Trolley Jack Oil

MULLEY · Post by **MULLEY** » Thu Jul 09, 2009 4:11 pm

Erm, sorry if this is a bit daft, but i think my trolley jack is low on oil as it wont raise the car anymore. Having read the instructions its told me where to top it up, but does specifically say Car Jack Oil, erm can i use any oil or does it have to be specifically as said?

ken newbold · Post by **ken newbold** » Thu Jul 09, 2009 4:31 pm

I've just been in a motorist's shop today and seen just such stuff. 1 Ltr bottles of car jack oil

citronut · Post by **citronut** » Thu Jul 09, 2009 4:31 pm

some car jacks use minaral oil and others use vegatable oil, if you put the wrong one in it can destroy the seals in the jack,

i have often thought about putting LHM in my 3ton sealy jack, but not done as yet

regards malcolm

prm · Post by **prm** » Thu Jul 09, 2009 8:55 pm

Ideally any 32 type mineral Hydraulic Oil, around 10 SAE. BP – HLP. 32. Castrol 32. etc.

You could even use contractor’s hydraulic oil, which has rust inhibitors and anti foaming additives added.

Also emergency replacement oil for LHM.

LHM is fine for jacks, as a top-up, also cycle disc brakes.

Regards

MULLEY · Post by **MULLEY** » Mon Aug 03, 2009 8:50 pm

A bit late finishing this one off, i took the oil plug out & the level seemed fine, pumped it up a couple of times, the oil rose a bit, so put the plug back in without topping it up & low & behold its working fine

No idea why, but it works so i'm not bothered

prm · Post by **prm** » Mon Aug 03, 2009 9:31 pm

Could be oil reservoir under vacuum, not allowing oil into the pumping section.

Quite a common problem on certain makes with rubber filler bungs.
Sometimes, an overfilled reservoir limits the amount of free air capacity for full extension.

If the filler plug is threaded and solid, with no vent hole, leave approx 1/4 turn loose.

If solid rubber plug, remove, raise jack fully and then replace plug. Lowering jack slowly.
If fault reoccurs, remove plug and drill a very small hole through the plug.

Regards