how do i fix a hydraulic jack that has been jacked up to high and won't release to come down?

Question

i loosened the valve and all of the oil came out. is it doomed or can it be fixed?

Answer 1

sounds like the check valve is pressure locked ...unscrew the small piston assemble from the jack let it bleed off some fluid once pressure is off the check valve normal opration should be possible.

Answer 2

Some can be fixed and some are doomed. I fiddled around with one that had the same condition for over 2 hours, and failed to resucitate the patient. I finally got it down by by release one of the bled or fill screws, standing on the pad, etc. It was not easy. I refilled it but could NOT bleed it effectively, which suggested that a seal had probably failed, blow out, etc. A rebuild of the jack cylinder would be required, so it depends on the cost of the jack. If it was $20-40, buy a new one. If more, see if the parts are available or call a hydraulic jack repair outfit to get a quote.

Answer 3

Both mention jacks are hydraulic. I will assume you are talking about the roll around jack used in garages and the bottle jack. Floor Jack Best for general use, like working on cars Easier to use Can get lower More stable can roll around with weight on it More stable lift platform Hydraulic Jack Greatest weight lift, also called bottle jacks Greater lift potential While I have given you what my view of the best is, the floor jack, and why, your dad may do more heavy lifting than I do and need the bottle jack. I even carry a floor jack in my truck, if I get a flat on the boat trailer, it is the only jack I can get under it to change the tire.

Answer 4

You may have air in the system. Try to push it down manually and see if you can jack it up again.

Answer 5

Throw it away, not worth to work with something that may fail again.
They are not that expensive anyway though.

Answer 6

try standing on it....thats what i do when mine sticks.....