Got a few posts to do to get some opinions, here's the first...

 

My trolley jack (3 foot long) has got a problem, when jacking up the front or rear, does about 2-3 strokes with full lift, then the arm just goes about 70 degrees with no lift or back pressure and then only in the last 20 deg does it try to lift. this then carries on like this. My local parts store says its low on oil and needs topping up , but must only use "non foaming jack oil" which is not in, and he says it may only need a thimble full,

 

Is this a fair diagnostic, and is he right about this jack oil, could I use "tool oil" which I use on my oil tools?

 

Any opinions gratefully.... you know the rest...

 

Rich

Does sound like it's low on oil, normally can buy jack oil, it's more like an hydraulic oil or brake fluid,

Terry is right the jack oil needs to be non compressible and is really a hydraulic fluid.

You don't need to lose much at all for the jack to not work properly.

Foaming is bad as it means air and air is compressible which when you have nearly 2 tonnes of car on the end can be a real problem.

So can I use hydraulic oil, I have some Mercedes oil from when I changed the hydraulic suspension

 

Rich

I'd just go to any car parts shop and order some jack oil, you don't want the bugger dropping on you....

Good point....

So can I use hydraulic oil, I have some Mercedes oil from when I changed the hydraulic suspension

 

Rich

I wouldn't

cars big heavy and solid!

people soft and squishy!

use the correct oil and axle stands

I use ATF...dont use brake fluid as it can destroy the seals;)