How do you grease a gooseneck trailer jack?
By
Elaine Knight
In this blog post, we will answer the following question: How do you grease a gooseneck trailer jack? Trailer jacks must be kept lubricated so that they function properly and do not fail when you most need them. This article will explain how to lubricate the gooseneck trailer jacks.
How do you grease a gooseneck trailer jack?
To grease a gooseneck trailer jack just follow these steps:
- Once you’ve uninstalled your jack or removed all weight from it, use two 7/16″ wrenches to remove the nut from the bolt that connects your jack’s handle to its inner screw.
- Pull out the bolt and remove the handle, then lift the outer tube off of the inner one and remove the bearing from the top of the outer tube.
- Remove the hardened washer and ball bearing from the top of the inner screw. If you don’t see them, they are stuck inside your jack’s outer tube, so use a table or hard surface to get them out.
- Next, re-attach the handle with the bolt and nut you just removed so you can completely crank out the inner tube’s screw.
- Use a wire brush to remove any rust or grime that has accumulated on the screw. Apply a fair amount of grease to the entire screw, then crank the screw all the way back into the inner tube.
- Remove the handle and its nut and bolt so you can slip the hardened washer back on top of the screw, then work some grease into the ball bearing before you slide that on top of the washer.
- Slide the outer tube over the inner tube, grease the bearing at the top of the outer tube, then reinstall it.
- Finally, use your 7/16″ wrenches to re-attach the handle to the top of the screw.
What is a gooseneck trailer jack and why must you grease it
The jack is designed to lift both machines and vehicles. The safety stand, on the other hand, allows trucks to be loaded and unloaded safely when they are not hitched to towing vehicles. These two handling tools are ideal for lifting heavy loads off the ground. Easy to use, these jacks and safety crutches are perfectly suited for professional use, especially in garages and warehouses.
Depending on the model, the jacks can withstand maximum loads of between four and ten tons. The safety crutches ensure maximum loads of up to 22.5 tonnes. Stands, on the other hand, keep loads weighing up to twelve tons level.
Whatever the model of crutches or jacks, we find:
- A steel structure that gives great strength
- An epoxy paint coating that prevents knocks and marks
- A heavy-duty manual hydraulic pump that allows the load to be lifted
Some models of jacks and crutches have wheels, which make moving and placing the material handling device as easy as possible.
Designed to withstand very heavy loads, the jacks and safety crutches are equipped with an anti-overload system and parachute valves that prevent the cylinder from fully folding. These handling tools will safely load and unload cargo from a truck at the dock. Correct use of jacks and crutches will prevent accidental tipping of the vehicle.
The use of these tools is reserved for professional use by an operator trained in the use of jacks, crutches and jack stands.
Like any handling device, the gooseneck trailer jacks and safety crutches are delivered with an operating manual that is essential to read before any use!
Gooseneck trailer jack maintenance and repairs
In this section, we will talk about gooseneck trailer jack maintenance, but more exactly we will explain how to repair a trailer jack that is very stiff when you turn it. If there’s a lot of friction when you turn on your trailer jack, only after trying to grease the gooseneck trailer jack, if it still looks stuck then you’ll have to take it apart and fix it.
- The first step is to find a place to work and to take the bolt out of the top. It’s just a small bolt and this comes off and then once that comes off you’re now looking at the centre shaft that has to go down.
- The next step is to heavily grease this and then it will spin nicely inside of that nut and you don’t need to take this shaft out but unscrew it as much as you can.
- One thing you want to do is make sure all the washers at the top of the shaft are really well greased as well because they actually spin when you’re cranking the handle. These things spin on the top of the shaft and if they’re not lubricated it just makes it really hard to turn it on.
- Once you are done lubricating the jack you can now reattach everything and use it safely.
How to safely use a gooseneck trailer jack
Here are some more tips on how to stay safe when greasing and when using a gooseneck trailer jack:
- Always use jack stands designed to support more than the weight of your vehicle.
- Always use the correct lifting points on your vehicle to avoid damaging areas that were not designed to support so much weight.
- Always use safety glasses, gloves, and other protective equipment when working on a vehicle.
- It’s good to make sure your jack can lift your whole trailer should the worst happen.
- Most importantly, take your time. There is no reason to rush a process that could end up hurting you if something goes wrong.
When to replace a gooseneck trailer jack
Like anything in this world, it is important to understand the dangers of using a jack and the safety precautions you need to take to avoid personal injury and property damage.
If you have any doubts about the integrity and reliability of your current device, you should replace it. It is usually not worth taking it to a specialist or repair centre to diagnose a problem. Especially with failing hydraulic units, it is best to buy a new one that you know you can trust.
The bottom line
Properly maintaining your gooseneck trailer jack means knowing how and when to grease it. A good indicator that your gooseneck trailer jack may need some lubrication is when it seems stuck and you can’t use it properly.
If you don’t feel confident enough to grease your gooseneck trailer jack by yourself, take it to a mechanic or authorised body shop and they will be able to do it for a small fee.
Please let us know if you have any comments, questions or tips on how to improve this article!
FAQ on How do you grease a gooseneck trailer jack?
How to lubricate a trailer jack?
To lubricate a trailer jack all you need is a simple cloth. You will then use a screwdriver to try to remove the cap. Before you put it aside, you clean the plug. You will need to pour hydraulic jack oil into the same hole and fill it until it overflows.
What oil can you put in a jack?
For jacks, for optimum viscosity and fluidity, experts recommend grade 32 oil. Conversely, oils that are too fluid increase the risk of leaks.
Why does my trailer jack no longer rise?
If your trailer jack no longer rises the trailer the problem is with overload. This is the most common problem. If the jack fails to lift your vehicle, you must first check its lifting capacity. Note that several floor jacks are equipped with a safety device in the event of an overload.
How to bring down a jack?
To bring down a jack you must know how to raise one. Before lifting a load, prime the pump by turning the handle clockwise, then pump. To lower the load, simply turn the handle in the other direction.
How to put oil in a trailer jack?
To add oil to a hydraulic trailer jack follow these steps:
- Prepare the jack. Make sure it is completely lowered.
- Find the location of the oil filler hole. You will see this on the tank of the jack.
- Add the oil.
- Close the oil filler hole.
How does a trailer jack work?
A jack is placed under the trailer at the level of the lifting points provided on it, which are located near the wheels and are indicated on the sill. Operate on a flat surface with the handbrake engaged. Then simply operate the crank of the jack to raise the trailer.
Other FAQs about Travel Trailers that you may be interested in.
How do you make a 4 season travel trailer?
How do you repair an enclosed trailer roof?
How do you spray foam a trailer?
References
- Trailer Jack Lubrication Maintenance – YouTube
- trailer jack lubrication maintenance – YouTube
- Maintaining Your Trailer Jack – YouTube
