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How to Add Oil to a Hydraulic Jack

Hydraulic jacks are used to lift heavy objects, such as cars. They are standard tools in automotive shops. Hydraulic jacks require fluid to push the pistons that lift heavy objects off of the ground. You can purchase a hydraulic jack, and the oil required to make it function, at an auto parts store. Use these tips to add oil to a hydraulic jack.

Method One of Three:
Select the Type of Hydraulic JackEdit

1
Choose either a hydraulic floor jack or a hydraulic bottle jack. A floor jack has a piston that operates in a horizontal motion. A bottle jack features a piston that moves vertically.

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Method Two of Three:
Add Oil to a Hydraulic Floor JackEdit

1
Prepare the jack. Ensure that the jack is completely lowered. Turn the jack's release valve counterclockwise to lower the jack if necessary.
2
Locate the oil filler port. The hydraulic jack's oil filler port is located on the jack's reservoir. The reservoir is the vertical cylinder mounted on the flat base of the jack. The oil filler port is located towards the bottom of the reservoir, near the flat base of the jack.
3
Add the oil.
- Remove the plug or screw from the oil filler port.
- Insert the nozzle of the oilcan into the oil filler port.
- Pour oil into the oil filler port.
- Stop pouring the oil as soon as it begins to leak out of the oil filler port.
4
Close the oil filler port. Replace the plug or screw in the oil filler port.

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Method Three of Three:
Add Oil to a Hydraulic Bottle JackEdit

1
Prepare the jack. Ensure that the jack is completely lowered. Turn the jack's release valve counterclockwise to lower the jack if necessary.
2
Locate the filler hole. Find the hydraulic jack's reservoir. The reservoir is the largest external cylinder on the jack. There should be a plug or screw approximately 1/3 of the way down from the top of the reservoir.
3
Add the oil.
- Remove the plug or screw from the filler hole.
- Place the nozzle of the oilcan into the filler hole.
- Pour oil into the filler hole.
- Stop pouring the oil once it has risen to a level 1/8 inch (.3 cm) beneath the filler hole.
4
Close the filler hole. Replace the plug or screw in the filler hole.

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Community Q&A

Add New Question

Can motor oil be used instead of hydraulic oil?

Answered by wikiHow Contributor
- Yes, it can, but it's not ideal. Try ATF if you really don't want to use hydraulic oil.
Thanks! 12 7
What do I do if my bottle jack doesn't have a plug on the side to put fluid in?

Answered by Steffi Kaizun
- You should be able to remove the release screw/bolt (the thing you tighten/loosen to raise/lower the jack) completely and fill it from there with hydraulic jack fluid. However, it will be difficult to know when it's full. Keep that port facing up to avoid leaks. Test the jack every 2 ozs to ensure smooth operation. Stop filling if it seems to slip or fails to hold up under weight (you may even need to drain some).
Thanks! 7 4
Will changing the oil in an auto hydraulic jack increase its longevity and reduce leaks?

Answered by wikiHow Contributor
- Yes. Over time moisture can find its way into the system and compromise the compression characteristics of the oil, making it dangerous to use the jack.
Thanks! 7 5
Can I use brake fluid in a jack?

Answered by wikiHow Contributor
- No. Brake systems are hydraulic, but the fluid is very different form standard hydraulic oil.
Thanks! 2 1
Can I use hydraulic oil in a log splitter?

Answered by wikiHow Contributor
- Yes, but you also can use ATF, which is cheaper than hydraulic fluid.
Thanks! 2 1
How do I get the air out of a bottle jack?

Answered by wikiHow Contributor
- Lowering it completely will remove the air. Adding the fluid it will push any remaining air out.
Thanks! 1 3

What if after filling my hydraulic jack won't extend fully with weight on it?

Answer
Can I use hydraulic fluid instead of brake fluid

Answer
Should the piston be fully extended or pushed down?

Answer
What is the best oil to use hydraulic or ATF?

Answer
How do I oil my hydraulic jack?

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TipsEdit

Consult the owner's manual for your particular hydraulic jack. Each brand of hydraulic jack is made differently, and may require unique means of moving through the general process of filling the jack with oil.

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WarningsEdit

Do not fill the jack with any fluid that contains alcohol. Brake fluid should not be used in a hydraulic jack.

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Do not open the overload valves or check valves. Tampering with overload or check valves may damage bearings or springs in the hydraulic jack.

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Be sure to remove all air inside the jack after filling with fluid. Most jacks can be bled by raising it in its highest position then releasing. This should be done 2-3 times before first use.

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