Ask a Tech: DIY How to fix a hydraulic Jack

Dear Tech Tips: DIY Solutions

This feature story can be found in the Fall edition of AME International’s Gazette, a new publication (written in a 1920s newspaper style) coming to your door in the packing slip envelope on most boxes.

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Inquiry:

Dear Tech Tips,
I’m in quite a pickle and I hope you can lend me your expertise! I work in the construction industry and recently encountered a troublesome situation with my hydraulic jack. The jack has decided to hold onto its load and refuses to release. As you can imagine, with a hefty piece of equipment suspended in mid-air, it’s not just inconvenient, it’s a downright ca­lamity! I’ve tried everything within my knowledge but to no avail. I can’t seem to get it to budge, and I fear the worst: send­ing it in for repairs and dealing with the dreaded downtime. Please, Tech Tips, do you have any suggestions on how I can fix this myself?

Sincerely, Jack in a Jam

Response:

Dear Jack in a Jam,
Goodness gracious, you certainly have found yourself in a bind! Fear not, for I’m here to assist you in getting that stubborn jack to behave. Let’s tackle this mechanical conundrum together and get your equipment back on solid ground where it belongs.

The issue you’re experiencing with your hydraulic jack is not uncommon and can often be resolved without the need for professional repairs. It sounds like the jack isn’t releasing due to a bit of an airlock or a slight misalignment of internal compo­nents. Here’s a step-by-step solution that should have your jack functioning proper­ly in no time.

Solution:

1. 1. Gather Your Tools: First, you’ll need a box wrench and a pair of channel locks. These are more reliable for the task at hand than trying to muscle through it by hand.
   2. Locate the Hose and Coupler: Find the hose that connects to your hydraulic jack. This is where we’ll focus our efforts
   3. Tighten Up: Using your box wrench and channel locks, securely tighten the coupler. Ensure it’s firm, but don’t overdo it; just enough to ensure there’s no room for air to escape.
   4. Release the Air: The goal here is to get air into the valves to prompt the release mechanism. The problem usually lies with the two internal balls or pins (depending on your coupler model) not touching correct­ly. By tightening the coupler, the proper air pressure will encourage these components to align and engage properly.
   5. Test your Work: Once you’ve tightened the coupler, try operating the release mechanism again. The jack should now release, allowing whatever you have jacked up to safely return to the ground.

   If you’re a visual learner or need a bit more guidance, I recommend watching this helpful video on hydraulic jack trouble­shooting, accessing it through the QR code below. It covers similar issues and provides a clear, step-by-step demonstration.

Summary:

Keep your chin up and your wrench handy, Jack in a Jam! With these tips, you should have your hy­draulic jack sorted out and your vehicle back on the ground in no time. If ever you find yourself in another mechanical bind, you know where to find me. Worse comes to worst, send us your tools and we can give them a repair make­over! Check out our website for tool repair at ameintl.net/repairs.

Yours in mechanical solidarity,
Ryan, your Tech with Tips
AME International Repair Department