How To Add Oil To A 2-ton Floor Jack in 8 Easy Steps

Want to add oil to your floor jack? If so, you’ve landed at the right place. This blog is on how to add oil to a 2-ton floor jack.

The floor jack may not be reaching its max height, or it will not be holding the load. All of this happens when you have a problem with the jack’s oil. If you want to renew the oil or add it because it has leaked from the jack, let’s get started.

How To Add Oil To A 2 Ton Floor Jack: Step by Step Guide

Safety Precautions

Before starting the process, it is important to follow safety measures. Firstly, make sure that the floor jack is on a level surface. Secondly, never attempt to add oil to the jack while it is under load. Always release the load before adding oil.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before adding oil to a 2-ton floor jack, you will need the following tools and materials:

A socket wrench
A funnel
A container to catch the old oil
New oil (check the owner’s manual for the recommended oil type)

Bleed the Jack

Release the jack and let it stay at its lowest height. This helps the oil to stay in the chamber so that you remove all the oil when adding a new one to the tank. It’s important to keep the jack at the nonoperational stage. It can be done by releasing the jack. Or in other words, removing the air out of the jack’s oil chamber.

Locate the Oil Filler Plug

To locate the oil filler plug, you will need to find out the oil reservoir in the 2-ton floor jack. It can be covered with a steel sheet between the handle and the lifting part of the jack. As you can see in the image.

Here, some brands have placed a small magnetic tray where you can keep the lugs and nuts. In this floor jack, the oil filler plug is right under it. Once you remove the cover, you will clearly see a screw there, that’s the oil plug.

You will need to unbolt the screw or the oil filler plug using a screwdriver. Doing so will give you access to the oil tank where you will need to put in new oil.

Drain the Old Oil

Draining the old oil is necessary to ensure that the new oil is clean and will not be contaminated. Follow these steps to drain the old oil:

Position the floor jack over the oil catch container.
Using a socket wrench, remove the oil filler plug.
Allow the old oil to drain completely into the container.
Once all the oil has been drained, replace the oil filler plug.

Refill the Jack with New Oil

Choosing the right type of oil is crucial in ensuring the floor jack functions optimally. Refer to the owner’s manual for the recommended oil type. Follow these steps to refill the jack with new oil:

Place a funnel into the oil filler hole.
Pour the recommended amount of new oil into the jack. Refer to the owner’s manual for the exact amount of oil to add.
Remove the funnel and wipe any excess oil around the oil filler hole.
Replace the oil filler plug.

Tips on How to Avoid Overfilling the Jack with Oil

It is important not to overfill the jack with oil as it can lead to damage. Follow these tips to avoid overfilling the jack with oil:

Refer to the owner’s manual for the recommended amount of oil to add.
Add oil in small increments and check the oil level after each increment.
Ensure that the jack is not tilted while adding oil.

Test the Jack

After adding new oil, it is important to test the jack to ensure that it is functioning correctly. Follow these steps to test the jack:

Pump the jack handle a few times to build pressure.
Position the jack under a load that does not exceed its maximum weight capacity.
Lift the load with the jack and ensure that it is stable.
Release the load and lower the jack.

Last Words

Adding oil to a 2-ton floor jack is an essential aspect of maintenance. It ensures that the jack functions optimally and prolongs its lifespan. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can safely and effectively add oil to your 2-ton floor jack. Remember to always refer to the owner’s manual for specific instructions and recommended oil types. Proper care and maintenance of a floor