Harbor Freight jack problem
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Tourer
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 329
Likes: 1
From: Oldsmar, FL
Harbor Freight jack problem
Read a couple decent reviews about the Harbor Freight jack, so I decided to try and save some dough over the Sears jack and buy one. Tried it yesterday. It jacks the bike up with no problem, but when I try to let it down to one of the stops, it comes down way too hard. Barely touching the release lever, with that much weight on it there's no finessing it down. It hit the stop so hard that the jack even inched forward across the floor (wheels were chocked), and the bike nearly slid off the front of the jack. Am I missing something here? Thought it was low on oil (even though it was brand new) but that checked out ok. Is this thing just a POS or do they all act that way? Kinda scary though. I'd hate to have to bring it down from all the way up. I called Harbor Freight and they say there's no fix for it. Anybody else have this problem? Thanks for any tips.
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
From: Chandler, Az
RE: Harbor Freight jack problem
Iâve read posts from others that had this problem with their jacks. Some claim they fixed or at least improved this situation by putting in a heavier hydraulic fluid. Good luck.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
RE: Harbor Freight jack problem
Is it the type that lets down when you twist the handle? If so try and barely open the valve (turn it a very small amount). All hydraulic jacks will do it to some degree.
If you know to do this sorry, just trying to help. You never know what type of experience people on here have.
If you know to do this sorry, just trying to help. You never know what type of experience people on here have.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,148
Likes: 2
From: Tulsa, OK
RE: Harbor Freight jack problem
Whatever you do, don't trust it under your bike unless you are confident that it works correctly..
jack up the side of your car or something, at least it won't fall over
jack up the side of your car or something, at least it won't fall over
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,755
Likes: 12
From: Commerce, Mich.
RE: Harbor Freight jack problem
As always, you get what you pay for...
I don't trust my Bikes on annything less than the J&S Jacks. I have had problems with every other jack that I or friends have had.
With this jack, I can move the bike around the garage with it fully up (19 Inches) and all without strapping it down. This Jack is extremely stable, and your bike is very secure on it. You can even climb all over your bike with no problems...Very much worth the cost..
http://www.jsjacks.com/products.htm
I don't trust my Bikes on annything less than the J&S Jacks. I have had problems with every other jack that I or friends have had.
With this jack, I can move the bike around the garage with it fully up (19 Inches) and all without strapping it down. This Jack is extremely stable, and your bike is very secure on it. You can even climb all over your bike with no problems...Very much worth the cost..
http://www.jsjacks.com/products.htm
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Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 329
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From: Oldsmar, FL
RE: Harbor Freight jack problem
ORIGINAL: sleepy127
Is it the type that lets down when you twist the handle? If so try and barely open the valve (turn it a very small amount). All hydraulic jacks will do it to some degree.
If you know to do this sorry, just trying to help. You never know what type of experience people on here have.
Is it the type that lets down when you twist the handle? If so try and barely open the valve (turn it a very small amount). All hydraulic jacks will do it to some degree.
If you know to do this sorry, just trying to help. You never know what type of experience people on here have.
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"Moderator & Connoisseur of Ice Cream"
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 7,008
Likes: 5
From: Montgomery Al
RE: Harbor Freight jack problem
I got a HF jack, and have used it more times than I can count.
Yes, it will let down fast.
I am able to finese mine and it will let down slow.
But of course I am a tightwad and hate to give up on anything.
Yes, it will let down fast.
I am able to finese mine and it will let down slow.
But of course I am a tightwad and hate to give up on anything.