What is a Hydraulic Jack?

A hydraulic jack is a jack that uses a liquid to push against a piston. This is based on Pascal’s Principle. The principle states that pressure in a closed container is the same at all points. If there are two cylinders connected, applying force to the smaller cylinder will result in the same amount of pressure in the larger cylinder. However, since the larger cylinder has more area, the resulting force will be greater. In other words, an increase in area leads to an increase in force. The greater the difference in size between the two cylinders, the greater the increase in the force will be. A hydraulic jack operates based on this two cylinder system.

Hydraulic jacks have six main parts. These are the reservoir, pump, check valve, main cylinder, piston, and release valve. The reservoir holds hydraulic fluid. A pump will draw the fluid up and then create pressure on the down stroke as it pushes the fluid through the check valve. This valve allows the fluid to leave the reservoir and enter the main cylinder. In the main cylinder, the piston is forced up as the cylinder is filled with the fluid. When it is time to release the pressure and allow the piston to return to its starting position, the release valve is opened. This allows the fluid to return to the reservoir.

One of the most common uses of a hydraulic jack is the hydraulic car jack. These are much easier to use than traditional screw jacks. When using a hydraulic jack to change a car’s tire, be sure that the car is in park. If the car has a standard transmission, be sure that it is first gear or reverse. Locate the jacking point. This is usually about a foot behind or in front of the wheel that you want to change. Place plywood on the ground to form a stable surface. Put the jack on the plywood. Do not place the jack directly on asphalt or it will sink into the ground. Release the locking mechanism on the jack handle. Pump the lever to jack up the car. Keep raising the car until it is about two inches off of the ground. Insert the jack stand under the car. Change your tire. Remove the jack stand and lower the car using the hydraulic jack.