Nothing is more aggravating than when you need to use your bottle jack, but it refuses to move or is entirely stuck. This is due to maintenance problems when air is stuck in the mechanism.
You'll find that the hydraulic press can't lift as much weight as the manufacturer claims. Or that the load slowly loses height after it's been lifted. This is because if the system has air in it, the jack won't lift anything.
Therefore, a bottle jack needs occasional bleeding, especially if it is used frequently. So, let's look at how to bleed a bottle jack. It's a simple procedure that can be completed easily.
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Let's Talk About the Tools Required To Bleed
Bottle jack bleeding is important, and with just a few steps, you will be able to start working with the jacks as before. However, a few tools are required, and these are:
Flathead Screwdriver
Grab one of these handy tools, everyone has one lying around somewhere, and now it's time to put it to work.
Hydraulic Fluid
Tons of varieties can be found in the market nowadays. Grab a high-quality hydraulic oil for greater sustenance over the period of use.
8 Steps To Bleed Air From A Bottle Jack
Now that you have all the tools you need, let's look at the step-by-step guideline:
Step 1: Acquaint Yourself with the Tools
If you don't have any prior experience in bleeding bottle jacks, then it's wise to acquaint yourself with all the pieces of bottle jacks. You can do this by looking at the user guide that comes with the jack.
Step 2: Disconnect the Jack
It's recommended to disconnect the jack if it's connected to an engine hoist before starting the bleeding procedure.
Step 3: Locate the Release Valve
Next, locate the release valve, which is usually situated at the bottom of the jack.
Take the pumping handle to turn this valve counterclockwise until the ram reaches its lowest setting.
Step 4: Remove the Oil Fill Plug
The oil fill plug can be found on the side of the jack and in the middle. Remove the oil fill plug by utilizing a flathead screwdriver.
Step 5: Pump
Place the bottle jack's handle pump into the socket rapidly and swiftly about 10 to 20 times. The number of times you need to pump will be referenced in the instruction manual. However, 10-20 strokes are the standard procedure and generally enough to get the job done.
This rapid pumping will enable the oil to flow from the fluid reservoir to the high-pressure mechanism and back to the reservoir via the release valve. It would suck in any trapped air in the bottle jack's system and push it out to the top of the reservoir, where it exits through the hole of the oil fill plug.
Step 6: Check Oil Level
Once that is done, before you plug in the oil fill in the cylinder, you need to check the oil level of the bottle jack. Replenish the hydraulic oil supply if required and ensure that the fluid level is somewhat below the oil fill hole.
After that, reinsert the rubber oil cap or plug. And then close the bleeding valve.
Step 7: Test the Functionality of the Bottle Jack
Then you need to test the bottle jack to ensure it is functioning properly after bleeding it. To do this, elevate the jack to its maximum height. It should be moving properly now, and you should have no problem lifting it.
Step 8: Reconnect the Jack
Reconnect the bottle jack to the crane. Before you start using it to raise heavy loads, it's better to test it out with a smaller load capacity.
However, if you see that you are not able to lift it properly with loads, then repeat steps 1 through 7. Chances are, some air is still trapped inside the system, and repeating the process will help to get all the air out.
Final Verdict
There you have it! With the aid of some simple tools and a few easy steps, you now know how to bleed a bottle jack. It's a simple procedure that you can get done without anyone else's help.
Trapped air in bottle jacks can be quite frustrating, and this deters you even more when you're running short on time. Therefore, regular bleeding of bottle jacks will help make sure that you can respond to urgent vehicle maintenance that demands a bottle jack.
Different models may have slightly different methods, but all steps are essentially the same. If you get stuck, refer to the instruction manual, and you'll be good to go!
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