I've got a Clarke low-entry trolley jack.About 6 years old. Recently I found I had to move the lever a lot more to lift the car. Thought it might be the cold.

Once lifted put the axle stand under and lowered on the jack, took jack out to other side and found some grey oily fluid on the ground below the jack.

Is it ruined or can it be refilled and something tightened?

sounds like it needs a new seal , theres several online threads on rebuilding various jacks id hazard a guess they're all very similar , just depends if you can buy the seal from somewhere

Thanks.

I've found https://www.clarkeservice.co.uk/contact_clarke.shtml so I'll ask them.

And this video - looks just like mine except red frame.

Edited 27 February, 201610 yr by dvderlm

Suggest that clean the fluid from the jack, place a load on it and see where the fluid is leaking from - The two most likely places will be from either the seal where the ram comes out of the jack, or where the piston (the bit that is operated when you pump it) comes out at the other end of the body.

Do not attempt to 'top it up', as it all depends upon what material the seals are made of, as to what type of fluid you should use - ask the manufacturers.

Regards.

Yes right, I just ordered some Granville ISO32 Jack oil

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00K19I2XC

It even has a picture looking like my jack, though of course the hydraulics might be different.

I'll see what Clarke say.

Have to push/drive front wheels onto a plank to get my ancient (25 years old but still working) taller jack underneath the sill.

if clarke dont help chances are its the same as lots of other imported jacks , looks similar to the ones costco sell

If only I could import magic in a bottle

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bars-Leaks-HJ12-Jack-Oil-with-Stop-Leak-12-5-oz-/201331031682

imagine its the same as the power steering stop leak potions , cant see a seal costing loads

Clarke international supplied a complete seals kit for about £15 delivered.

Might even get to mending it tomorrow.