How to vent air from a jack: Operation steps and analysis of common problems
A jack is one of the essential tools in car maintenance and daily use. However, many users encounter the problem of air mixed in the hydraulic system when using hydraulic jacks, resulting in weak lifting or failure to work properly. This article will introduce in detail the steps to vent the air from the jack, along with relevant data and answers to frequently asked questions.
1. Why does it need to be exhausted?

The working principle of a hydraulic jack is to transmit pressure through hydraulic oil. If air is mixed into the system, the efficiency of pressure transmission will decrease, and it may even be impossible to lift heavy objects. The following are common reasons why air enters the system:
| Reason | Description |
|---|---|
| Insufficient oil | The oil is below the minimum mark, causing air to be sucked in |
| Poor seal | The cylinder or pipeline seal is damaged and air penetrates |
| Improper operation | Rapidly pressing the handle causes turbulent flow of oil into the air |
2. Air exhaust operation steps
The following is the standard operating procedure for venting air from a hydraulic jack:
| steps | Operating Instructions | Things to note |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Preparation | Place the jack on level ground and relieve pressure to the lowest position | Keep your surroundings safe |
| 2. Check oil level | Open the oil filling hole and check whether the hydraulic oil reaches the standard line | Use designated hydraulic oil |
| 3. Preliminary exhaust | Press the handle up and down quickly 10-15 times | Keep the oil filling hole open |
| 4. Deep exhaust | Close the oil filling hole and slowly press the handle to the highest position | Observe whether the cylinder rises smoothly |
| 5. Test verification | Load the rated weight to test the lifting effect | First test using safety bracket |
3. Frequently Asked Questions
During the air removal process, users may encounter the following problems:
| Problem phenomenon | Possible reasons | solution |
|---|---|---|
| Still weak after exhausting | 1. Oil viscosity does not match 2. Internal seals are damaged | 1. Replace the specified oil 2. Send for repair and replacement of seals |
| A large amount of oil spilled | Oil filling hole seal ring aging | Replace with new sealing ring |
| handle rebound | Check valve failure | Professional valve repair or replacement |
4. Maintenance suggestions
To ensure that the jack works properly over the long term, it is recommended to follow the following maintenance practices:
1. Check the status of the hydraulic oil every 6 months. If turbidity or impurities are found, replace it immediately.
2. Storage should be in a completely depressurized state to avoid long-term pressure on the seals.
3. Clean the surface oil in time after use to prevent dust from entering the system.
4. Regularly check whether the connection parts are loose, especially the high-pressure pipe joints
5. Safety warning
Hydraulic jacks are high-pressure equipment and require special attention when operating:
1. Overloading is prohibited. The rated load is usually marked on the equipment nameplate.
2. Safety brackets must be used when lifting the vehicle.
3. If oil leakage is found, stop using it immediately
4. Keep away from open flames during exhaust operation. Hydraulic oil is flammable.
Through the above system exhaust methods and maintenance recommendations, you can ensure that the jack remains in optimal working condition. In case of complex faults, it is recommended to contact professional maintenance personnel.
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