Jack gone bad, repairable? Jack recommendation?

mcahn · Post by **mcahn** » Mon Dec 09, 2013 11:26 am

I have this Torin aluminum 1-1/2 ton race jack:

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/ ... _200313500

I've had it about 3 years. When I took it out to put on my snow tires yesterday it wouldn't lift anything. After a try at bleeding it I couldn't turn the handle to open and close the valve either. I suspect it's not worth repairing, but I wonder if it is -- does anyone have any experience fixing a jack?

And, any recommendations for a floor jack that will fit under an e46 M3?

I have this one which still works, but it's pretty crummy and heavy:

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/ ... _200326626

Thanks,
Matthew

grijo · Post by **grijo** » Mon Dec 09, 2013 3:28 pm

Get the Costco low profile jack (it has two hydrolic actuators for a quick lift). I've had one for about 6 years and it is still going strong. It is a steel jack.

victory1auto · Post by **victory1auto** » Mon Dec 09, 2013 6:25 pm

Have you tried putting in some hydraulic-jack oil? I think even places like Wal-Mart stock this oil.

mmarv · Post by **mmarv** » Tue Dec 10, 2013 9:08 am

victory1auto wrote:Have you tried putting in some hydraulic-jack oil? I think even places like Wal-Mart stock this oil.

Or some ATF if you have it lying around... (Been running it in my HF jack for nearly 10 yrs)

mcahn · Post by **mcahn** » Tue Dec 10, 2013 4:33 pm

Thanks all for the replies. I hadn't tried putting in oil because I assumed that if it had leaked I would notice. I will certainly check that.

Matthew

drautox · Post by **drautox** » Tue Dec 10, 2013 5:22 pm

I once disassembled a Sears jack that wouldn't lift, and found a metal turning obstructing an o-ring. Cleaned the cylinder, refilled, and it has been working for years.