Anyone know much about floor jacks? - F-Body Road Racing and Autocross Forums

I have one of those cheap US General aluminum 3,000lb floor jacks. Over time, the working stroke had been slowly decreasing and I finally saw it leak a significant amount of oil. I filled it up through the fill hole until oil backed out of the bleeder screw (according to the label on the jack). To test the jack, I stood on the pad and worked the handle to produce lift. This works OK. However, when I go back up with the jack handle to have another stroke, the pad drops in proportion to the movement of the handle. Essentially what is happening is that on the down stroke I lift the pad and on the up stroke, the pad lowers.

With no weight, it works normally.

Has an internal seal failed in this jack and is it shagged?

KeithO View Member Profile	Feb 27 2005, 06:32 PM Post #1
Veteran Member Group: Advanced Members Posts: 2,647 Joined: 23-December 03 From: Pittsburgh, PA Member No.: 14	I have one of those cheap US General aluminum 3,000lb floor jacks. Over time, the working stroke had been slowly decreasing and I finally saw it leak a significant amount of oil. I filled it up through the fill hole until oil backed out of the bleeder screw (according to the label on the jack). To test the jack, I stood on the pad and worked the handle to produce lift. This works OK. However, when I go back up with the jack handle to have another stroke, the pad drops in proportion to the movement of the handle. Essentially what is happening is that on the down stroke I lift the pad and on the up stroke, the pad lowers. With no weight, it works normally. Has an internal seal failed in this jack and is it shagged?

KeithO View Member Profile	Feb 27 2005, 11:20 PM Post #2
Veteran Member Group: Advanced Members Posts: 2,647 Joined: 23-December 03 From: Pittsburgh, PA Member No.: 14	Thanks. I guess I need to have a better look.