You put 10lbs of pressure on a cylinder w/1sqin piston it will lift 10lbs. If you have a 10sqin piston you can lift 100lbs (10lbsX10sqin=100lbs/sqin force.) The flip side of the mechanical advantage is if you have a 1" piston w/1' stroke applying the force to a 10" diameter cylinder, you have to cycle the pump 10 times to move the 10d cylinder 1" of travel. (The volume(s) comes into play) Jacks work by the small piston you pump forcing the oil into a larger cylinder in the center of the jack. The outer can acts as a reservoir. The reason the car doesn't simply force to oil back into the reservoir is there is a small check valve in the pump circuit. The valve that lets the jack lower bypasses the check valve and returns the oil into the reservoir. When you removed the bleeder valve with the jack up you essentially poked a hole in the plumbing which allowed the return springs to pull the piston back down. Instead of the oil returning to the reservoir, by using the bleed screw instead of the release valve, the oil went onto the floor. There is a small rubber plug, sometimes a screw plug, on the side of the bottle. with the jack in the down position, remove the plug and fill the reservoir pretty close to full. Replace the plug, open the RELEASE SCREW,(the one you normally use to lower the jack) pump the handle a dozen times or so. Press a screw driver against the side of the plug enough to break the seal but don't damage the plug or unscrew if appropriate, let the air out. Reseal, repeat. When no more air comes out you should be good to go. Sorry for the long post but it is the short(believe it or not) answer to your question.

[@matthews826]

Zee-L Usay nice! good stuff.

[@seanlannon7738]

why would my handle keep turning, and not lock into place?

[@Gurrusway]

what if when i pump the jack the fluid is redirected from the bleed port.. I now have no fluid and dont know howto fill

[@EmbraceMaking]

+Mathew Krahftwerks Not sure if I understand your question? You pump the jack and where is the fluid coming out of?

[@Gurrusway]

+Embrace Racing the fill hole

[@EmbraceMaking]

+Mathew Krahftwerks Did you make any adjustments to the safety valve? If I remember correctly, when I had my jack apart and I was adding more fluid, I was extending the cylinder by hand (slowly) and pouring fluid in at the same time to fill it back up.

[@ernestclayton7101]

I am Ernest and I have a 3ton hydraulic jack model SJ 3pTL it will jack up but won't stay up can someone please help me

[@EmbraceMaking]

Hi Ernest, you may have a fluid leak or air in your cylinder. Try bleeding the cylinder

[@shannahharrington4090]

Appreciate your help!

[@EmbraceMaking]

Glad I could help!

[@dongking6245]

A little tip to those who are about to fix your floor Jack's or any hydraulic ramps cylinders..... GET YOURSELF ONE OF THOSE LITTLE RUBBER SYRINGES FOR PUTTING YOUR HYDRAULIC OR TRANSMISSION FLUID INTO THE CYLINDER FILL HOLE OR BLEEDER OR WHEREVER YOUR TRYING TO GET NEW FLUID INTO IT AT USE ONE OF THOSE RUBBER SYRINGES LIKE A BABY NOSE BOOGER CLEANER/SUCKER THING LIKE THE ONES IN THOSE EAR CLEANING KITS A RUBBER SYRINGE IF YOU DONT KNOW WHAT IM TALKING ABOUT FIND OUT GET ONE AND GET THAT FLUID INTO THE JACK WITH IT ITLL MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD PUTTING NEW FLUID IN IT AND YOU CAN SQEEZE IT IN ACCORDING TO AMOUNT EASIER FOR NOT SPILLING AND HAVING AIR BUBBLES IN THE SYSTEM YOUD THINK IT WOULD BE THE OPPOSITE BUT THE SYRINGE WILL HELP KEEP LARGER BUBBLES FROM BEING TRAPPED IN RAM AND ITS JUST WAY CLEANER YOU CAN ADD EXACTLY WHAT YOU WANT OK ! AND ALWAYS CHECK THEM RUBBER SEALS IF ITS APART OR LEAKING SOMEWHERE OBVIOUSLY YA KNOW WHEN ITS NOT HOLDING THE WEIGHT PN TOP OF IT KIND OF LIKE HOW YOUR MOTHER KILLED YOUR FATHER