How to Change Floor Jack Oil

Floor jacks use hydraulic oil pressure to lift heavy objects such as your car or lawn tractor. You may need to change the hydraulic oil if the jack will not lift heavy objects or can't sustain the pressure for an extended period of time. The hydraulic oil can be drained and filled through a filler screw on the jack. When you change the oil, use hydraulic oil, not standard motor oil, to prevent damaging the jack.

Hydraulic oil
Screwdriver
Drain pan
Newspaper

Instructions

- 1
  Place the floor jack on newspaper to prevent oil from damaging the surface of your work area. Turn the jack handle counterclockwise to release all the pressure in the jack.
- 2
  Locate the oil filler screw on the side of the jack. Clean dirt and debris from around the filler screw with a rag. Remove the oil filler screw with a screwdriver.
- 3
  Place a drain pan under the oil filler screw to catch the oil. Tilt the jack toward the drain pan to allow the oil to drain through the filler hole. Dispose of the old oil according to your local regulations.
- 4
  Pour the new hydraulic oil into the oil filler hole until the level is 3/16-inch above the inner cylinder. Rapidly pump the jack handle to remove air from the cylinder.
- 5
  Insert the oil filler screw and tighten with a screwdriver. Turn the jack handle clockwise and test the jack to make sure it works properly.

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