Hydraulic jacks are used to lift heavy objects, such as cars. This tool should be available in every workshop. Hydraulic jacks require fluid to push a piston that lifts objects off the ground. You can buy a hydraulic jack and its oil at a repair shop. Use the following tips to add oil to the hydraulic jack.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Selecting the Hydraulic Jack Type
Step 1. Choose between a floor hydraulic jack or a bottle hydraulic jack
A floor jack has a piston that moves horizontally, while a bottle jack has a piston that moves vertically.
Method 2 of 3: Adding Oil to the Hydraulic Floor Jack
Step 1. Prepare the jack
Make sure the jack is fully lowered. Turn the jack release valve counterclockwise to lower the jack if necessary.
Step 2. Locate the oil filler port
The hydraulic jack oil filler port is in the jack reservoir, which is a vertical cylinder on the flat bottom of the jack. This port goes to the bottom of the reservoir, near the bottom of the jack.
Step 3. Add oil
- Remove the plug or screw from the oil filler port.
- Insert the oil can nozzle into the oil filler port.
- Pour oil into the oil filler port.
- Stop pouring oil as soon as it appears to be starting to overflow.
Step 4. Close the oil filler port
Replace the plug or screw in the oil filler port.
Method 3 of 3: Adding Oil to the Hydraulic Bottle Jack
Step 1. Prepare the jack
Make sure the jack is fully lowered. Turn the jack release valve counterclockwise to lower the jack if necessary.
Step 2. Find the filler hole
Look for a hydraulic jack reservoir. The reservoir is the largest cylinder on the jack. You'll find the plug or screw about 1/3 from the top of the reservoir.
Step 3. Add oil
- Remove the plug or screw from the filler hole.
- Place the nozzle of the oil can into the filler hole.
- Pour oil into the filler hole.
- Stop pouring oil once it reaches 0.3 cm below the filler hole.
Step 4. Close the filler hole
Replace the plug or screw in the filler hole.
Tips
Read the manual for the hydraulic jack used. Each brand of hydraulic jack is made differently, and requires a unique way of filling the jack oil
Warning
- Do not fill the jack with liquids containing alcohol. Brake fluid should not be used in hydraulic jacks.
- Do not open the overload valve or check valve. If you tamper with the overload or check valves, you could damage the bearings (machine elements to limit the relative motion between two or more engine components) or the springs in the hydraulic jack.
- Be sure to remove all the air in the jack after filling the liquid. Most jacks will leak if they are raised to their highest position and then released. Do this 2-3 times before using the jack for the first time.
