What Causes a Jack to Sink?
2 Answers
It is possible that the hydraulic jack's sealing ring is damaged or there is a lack of hydraulic oil. Below are the reasons. Sealing Ring Wear: After the sealing ring is installed in the hydraulic jack, natural wear occurs on the sealing surface, retaining ring, and guide after a cycle of use, leading to various phenomena such as grooves, peeling, and cracking, which result in sealing failure. Therefore, the sealing rings of hydraulic support jacks need to be replaced regularly. Some hydraulic jacks use domestic sealing rings, which, due to the sealing material, have a Shore hardness of 50-85 for rubber and rubber-coated fabric, and a tensile strength of 12-20MPa, resulting in poor pressure resistance, wear resistance, and reliability. Selection of Hydraulic Oil: The choice should be based on the tonnage of the jack. Hydraulic oil is the hydraulic medium used in hydraulic systems that utilize liquid pressure energy, playing roles in energy transfer, wear resistance, system lubrication, corrosion prevention, rust prevention, and cooling. For hydraulic oil, it should first meet the viscosity requirements of the hydraulic equipment at both operating and starting temperatures. Since the viscosity change of the lubricating oil is directly related to hydraulic action, transmission efficiency, and precision, the oil's viscosity-temperature performance and shear stability should also meet various requirements for different applications.
I've been repairing cars for nearly forty years, and I've seen jack failures quite often—mostly due to hydraulic system issues. Worn-out oil seals causing leaks or loose valves leading to unstable oil pressure can make the piston retract gradually. Don’t underestimate worn components; frequent use can loosen internal parts, making it dangerous when the jack sinks. Uneven or soft ground also poses risks, especially when working outside the garage—poor chassis support can lead to slippage. I recommend checking the hydraulic oil level before each use, ensuring valves are locked tight, and placing wooden planks to reinforce the contact surface. Safety comes first—if you notice any sinking risks, stop using it immediately and replace the faulty parts to prevent the car from falling and causing injuries. Don’t neglect jack maintenance and oil change cycles; an annual inspection is a safe bet.