Know your Floor Jack Low Profile well. Always inspect the jack before use, looking for cracks, loose nuts or bolts, and any damage that needs attention. When damage is found, repair or replace the jack. You should also be aware of any oil spots or signs of leakage where the jack was stored. Under normal usage, a floor jack should not leak, and signs of leakage indicate that service is needed. Be sure to check the wheels for cracks, flattening on one side, or other damage. The wheels are a critical part of the floor jack system and any damage to them needs to be repaired before the jack is used again.
You should also check if there is any leakage of the hydraulic fluid. If during the inspection, you notice any unusual issue, it is advisable to consult an expert. You should not attempt any repairs, even if it appears to be easy and straightforward. You can only fix it if you are certain about the procedure.
Keep it Clean:
Your floor jack is lubricated using grease due to the fact that grease is solid and does not spill, like oil. Unfortunately, grease seems to attract a lot of dust and dirt and as such, you should make it a habit to clean your jack. You will just need to use a piece of cloth to wipe it down immediately you finish using it. This will prevent dust build up and will make the floor jack ready for use.
Lubricate Moving Parts
For best behavior, floor jack wheels and hinges need to be lubricated using a heavy grease. Grease works better than oils because it will remain in place without dripping. During your annual thorough cleaning, remove built up grease and re-grease when you are done. Some higher quality floor jacks will include a grease fitting for the hinge system, but a majority of jacks do not.
Change the Hydraulic Oil:
Another essential tip in making sure that your floor jack is maintained properly is by ensuring that the oil is replaced frequently. When replacing the oil, you should be keen to note that exact level of the oil so as to avoid potential damage to the floor jack.
Bleed the Cylinder
Be sure to bleed the system after changing oil, or any time you notice erratic behavior of the jack. The best indication that the jack needs to be bled is slow lifting or inability to hold weight once it is lifted. Never use a floor jack that is behaving erratically or even if you have a feeling that something isn’t quite right. Below is a good video on how to properly bleed and fill a hydraulic jack.
Storage
Always release all pressure in the jack cylinder before storing it. Not only does this remove stress on the system to keep it working longer, it will also save you time in setting up the next time you need the jack, and you will need less space for jack storage. Always store the Floor Jack 3T in an upright position to avoid causing potential leaks and jack malfunction.