Preventing Fluid Leaks in Hydraulic Jacks: Maintenance Essentials

Hydraulic jack maintenance should be on your regular to-do lists as they are a staple in your truck storage compartment. Since some of their models are so handy and portable, and their systems so powerfully robust, they can really be used as your most competent fallback in case of road emergencies. 

Easy to maintain if stored carefully, which in turn adds to their longevity and enhanced performance, leak-proof hydraulic systems deliver superb quality at effective prices. The reason we emphasized ‘leak-proof hydraulic systems’, instead of just using ‘hydraulic jacks’ to address their function, is because they are prone to fluid leakage. 

Improper hydraulic jack maintenance and hydraulic seal maintenance lead to hydraulic jack fluid leak prevention measures. These measures are, at their worst, very expensive, and at their best, fatally damaging for your jacks and Trucks. That is why in this blog, we will show you the prevention measures rather than remedial ones. 

Let us begin with a drawing of a lucid picture of the importance and role of hydraulic fluid in hydraulic systems. We will then move on to the top 5 hydraulic jack fluid leak prevention measures. Finally, we will finish the blog off with the top 5 hydraulic jack maintenance essentials. 

Hydraulic Fluid- Importance and Role in Jack Systems 

Hydraulic jacks work following the law of fluid mechanics, or Blaise Pascal’s principle. Put simply, getting compressed liquids to move in the direction of applied pressure, generating power, is what hydraulics really are all about. This power is used by hydraulic automotive jacks to service vehicles of all sizes and types, like trucks to sports utility vehicles. 

Broadly, hydraulic jacks contain the following components- a reservoir or buffer tank, a pump with a piston or plunger, the main cylinder or ram, and valves. The key component though, is the hydraulic fluid which gets them all to move and perform the function of loading, lifting, suspending, and lowering heavy weights. 

The reservoir holds the hydraulic fluid. When the lever of the pump is moved, it builds up pressure in the reservoir, which is transferred from the pump through a valve into the main cylinder. This extends out of the hydraulic jack body creating the required lifting force and lifting the load. 

Thus, in explaining the role of hydraulic fluid, we can understand its significance. Therefore, it becomes of utmost importance to take hydraulic jack fluid leak prevention. 

 5 Hydraulic Jack Fluid Leak Prevention Tips 

1. Ensure Proper Installation– Misaligned fittings, over-tightened or not inadequately screwed connections, and improperly routed hoses are some of the offshoots of an improper installation that can cause fluid leakages. Removing attachment parts and storing them separately, inspecting rubber components for cracks and tears, etc. are some steps that can be taken after installation is completed.
2. Store Jack Upright– Among the best practices of storing hydraulic fluid, the easiest way is to just leave the jack upright after using it. Of course, the storage area must be clean, dry, and away from direct sunlight (preferably, in a dark environment). Ensure the viscosity of the hydraulic fluid is not affected by the room temperature by using an optimal viscosity index.
3. Hydraulic Seal Maintenance – A recipe for disaster. In this case, fluid leak- is improper hydraulic seal maintenance. O-rings, gaskets, thread sealants, etc. are some of the top hydraulic seal maintenance options. These industry standard sealants can be used to prevent fluid leakage. Failing to comply with these necessary precautions or maintaining them once implemented will result in result in damage in the long term.
4. Troubleshoot Issues Regularly– Monitoring your hydraulic system regularly will lead you to an early detection of fluid leakage. Proper installation should always be followed up with regular troubleshooting of fittings, hoses and connections. Regular replacement of worn-out support components like brackets and clamps, using controlled pressure, etc. will elongate the longevity of the jack.
5. Fluid Quantity and Quality– Maintaining optimal hydraulic fluid levels, and using high quality fluid in the first place, is our final hydraulic jack fluid leak prevention tip. If not stored or used properly, hydraulic fluid gets contaminated, and particulate matter and moisture enter them and settle there. This can also cause oxidation in the ferrous components holding the fluid, making it leak.

5 Hydraulic Jack Maintenance Essentials 

1. Cleanliness Methods– Following from the second hydraulic jack fluid leak prevention tip- storing the jack upright- employing the right cleaning mechanism after use is key to protecting and enhancing its long-term performance. Use a damp cloth to clean the dirt, which fluid attracts, after a use, before it settles and gets sticky, or worse, contaminates components.
2. Load Regulations Compliance- Check the loading capacity of your hydraulic jack before employing its service to lift and lower heavy vehicles. Overloading it will strain its axles, main frame, and other components, and may cause internal disruption or visible breakage. At the very least, it may cause physical dents on the hydraulic jack body, and at its worst consequence, it can render the jack completely useless, causing accidents.
3. Build Material Quality– Perhaps the most underrated hydraulic jack maintenance tip, yet the most seemingly obvious reason for an enhanced jack life, is ensuring that it is made with good quality materials. The performances of jacks made with high-quality steel and zinc-plated components are far better than those made with cheaper materials.
4. Checking Components– Even though this might seem less like a maintenance tip than a buying guide, and in a sense it is, it makes sense when we take into account the previous point, which it follows from. All Jacks from Stan Design, for instance, have a high gloss powder coat paint that protects them from corrosion, while enhancing their appearance.
5. Inspection Checklist– Finally, create and stick to a robust checklist of items or procedures required to maintain your jack at regular intervals. You may begin with setting up a maintenance routine which will help you compartmentalize your time and organize your chores accordingly. Even though jacks rarely demand any attention if kept properly, keep an eye out for unusual issues.