Hydraulic Floor Jack Bleeding & Fill

Pittsburgh racing Hydraulic Floor Jack Bleeding & Fill 68051 + 68053
Disclaimer:
This video is not meant to be a definitive how to.Always consult a professional repair manual before starting your repair.I am not responsible for any problems that you might incur by watching or following this video.Follow at your own risk.

[@cb63sk]

I want to say THANK YOU!! You just saved me 125+ bucks!! I have had my HF jack for 7+ years. It just stopped pumping!! it would NOT pick up a Honda car. Even tho my jack is a little diff then this one but i figured it out. So for now it WORKS!!! Ty!!! James in Dallas Tx

[@AjaySingh-bm8vk]

Machin siftingjack

[@thadh2574]

Just logged in to say thank you! This video Saved me 125 bucks. Was just about to go and get another Jack from Harbor freight. If anyone wants to know this Jack lasted 5 years. Money well spent. KZbin! The Daddy I never had, when it comes to fixing things.

[@Xgen2]

Hey mate thank you for the video. After 2 months wondering why my jack wouldn't lift I watched this and realised it needed more oil!

[@geronimo1805]

Hey Rich, Thanks for all your videos. Great Help! I started business in '75 repairing/rebuilding hydraulic jacks. Bleeding is important, every time before using, unless you learn to keep the pump and valves always in the fluid. This means carrying it by the front axle which, of course, requires that the handle be removed. Although you 'went through' the required steps, my procedure is slightly different: (1) Fill it first. (If not full you will actually pump air and continue to air-bound it) (2) Open the release valve and pump the handle 4 to 8 times to dispel any air in the pump(s) and valve(s). (3) Close the release valve and pump it up all the way. (4) Open release valve and make sure the saddle comes down completely to rid the ram cylinder of any air. (Often, you can hear air bubbling out at the very bottom.) Lastly, if it does not go all the way up at # (3), repeat (2), (3) & (4) or you didn't get it filled up which can be difficult sometimes. In fact, some floor jacks are near impossible to fill without first raising the rear up, which guarantees you'll air-bound it. Air-bounding is possible with any hydraulic equipment, including bottle jacks, particularly if the fluid level goes below the operating ball valves which are in the base. As for fluid, you're right. Use that which is sold as "Hydraulic Jack Oil." This is approx. a 10W oil. ATF is a fair substitute in a pinch. NEVER use Hydraulic Brake Fluid y'all! It swells and destroys seals.

[@RichpinTv]

Geronimo Thank you for the great information.

[@MrTravisAl]

Geronimo wow thanks! Respect

[@MrEvtmazda]

What about P/S fluid? It's basically hydraulic fluid

[@olexiyustymchuk6101]

Thank you for helping me fix my jack. I hate buying a new one when it can be fixed.

[@joelmccoin9727]

Informative and Educational as usual....Thanks Rich

[@DJDevon3]

Great video. Plenty of people have these harbor freight jacks. Didn't even know they were serviceable like that. Thanks!

[@mattdtuck]

Peter Griffin, jack repairer

[@jojiepeczon02]

Lol!

[@TheKellisunshyne]

Arrrgh I was gonna ask how Quahog was this time of year and you beat me to it lol.

[@roberthartman9717]

A leaky jack really grinds my gears..

[@poke_hoard422]

It's bostonian Peter griffin

[@MrRaulgutierrez95]

Wth he does sound like peter

[@Source7769]

Mine just started to take forever to pump and almost bought a new one thanks for the video !

[@TheFeinspa]

Very helpful. My jack has developed about 4-6 inches of slop even trying to lift anything. It's real annoy too when trying to lift up from the rear where you already have limited range from the bumper. Trying this today. 🙏

[@Fierofreak01]

Thanks, just saved a jack that was thrown away at work (was in really good shape too)!

[@pjwoo276]

In the area where you removed the fill screw, I have only 3 screws. 2 are equal distant from the rod in the center and 1 is off to the left. I don't know what is what, and afraid of opening something I shouldn't. Mine is a HF Pittsburg, (racing I think ) similar to yours shown here. How do ya know what all the screws are for. There's no labels and no model or item #. Mine is probably about 15 yr old. It pumps up, but the weight of the car pushes it down quickly. I do not see any leaks.

[@Boogerboys1990]

Excellent going to try this on my aluminum jegs jack. Thanks 😊

[@johnmoyer2849]

Thanks for the video.It worked great.

[@eddiec3961]

Thank you for posting! This is an excellent video!!! 👏🏿

[@RichpinTv]

Your welcome.

[@MattSeals]

Hiya, excellent video you possess there.

[@freddygill3425]

Well done! Thank you sir!

[@aaahhh1000]

Just what I needed to know!

[@f296877]

Great video thanks 👍

[@NEOSOLAIRIS]

I've never done that thanks for the video

[@Aschmorr]

Thanks for making this vijeo my friend

[@TheTexican05]

Outstanding content. Thank you for this video! If you don't mind me asking, is that accent from Rhode Island, CT, or other?

[@briansadler5502]

Very helpful video, I’ve been looking for a video on this exact jack like mine but could not find it until now!

[@RichpinTv]

Glad I could help!

[@thurm101]

Wow. I’ve had this one for a few years. After watching a few KZbin videos. I went to add oil and I must’ve added a half of the container. Didn’t know I needed that much. But it works better now.

[@cyndipatterson2915]

Thank you!

[@SurferSandman]

Thanks for doing this!

[@RichpinTv]

My pleasure!

[@norakat]

On my Pittsburg 1.5 Ton Jack, you are *not* supposed to fill to the top. You fill it up to 1/4 below the fill screw (which is in a different configuration from yours). You bleed at the same time by opening the the valve by turning counterclockwise and pumping the handle, then put more oil till 1/4” below the fill hole. I confirm this is correct as I bought another one and that is the level when it is new. I once filled to the top and it did not work correctly. The manual is wrong because in the bleed procedure in the front it says fill to the top while the one in the middle of the manual says 1/4” below the fill hole.

[@kenweller2032]

I just got what I thought was the exact same jack from HF. The current 2 ton racing jack is item 64542 and the fill screw is in a completely different location and there is no bleed screw. Nicely done video, though.

[@dustin3700]

I have a powerbuild jack with 1 large and 2 small holes how do you know what hole is the fill and the bleed? No luck on a manual online.

[@dieyoung8259]

Great job!

[@RichpinTv]

Thank you.

[@dianacarolinamedinapineda8220]

ERES LA MEJOR FEITA

[@InSterquiliniisInvenitur]

Thanks for showing the whole process!

[@suchairman2]

Of course i see this the day after i bought my replacement HF jack that i purchased bc the previous jack stopped lifting after 10 years. Maybe ill try this for the heck of it and donate it to someone.

[@zyxnix]

Great mine I working like new again

[@Kaelan514]

Does this come pre bled ready to use out of the box? Ordering one.

[@ralphaelalfaro6023]

I used your videos to get my 01 saturn up and running. Passed smog like new. I wonder, do you have video for trolly jack?

[@TheGbizaille]

Thank youuuuu❤❤❤

[@spelunkerd]

My floor jack sags when in use, over a minute or so. I haven't noticed any leaking. Would you check the fluid level first, and if it's OK with no air bubbles, replace the seals and O-rings?

[@RichpinTv]

spelunkerd Finding the parts might be difficult.

[@SteveRobReviews]

Hi Dave I have a Michelin jack and a can/ tire jack both 3 tons. I have the same fault it slowly creeps down over time. I seen a great tip to jack it up to full height and keep jacking 8-10 more times. Seems to work and stop the creeping down but I have to repeat this every couple of months . Worth a try I have no idea how to rebuild these units even if I could find the seals. Take Care.

[@spelunkerd]

Steve Rob Thanks, Steve, I'll give that a try.

[@geronimo1805]

Steve Rob The description of what you're doing scares the "H" out of me for you. You are purposely over-pressuring the jack which is hard on pump and ram seals and even the ram cylinder. If either of the latter two 'blows' your jack is coming down in milliseconds. I wouldn't do it. Sounds like your pressure valve has problems. If it's really sporadic as described it could be that pieces of 'stuff' (cup trimmings, sealant, or just plain old dirt) is floating in your fluid and occasionally gets caught between that ball and seat causing the slow leak. This is actually the most common cause of that problem. With every new pump you might be flushing out a piece or flushing a new one back into that critical spot. A small rust or bad spot on that valve could have the same effect as it rotates with each pumping. Unfortunately, there is no reliable way to 'fix' the dirty oil problem without complete dis-assembly and cleaning.

[@SteveRobReviews]

Geronimo all floor jacks are engineered to go into bypass when fully extended there is no way you can damage any seals. My jacks sits at times for months and air does cause the drop. Been doing this with good results for many years. There is no danger of damaging the jack. Just using the bypass to push air out of the cylinder. Always use jack stands. Thanks for voicing your concerns. It might solve daves condition cant hurt. I don't do this while lifting a car , maybe that's what your thinking. Still just a little harder on your arms .

[@glock316]

It is possible to buy the replacement wheels and the bar for them? Thank you!

[@DoItWithDave]

You Rock

[@ClickClack_Bam]

Now I just bought a Harbor Freight jack. Should I drain the default oil and replace with good oil? If so how do you drain the oil???

[@JulianMerghart]

Thanks for this video. I almost bought a new jack.

[@raczyk]

Thank you for video. I have a 3 ton jack, and works well. My question is, is it safe to jack a car so the jack is vertical? Also when storing the jack should you leave the valve in open or closed position?

[@RichpinTv]

razz I can only tell you what i do and that is i try not to go to full extension and i leave the valve open when not in use.

[@raczyk]

richpin06a Thanks for clarifying your best practices.

[@willfreethemfreethem7671]

Do I need to do this to a brand new one?

[@tombouie]

Thks again

[@oldwortex5818]

you bled it first and then added oil ? Why not bled AFTER you add oil ?

[@Richard.Hybels]

I hav3 a HF jack that is 7 years old and won’t lift anything all of a sudden. I fail to see how the fix in the video works if the jack did not leak oil but I’ll be happier it does.

[@dagonGate7]

Hello guys. I have a small Chinese 2 ton floor jack that serve me well the last 5 years. The problem (I think i have) is that it doesn't stay up. What I mean.. with no load I lift it and the next day Is down. It drops about 1-2cm every 20 minutes. I change the oil and do the bleeding procedure already. Also when I turn anticlockwise the pressure valve to lower the jack,the silicone filler cap pop up. I press the side of it with a flat screwdriver and always push air out,no matter how many times I do bleed it before. I pull oylut some oil and now the filler plug stays in strong but again when I press it air goes out. There is no leak outside. Is that normal or I should something else?

[@fladoodel]

What are those other two screws for? My jack only has the two screws like urs next to the stickers

[@brettkramer]

Hey Rich, nice video! I have a Harbor Freight floor jack almost identical to the one in this video. Yesterday, it started leaking hydraulic fluid. Have you had a leak issue with yours? Mine left a puddle of fluid under the jack.

[@RichpinTv]

As of yet i have not had any leakage.

[@Carlostype]

Just wondering, when transporting Jack can it lay in any position as mine when in its case would be carried on its side etc, thanks

[@geronimo1805]

Typey1 Yes it 'can' but if the base where the valves are located is raised above the oil level you will likely need to bleed air out of it.

[@ericgungon5372]

Hi rich. I've been having an issue with my low profile pittsburgh hydraulic jack. Since about a month ago, the jack handle moves freely within the handle insert without lowering the jack. I turn counter clockwise as usual to lower the jack, but it doesn't release. Was wondering if you could help me fix the issue so i don't have to buy a new one! Your input would be great.

[@RichpinTv]

Eric Gungon I will have to look into how the handle is secured.

[@ericgungon5372]

richpin06a rich, let me know how you can help. I'd be greatful

[@cashmoneyv197436ify]

What's the best jack oil or hydraulic fluid 2 use? I see that 1 has the 2 sliver handles on that in 4 wheels the I seen only has 1 handle in 1 solid wheel in between the jack did they change the jack style?

[@brianclark2119]

The single rear roller is on their 1 1/2 ton jacks The new 1 1/2 and 2 ton models only have 1 side handle.

[@rockyk1395]

I did exactly what you did and my jacks goes up and stays uo however its too weak to pump up my car. Any advice

[@superbutas]

Bleeding is right , but top filling is over.. Hydraulic Jack is used the quantity of oil to limit the height of Jack lift. When the cylinder is full stroke, No oil can be pumped.

[@CodyBishop1989]

What are the bigger plugs for?

[@Danielo197]

Could you use atf

[@alextorres3885]

Good video, but what kind of oil I have to use ?

[@Galfrid]

Hydraulic jack oil only - not motor oil or transmission fluid

[@ainsleyfreeman8130]

AutoZone type jacks put where screw is use power steering fluid works just good power steering fluid is us in a compressed system just like a hydraulic fluid is

[@marko6394]

If the fill screw is the one offset from the others, why doesn't oil shoot out when you pump the handle? My jack is low on oil and when I pump the handle, oil shoots out and I am unable to fill it. No clue how to fill or bleed mine. It's a Central Hydraulics (Harbor Freight).

[@rickygonzalez5480]

When I jack my jack up it will slowly lower its self down what does that mean

[@SonicOrbStudios]

+Ricky Gonzalez either you have a leak in the system such as an O ring has gone bad and needs replacing, or some people fill and then bleed with just the release/lower car valve open. Refer to your jack for specifics on how to bleed and maintain.

[@itsnodawayitustabe5654]

Rhode Island?

[@rk22cc]

fill it with the lift handle upright, not down

[@kdeh21803]

Do you have a video of how to repair a floor jack that will not go all the way up??

[@RichpinTv]

I do not but to me that sounds possible like a jack that is low on oil.

[@akllls617]

how did you know that was the fill screw... is there any markings on jacks or anything that makes it obvious ?

[@akllls617]

and what are you using for "jack" oil

[@RichpinTv]

There are no markings.They way i knew it was the fill screw is because i have a owners manual for the jack.

[@RichpinTv]

I am using jack oil,not sure the brand.

[@magdaborrego6276]

richpin06a m

[@wowzers9270]

Excellent question mate! Markings to make things obvious and easier is the way to go!

[@percynorris2498]

What's the other two srews for?

[@johnmoyer2849]

I tried bleeding my jack .It would still only go about half way up and stop no matter how many times I pumped it.

[@johnmoyer2849]

You still have air trapped in it.Bleed it again.If that doesnt fix it you have bad o rinfs

[@MrNightpwner]

Could you do a video repairing a similar jack with a leak please?

[@RichpinTv]

MrNightpwner If one needs it i sure would.

[@MrNightpwner]

richpin06a Thank you.

[@Rabbit.760]

Differential stop leak at autozone

[@Vcoldduck]

but will it hold is the question!

[@ChaotiX1]

I have a Pittsburg 3-ton jack that I just bought. Ive looked for a way to get to the fill hole, but it seems like its shielded by a piece that was welded onto the top. None of my tools can reach through the tiny gap that they give me on the jack, and I am essentially stuck. Keep in mind, im new to floor jacks and I just bought this one two days ago. Any help at all would be much appreciated.

[@RichpinTv]

+Cantrio X Can you get a rubber hose in there.

[@ChaotiX1]

richpin06a no

[@SonicOrbStudios]

+Cantrio X welded? sometimes they put a snap on cover over that bit, try seeing if it won't pop off.

[@dalilarico5916]

hey hey I i

[@ChaotiX1]

***** Yup, it's definitely welded. No taking it off. I see the plug, but there is no way for me to get to it.

[@justsaiyansteve]

Easy!

[@marvinrivera7947]

Thank you!!! I was about to throw mine and go to harbor freight for another one to last another 2 years.

[@anthonypiligno7618]

How do you refill and prime a 10-ton hand pump..............jon_jon.......

[@angelisone]

Anyone knows where I can buy o-rings & gaskets for Central Hydraulics Item 92782 (similar to above model)? FYI: Bleeding & filling are useless if above parts are defective (worn/cracked/shrunk). Can't buy parts (or didn't fit) from HPT.

[@jamescc2010]

I have a different 2-ton jack. I flushed and refilled it and it seems to work great without losing height. However yesterday when I lowered/released twice I heard loud pop on the very first time when I lowered/released it. It lead me to believe I might have to replace it. It did lifted ok but it did made very loud pop sound twice. Anyone had similar experience. It might have air it it and I need to bleed it?

[@RichpinTv]

+James Chuaycham I haven't had this happen to my jack.

[@wagakamakoyo7309]

+richpin06a hey thanks alot for the vid! v3ry helpful!

[@artistvideos]

what kind of oil do you use?

[@RichpinTv]

I believe i used jack oil.

[@kenweller2032]

HF carries CFC Sta-Lube.

[@zx8401ztv]

I dont know the brand but thats very thin at the end, ideal for low vehicles :-), and it lifts really quickly in comparison to ordinary jacks, very nice :D Looks like your going up in the world ha ha lol, sorry bad joke :D

[@RaoulThomas007]

zx8401ztv It's a Pittsburgh jack, 0:16, typically found at Harbor Freight!

[@zx8401ztv]

***** I did hear him say the brand, i said "i dont know the brand" meaning ive never seen one with that name before. We dont have the brand in the uk, harbor freight does not exist in the uk.

[@RaoulThomas007]

Ahh, my bad!

[@zx8401ztv]

***** ha ha :-D

[@RichpinTv]

zx8401ztv It has been very good so far.

[@Gabe-ss1hi]

When i bleed the air out fluid started leaking out what should i do

[@RichpinTv]

+Gabe You might be bleeding it to fast.

[@rockyloccgarage2040]

I put the hydraulic fluid in it and let it leak everywhere, i just kept filling it as i would let the pump handle up i kept on pumping the handle and adding more fluid and you could tell the difference in color, I pushed the bar inward to the front and capped them with the fluid topped off, to the top at both sides,

[@daquilema2011]

what kind of oil did you use? thanks

[@deadman12078]

daquilema2011 "Jack oil"... I wonder about this too. Have used transmission fluid. Wonder if that is acceptable. MrNightpwner asked about repairing a leaking jack. In my case a bad o-ring. Every few months I have to top her off when the jack won't go high enough because of lack of fluid.

[@RichpinTv]

daquilema2011 I used Hydraulic Jack Oil.

[@geronimo1805]

Clay Ton ATF's ok but the 10W oil labeled as Hydraulic Jack Oil is maybe a bit better. I knew an old mechanic that would use 30W motor oil in his jacks as they started leaking. Slows down the leak, but slows down the action too. He'd have to wait at the top of every stroke for that oil to slowly move through chambers.

[@SgtJoeSmith]

What if it goes up no load but won't go up with a load?

[@onegrowdon4u]

Yeah what it goes up but not under a load

[@songofyesterday]

I followed manual which said to loosen not remove screw. Then pump. I did. And oil got everywhere lol

[@jasonwatson1412]

Exactly same here and I'm steaming pissed. I'm following the cheap Chinese diagram that doesn't even show the right screw layout for my model but even after looking it up here this brand new jack leaks oil all over when trying to bleed it as the manual tells me to do. Either it came overstuffed with oil or the jack has some kind of issue. Did u ever figure out your leaking problem?

[@micthegreasemonkey2918]

i filled mine right up and when i went to use it the filler plug popped open and oil exploded everywhere. to full o suppose.

[@joel4210]

MicTheGreaseMonkey did you tighten down? Seems like it might have been loose

[@micthegreasemonkey2918]

@@joel4210 nah its just a rubber plug not a screw type. But i drained it re filled with oil & purged the air fully. Working great. First brand new professional jack i hav ever owned & feel safe working with it. Absolutely rapped goes nice & high not last my first 1 had 2 put wood on it to get the xtra height. Nerv racking. Tstl .

[@mazzmari]

What kind of oil is that exactly?

[@RichpinTv]

mazzmari That is Hydraulic Jack Oil.

[@petrocksgarage]

richpin06a, is this oil a specialty item or something I can pick up at a local auto parts or hardware store? Thanks...

[@RichpinTv]

Pet Rock's Garage It is pretty common.

[@IamDoctorJekyll]

Yes, available at better auto stores. The best bottles have a decent tapered nozzle. Don't substitute.

[@AntoineFinch]

ONLY ONE OF MY CYLINDERS MOVES THE OTHER DOES NOT?

[@LiveFree-ij3hn]

I have to do that to mine then, its newer but won't lift.

[@ww-eo5hx]

Well...when i bleed it didn't any oil come up. So i just filled it with common sense. And ill try. It again

[@ubaldozepeda5489]

mi no entender

[@louissparks2496]

You left something out.

[@BlackHawkPSU]

It's now OVERFILLED with oil which isn't good. The oil level should be just above the cylinder when looking in the hole.

[@tuoitreomaha9096]

BlackHawkPSU can you please explain what you mean by “just above cylinder”. What cylinder???

[@houndawg3]

Look in the fill hole. The oil should be right at the top of the pump piston.

[@Robs_Got_A_Gun]

Don't over-fill your Jack...... i recommend Filling it Full while the Handle is Down/Horizontal that is when the fluid rises. I made the mistake of Filling mine Full with the jack handle Vertical and as soon as i went to Pump down the handle Fluid went Gushing out it was over full...

[@RichpinTv]

Thank you for the information, very helpful.

[@MrSqueakinator]

I wish when I walked outside it was that quiet.

[@SonicOrbStudios]

+Sky Walker move into the middle of nowhere :p

[@MrSqueakinator]

I wish I could. Hard to do when you don't have any money. Can't stay here but leave either.

[@SonicOrbStudios]

***** eh, I know the feeling, trying to move in a year or two myself, just moved cross country 6 months ago.

[@slowsoftkisses4u]

I feel asleep watching....the bird came into play and that did it......i was out.....zzzzzzzzz

[@zoktoberfest]

Why didn't you fill the jack reservoir first and then bleed it?

[@JasonEasthamCC]

Thanks... I'm doing this today, and I completely filled the res first, then pumped it, and oil came out for the first 4 pumps... I assume the oil that came out means that was excess, and was overfilled? Jack works fine...

[@djdedeo0]

That's not all aluminium. Your jack looks new.