Hydraulic jacks are today commonly used to lift heavy cars, SUVs, and trucks, so it is important to make sure that the oil in the jack is changed regularly.
With regular use, the oil in the jack can become dirty and cause the jack to not work as efficiently. If you notice that your hydraulic jack is not working as well as it used to, it may be time to change the oil.
The best type of oil to use in a truck jack is a high-quality AW32 hydraulic oil. If you don’t have hydraulic jack oil available for any reason, you can use synthetic machine oil, ISO 150, or 10/20W lightweight motor oil. If you don’t have any of these, your automatic transmission fluid will work as well. All these are great alternatives for your truck’s hydraulic jack.
Choosing the Right Hydraulic Jack Oil
The type of oil that you use in a floor or trolley jack can overall impact its performance. If you want your jack to function smoothly, last longer, and provide the power that is needed to support heavy loads – then you need to choose the right hydraulic oil.
Here are some of the things that you need to look at when choosing the right hydraulic jack oil:
1- The Base Oil Type
The oil base can either be petroleum-based or synthetic. Petroleum-based oil is usually cheaper but has a shorter life expectancy.
On the other hand, synthetic-based oil is more expensive but has a longer lifespan. If you want an oil that can provide your jack with long-term protection, go for a synthetic-based oil.
2- Viscosity
The oil’s viscosity is also an important factor to consider when picking the oil for your floor or bottle jack. Viscosity is a measure of how thick or thin the oil is.
You need to choose an oil with the right viscosity so that it can provide your jack with the best possible performance.
For hydraulic jacks to lift trucks, the recommended oil viscosity is AW32. 10W hydraulic oil is also a good choice, as it can provide your jack with better protection against wear and tear.
3- Additives
The additives present in the oil can also impact the performance of your jack.
Some of the additives that you should look for in hydraulic oil are anti-wear agents, rust inhibitors, and load-carrying additives. These additives can help to protect your jack from wear and tear, rust, and corrosion.
4- Operating Temperature Range
The operating temperature range is also an important factor to consider when choosing the oil for your jack. Typically it should be in a range of -30°C (-22°F) to 140°C (284°F). These are designed to be used in a hydraulic jack and contain high-pressure additives.
You need to choose an oil that can withstand the high temperatures that are generated by the jack during operation. The oil should also be able to protect the jack from cold weather conditions.
5- Fluid Compatibility
You also need to make sure that the oil you choose is compatible with the materials used in your jack.
Some hydraulic oils can damage the seals and O-rings present in the jack. So, it is important to check the compatibility of the oil with the jack before using it.
6- Non-Corrosive
The oil you choose for your jack should also be non-corrosive. This means the oil should also be able to protect the jack from rust and corrosion. It should not damage the metal parts present in the jack.
7- Filterable and Clean
The oil you choose for your jack should also be filterable and clean. This also means that the oil should be able to pass through the filter without any problem. And it should also be free of debris, dirt, and other contaminants.
8- Anti-wear
Now, this is an important factor to consider when choosing the oil for your jack. The high-quality jack oil you choose should be able to protect the jack from wear and tear. And it should also be able to reduce the friction between the parts of the jack.
9- Fire Resistant
It’s also essential to choose an oil that is fire-resistant. This implies it shouldn’t catch fire readily and should be able to put out the flames quickly if it does happen.
10- Price
Last but not least, the price of the oil is also an essential factor to consider when choosing the right oil for your truck jack. You need to choose an oil that fits your budget and provides your jack with the best possible protection.
How to Change Hydraulic Jack Oil? (Step by Step)
It is recommended to change the hydraulic oil in your jack after every 6 to 12 months of use. If you use your jack regularly, changing the oil more often is a good idea.
Here are the steps that you need to follow to change the hydraulic oil in your jack:
Step 1– Place the floor jack on a level surface and ensure it is stable.
Step 2– Remove the plug from the oil fill port and allow the old oil to drain out completely.
Step 3– Clean the area around the oil fill port and the drain plug.
Step 4– Fill the jack with new hydraulic oil.
Step 5– Replace the oil fill plug and tighten it securely.
Step 6– Lower the jack to its lowest position and raise it back up again slowly.
Step 7– Check for any leaks around the oil fill plug or the drain plug.
Step 8– Your jack is now ready for use.
Changing the oil in a bottle jack
If it’s a bottle jack, you need to change the oil; the process is a little different than a trolley or floor jack. You will need to:
- Unscrew the hydraulic jack’s oil fill plug to open the release valve opening and drain the old oil into a container.
- Clean the area around the plug with a rag to remove any dirt or debris.
- Refill the bottle jack with new oil using the type and amount recommended in your owner’s manual.
- Screw the oil fill plug back in place and check the level of oil by depressing the handle. The oil should reach the “full” line on the dipstick.
- Wipe up any spilled oil with a rag. You’re now ready to use your hydraulic jack!
There are a few signs that indicate that it is time to change the oil in your jack. If you notice any of these signs, then it is time to change the oil:
- The oil has turned dark in color.
- The oil has a burnt smell.
- The jack is making strange noises.
- The jack is not working as efficiently as it used to.
- The hydraulic system is leaking.
Overall, there are different types of oils that can be used in a hydraulic jack, but not all oils are created equal. Some oils may be too thick and could cause the jack to work less efficiently. Other oils may be too thin and could cause the jack to leak.
Do your research before purchasing to get the best value for your money. Also, be sure to follow the steps above to change the oil in your jack correctly. Doing so will ensure that your jack works efficiently and lasts for a long time.