Mark in Baltimore

My Costco jack (thanks to Costco customer Andreas) is still going strong after about three years of light to moderate use.

AOW162435

And my Sears 2-ton aluminum is still going strong after 7+ years of very frequest use. It is in no way 'babied' and continues to operate as it did when new.


Andreas

tabasco

I fixed 2 jacks with cheap plumbing seals from Lowes. I found seals that were probably close enough if not the same.
One of them is the Costco aluminum jack.

Seals can fail, but I also found some debris in the oil, I guess from less than perfect machined parts.

So a good cleanup, new seals, and they've not failed again... yet.

It's also a good experience to disassemble your jack. When you see how it's built, how it works, it's a bit scary, and it reminds you that you should never trust your jack, don't bet your life on those cheap seals. Even with a brand new expensive jack.

So fix your failed jacks, it's really cheap (cents !), you have nothing to lose. If you can't fix it, dump it.
If you can fix it, it will work, and you won't trust it, which is what you're supposed to do !

tj90

how do you begin to fix the seals. Ive looked at the piston and I dont know where to begin!

Chuck W.

Yeah, what he said.

BSL

I got the 2 ton version (#92782) from them about 3 months ago for $129--worthwhile looking for the coupons. I didn't want to have to drive onto boards to jack the car up, and since it is lowered to ROW RS height, this one works well. Doesn't have the lift height for my Explorer, but I really didn't buy it to work on that. HF also has some additional coupons at www.harborfreightusa.com/autoweek.

cobalt

My costco jack of 3 years now has died several times. Somehow I seem to revive it. It does not take to well to traveling in the truck to the track. Vibration has a tendency to do some serious damage. So I make sure everything is tight and secure before transporting it. I have a heavy steal jack also which is better but a royal PITA because of its weight and not as easy to get under the low cars.

If you recall your jack came with a seal kit. Rebuild it once a year change the oil and it should last, but quality is not great on any of these.

Edward

Ugh! Well thanks for the info and clarification, tj. I appreciate you doing the legwork! It sucks that such a servicible jack will end its life needlessly (and cost me!!) when all that is needed is a few lousy seals! Dang it, Sears!!

Edward

cobalt

They are common sizes you should be able to find them at a hardware store. If not something like McMaster carr or graingers should have what you need. If you have the old seals it should be easy to match or try a local pep boys or auto supply house that sells jacks.

Edward

Interesting ...thanks for that, Anthony! My Craftsman is several years old, and still works well ...still rock solid and never sinks at all. But it does seep oil at the cylinder a bit here and there, inconsitently. When it starts looking bad, I will do just that. Thanks for the direction!

Edward

tj90

Anthony is correct - the seals are replaceable. I dont know why these jack manufacturers do not publish service instructions or exploded diagrams of the hydraulic unit - maybe liability?

My understanding after scouring the web and seaching on rebuilding is that a few orings and teflon or plastic seals is all that is needed to get these race jacks back in service.

Its a great DIY to publish on rennlist if anyone rebuilds one! If anyone attempts, please documnent and publish!

I also learned that many of the high priced jacks blow seals too. The difference is that there are service centers and rebuidl kits available for the nicer jacks (like AC, AFF, etc). I think the seal issue is part of dealing with hydraulics in general.

I just got an arcan 3.5 ton jack based on Jasons advice above as well as the rave reviews at garagejournal and other sites. My days with aluminum race jacks is over for the time being. My new jack is way overbuilt compared to the old one. Im hoping the seals last a long time. If they dont, the mfg kindly included a replacement seal kit! See http://www.mygaragestore.com/detail.aspx?ID=1597
If you can find it at costco (only 2 in san diego have it now) its item number 300930 and is $89. This jack compares to the one at napa for $374 that Ive been lusting over. http://www.napaonline.com/MasterPage...ion=Floor+Jack

97_993C2

Just a slight detour for this thread. Are the steel "professional" jacks more durable and reliable? Do they have higher quality seals? What are some of those brands?

Edited to get back on track: I have had my Arcan aluminum jack from Costco for over 2 years and its still working fine. However, it is not used very much.

Barney1

Here is a GREAT jack..This is what I have...Don't trust a cheap peice of crap on the P-car..One slip and you will be sorry.. http://www.goracin.com/item.cfm?itemid=42151

Mark in Baltimore

Great price. How long have you had it and how often do you use it?

tj90

warranty? warranty? warranty?

as comparison:

Harbor freight = 30 days
Costco = till you feel guilty bringing it back
Napa = 2 years
Sears = 1 year*
Pep boys (torin) = 1 year*

*known optional extended warranties for extra $$.