Anyone ever fixed a leaky hydraulic jack?

[MetroMPG]

I've got an old floor jack that leaks. I have to add oil (veggie oil at this point, since I know it'll just seep out again) if I want to use it. SO... I pretty much don't use it.

I'm just wondering if anyone's ever had that sort of problem and fixed it.

[dcb]

I've done brake piston seals before, probably a similar deal, tricky part is finding the seals.

[truckncycle]

WikiAnswers basically said the problem is finding a part source. Does it have a manufacturers label that you can search on?

You may try Hydraulic Supply Co. Browse/Request Catalog

[vtec-e]

I did one of those trolley jacks and i got lucky with the seal. I found it in work... heh!
Pretty easy job actually. I even got the hydraulic oil in there too. Gear oil would do i suppose?

ollie

[wagonman76]

I just keep adding oil every once in a while. By the time I source the seals and pay shipping, I could probably buy another new $20 jack. But it would be fun to rebuild one.

[vtec-e]

Exactly. If i had to go and buy the seals and oil then i'd be less keen on doing it.

[MetroMPG]

I guess I'll pull it apart and get the seals out to see if anyone has replacements.

Thanks for the replies everyone.

[Christ]

Check with a bearing manufacturer... they can usually have custom seals made, if you can't find them.

I always buy the same jack, over and over again, so that when one breaks, I can use another one, and when that one breaks, I can fix one of them from the other's parts.

I never refill with hydraulic fluid, either. Hydraulic fluid isn't actually necessary in a jack, as long as you're using a heavy enough fluid to not seep past the seals. Cooking oil works fine, as does used motor oil. (You won't need it often enough to actually warrant keeping your motor oil, but it still works.)

I always refill them with heavy cooking oils, since it's extremely cheap, and there's always some left in the bottle when you're done with it, that you wouldn't mess with draining in the kitchen, but for some reason, it's OK to mess with getting the last drops in the garage... (I let motor oil bottles sit upside down over a coffee can for a week too, to make sure I get all the "good stuff" out.)