My trolley jack won't lift (despite bleeding)

[thetapeworm]

I have an Arcan XL30, it's one of the older Costco models, the heavy black one they used to sell before introducing the lighter "A" model - it hasn't been used for a few years but I have recently brought it out of retirement, unfortunately it seems reluctant.

When I initially tried to lift with no load on it the jack lifted but then went down again a little when the handle is returned to upright. It'll go right up but it's not a direct movement and involves a step down for each couple of steps up.

If I try and use it as intended with a car above it then it simply won't lift.

I've been through the bleed process about 30 times, topped up the oil etc and at the moment there is defintely no air coming out when the valve is opened following an extended pumping session.

Given the lack of use should I be looking at other possible points of failure like seals? I really quite like this jack so don't want to abandon it completely.


As an aside I then tried to jack the car up with the normal scissor jack, this got it in the air OK and allowed me to remove the wheel, on trying to lift it a little further to pop an axel stand under (which I should really have done with the wheel on) the ring that the handle goes into sheared off so now I'm really stuck, hence going back to asking about the trolley jack.

Yours sincerely, car in the air on three wheels with no means to get a stand under or lower it and no transport to go and buy a new jack or any parts at the time of writing.

[paintman]

Your trolley jack sounds like an internal seal issue.
No neighbours you can borrow another jack off?
No friends you could call?

If all else fails then argos advertise 'same day home delivery if ordered before 6pm'. Never used that service so no idea how good it is.
"Fast Track same day home delivery
Buy online before 6pm and we'll deliver by 10pm for only £3.95. Subject to availability. Exceptional demand may restrict Fast Track same day home delivery availability. 90% UK coverage."
https://www.argos.co.uk/features/delivery-collecti...

[thetapeworm]

I've ordered a new jack for collection tomorrow, will see if I can borrow my wife's when she gets back from work.

I'll see if there are any local places that might be able to fix the Arcan as it's a decent lump when it works.

And for your amusement...

Edited by thetapeworm on Wednesday 27th March 15:39

[paintman]

Now I've seen the pic I'd have been inclined to put stuff underneath to catch a fall & used mole grips in the middle of the shaft.
Assuming that you've got a decent set of grips in the first place!

[tapkaJohnD]

My scissor jack used to have a loop on the end of the threaded rod, for a hook on the end of the brace.
I welded the boggest nut I could find (22mm) to the rod and now use a socket on it.
I recommend you do the same. A nut the same size as your wheel nuts would be the best size.

John

[thetapeworm]

It's got a couple of old wheels under it now and an axle stand on the sub frame so hopefully it'll be OK until tomorrow.

I've spent the last hour bleeding it again, I'm guessing something is amiss as I can't seem to shift the air. I've tried bleeding after pumping it in the lowest position (handle twisted fully to release) as well as fully up, each time I'm getting air.

Now maybe I need another 100 goes at purging but I seem to be going around in circles currently.

[Oldandslow]

I think you've got a bad seal somewhere. Kits are available for most jacks and they're not that complex to work on.

Best I could find quickly is a US supplier who ship internationally
https://www.hcrcnow.com/shop/seal-kits/arcan-profe...
but further googling might turn up more for Arcan or Sunex.

[thetapeworm]

Oldandslow said:

I think you've got a bad seal somewhere. Kits are available for most jacks and they're not that complex to work on.

Best I could find quickly is a US supplier who ship internationally
https://www.hcrcnow.com/shop/seal-kits/arcan-profe...
but further googling might turn up more for Arcan or Sunex.

I appreciate you looking, cheers!