hydraulic

How to Troubleshoot a Viking 2 Ton Hydraulic Jack

Introduction

A Viking 2 Ton hydraulic jack is used by professional and amateur car mechanics to lift vehicles in order to repair them. They can also be used to lift a car to change its tire, although they are really too large to keep in your vehicle and pull out on the side of the road for quick maintenance. There are a number of issues that a Viking 2 ton hydraulic jack can have but none of the problems are very difficult to repair.

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You'll Need:

- Screwdriver

- Funnel

- Hydraulic floor jack oil

Instructions

Step 1

Check that the weight of the car or truck you are trying to lift up with the jack is not heavier than two tons because that is your jack’s weight limit. Try to lift something above the weight limit will stress the jack and is very unsafe.

Step 2

Inspect the jack before and after you use it. Any fluid leaks, cracked welds, or damaged parts can cause the jack to malfunction. Also look carefully at the ram to be sure that the ram pistons are not pockmarked or rusted. Position the jack on its side and check out the ram in its extended and retracted position.

Step 3

Assess if the hydraulic jack goes up and down properly. Turn the jack handle clockwise to close the release valve. Pump the handle. The saddle should go up a couple of inches. Continue to pump the handle until the saddle reaches its maximum height. Turn the jack handle counterclockwise. The hydraulic fluid will return to its container and the saddle will return to its resting position. If the jack was unable to lift or release correctly, continue with Steps 4 and 5 below before you try to use the jack to lift something.

Step 4

Release trapped air in the jack by turning the handle completely in the counterclockwise direction. Unscrew the oil filler screw. Push on the handle a 10 times to remove all air from the jack. Screw the oil filler screw back into place and test the jack to see if that fixed the problem.

Step 5

Take out the oil fill plug and look in the oil container. Check if the oil level is at the proper level of between 3/16 and ¼ of an inch higher than the cylinder. If necessary, use a funnel to pour in extra oil so that the level is correct.

Step 6

Place the jack under a vehicle. Turn the handle clockwise to tightly secure the release valve and begin to pump the handle. If the jack still doesn’t lift properly, you may have a hydraulic malfunction. This will need to be repaired by a professional, or you may want to throw out the jack and buy a new one.

Tip

Check your owner’s manual for the oil level that is correct for your jack model.

Warnings

Only fill the oil container with quality hydraulic floor jack oil-no kitchen oil.

Do not position the jack under unsecure lift points such as floor boards or subframe because the jack will cave under the heaviness of the axle.