Floor jack way too rough. Advice?

[e9999]

when I have the truck on the jack, I do tighten the jack valve well cuz it's not good if it's creeping down while I'm doing stuff on the truck. And it's indeed holding great, no creep at all when I do my part.
But then when I want to release it, it's really hard to modulate the release, it's like it's holding firm and then a few degrees on the handle and BAM the truck falls down suddenly with no control.

It's an otherwise great Arcan 3.5 tons if that matters.

But curious as to whether there may be some solutions to that, like new Oring, heavier oil, different needle valve, whatever.

Thoughts? TIA.

 

[Mr. Toad]

For better control, reach under and turn it with your fingers.

 

[warezdog]

Be careful, in past experience that seal is on it's last leg, rebuild kits are cheap and fairly straight forward, My HeinWarner was about 25 bucks for the 4T.

To test the seals tighten while pumping just till it starts to rise, just enough to keep it from coming back down, then bring to full height and then go sit on it, if it gives all the way to the ground then rebuild it before it kills you.

 

[firestopper]

After rebuilding mine a few years ago, its smoothed out on the way down. Also, if you have to crank hard to prevent creep, then a rebuild will help.

 

[e9999]

what's odd is that I think it's been like that since I got it new, which would suggest wear may not be the issue. Not entirely sure, though.

 

[warezdog]

Valving? If it's been like that since new that's about the only thing left, they're all pretty simple beasts.

 

[gregnash]

This is why you ALWAYS throw stands under the vehicle. You should never rely on a single point of failure with something like that. I have heard great things about the Arcan but may be time to give them a quick ring on the phone to see if they have recommendations.

 

[warezdog]

I had an old snapon 2T rebuilt, sent out just the cylinder and a week and $75 later like new again. A guy over at the garage journal does them, I can pick thru some old emails if you'd like the info. The reason I sent it out is because i couldn't get it apart, the other 4T I did myself because I was able to get it apart pretty easy.