The only job of a jack is to lift a car off the ground so it can be safely maintained or repaired. For the busy auto mechanic and home DIYer, a reliable floor jack is an essential tool for any garage.
As such, you don’t want to find yourself in a situation where your floor jack won’t go up. Unfortunately, this is a common problem that can be very frustrating. Jacks are mainly used for changing tires, brake repairs, and oil changes, which can become complicated if the floor jack doesn’t go up.
In this article, we will explore possible causes for your floor jack not lifting correctly and how to fix it. With a little effort and time, you should be able to troubleshoot and repair your floor jack so it’s back in working order.
Possible Causes of a Floor Jack not Going Up
A floor jack is an essential tool for any mechanic, but sometimes it can fail to lift a car. If your floor jack isn’t going up, there could be several possible causes.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common reasons why this might happen:
Lack of hydraulic fluid
A floor jack needs hydraulic fluid to operate correctly, and if this fluid has been depleted or is not adequately filled, the jack will not be able to lift the car. Make sure your jack is filled with the right hydraulic fluid, and check it periodically to ensure it is at the correct level.
Air in the hydraulic system
Another possible cause of a floor jack not going up is air trapped in the hydraulic system. If there is an air pocket, you can try using hydraulic fluid to fill in the gaps. If the air pocket persists, you may need to consult a mechanic or replace certain hydraulic system components.
Damaged or worn seals or O-rings
The seals and O-rings in a floor jack can become damaged or worn over time, leading to leaks and making it difficult for the jack to lift the car. If your jack is not going up, check for worn or damaged seals and O-rings and replace them if necessary.
Faulty or damaged hydraulic pump
The hydraulic pump is one of the essential components of a floor jack, and if it is damaged or faulty, the jack will not be able to lift the car. If you suspect your hydraulic pump may be damaged, contact a mechanic.
Bent or damaged lifting arm or saddle
A floor jack’s lifting arm or saddle is responsible for supporting the load when it is lifted. If the lifting arm or saddle is bent or damaged, the jack will not be able to provide adequate support and may not lift the car. You should inspect these components regularly for any signs of damage or wear.
So in summary, why won’t my floor jack go up? This could be due to a number of reasons such as a bent or damaged lifting arm or saddle, a faulty or damaged hydraulic pump, or a lack of hydraulic fluid or air in the hydraulic system.
How to Troubleshoot and Fix a Floor Jack Not Going Up
Now that you know the possible causes of a floor jack not going up, you can begin to troubleshoot and fix the problem. Here are some steps you should take:
1. Check the hydraulic fluid level and add more if needed
The fluid should be checked regularly and topped up when necessary. To check the fluid level, remove the top cover of the floor jack and locate the dipstick. If there is insufficient fluid, top it up with a compatible hydraulic oil.
2. Bleed any air from the hydraulic system
Air trapped in the system can affect the jack’s performance, resulting in it not going up. To remove the air, locate the bleeder valve and attach a hose. Open the valve and slowly pump the jack handle until no air bubbles are visible in the hose. Close the bleeder valve once all the air has been removed.
3. Replace any damaged or worn seals or O-rings
Damaged or worn seals and O-rings can cause leaks in the hydraulic system, resulting in a lack of power and preventing the jack from going up. Replace any damaged or worn seals or O-rings with new ones to restore proper operation.
4. Repair or replace the hydraulic pump if necessary
If it is clear that the seals, O-rings, and fluid levels are all in order, but the jack still isn’t going up, it could be a problem with the hydraulic pump. This will need to be repaired or replaced depending on the severity of the issue.
5. Straighten or replace a bent or damaged lifting arm or saddle
If the floor jack still isn’t going up, there may be an issue with the lifting arm or saddle. Inspect the arm and saddle to see if they are bent or damaged.
Safety considerations when using a floor jack
Proper use of a floor jack is essential for your and your vehicle’s safety. It is important always to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using a floor jack and to ensure that it is used properly.
It is also important to note that a floor jack should never be used on an uneven or unstable surface. Uneven surfaces can cause the vehicle to shift unpredictably and increase the risk of injury.
Always use the jack on a stable, flat surface to keep the vehicle in place. Taking the necessary safety precautions when using a floor jack ensures that you and your vehicle remain safe and secure.
How to Maintain a Floor Jack for Optimal Performance
To maintain a floor jack for optimal performance, it is important to:
- Regularly check and add hydraulic fluid and bleed air from the system as needed.
- When checking and adding hydraulic fluid, ensure the correct type is used.
- Bleeding air from the system as needed is essential to maintain a floor jack for optimal performance.
- Inspecting and replacing worn or damaged parts is another essential step in maintaining a floor jack for optimal performance.
- Storing the jack properly is also essential for maintaining a floor jack for optimal performance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using a Floor Jack
Mistakes are often made when using a floor jack. To ensure your safety and the proper functioning of your vehicle, be sure to avoid making these common mistakes:
- Ensure that the location at which the jack is placed on the vehicle is suitable for lifting.
- It is best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, which specify the recommended placement area.
- Be sure to use a jack rated for your vehicle’s weight.
- Failing to do so could damage both the jack and the vehicle, as well as potential injury.
- When lifting your vehicle, it is important to use jack stands or other support to ensure it remains in place after removing the jack.
Conclusion – Why Won’t My Floor Jack Go Up
A floor jack is a valuable tool for safely and quickly lifting a vehicle to access its undercarriage. However, it is important to take the necessary safety precautions when using a floor jack and to maintain and check it for optimal performance regularly.
Regularly check and add hydraulic fluid, bleed air from the system as needed, inspect and replace worn or damaged parts, and store the jack properly to protect it from damage.
It is also important to avoid common mistakes to ensure the vehicle remains in place after removing the jack. With proper care and maintenance, a floor jack can provide reliable performance for a long time.
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I am passionate about all things automotive and have a deep understanding of the topic. As a mechanic, I use my free time to share knowledge of everyday challenges that any car owner can experience – helping you make informed decisions about tires.