rebuilding floor jack, is it fixable?

[OilPatch197]

Model: 1998 MVP "speedy" lift floor jack 2 1/2 ton sold exclusively at Wal-Mart.

anyhow after several years of use the pressure release bolt got distorted and about to twist in two(really REALLY crappy soft metal)

Since my dad was a machinist, he took a bolt with the same threads and turned it down on a lathe at work and replaced that bolt with a stronger bolt.

After a while, it seem as we were having to tighten it more and more to get it to lift a load, (even to the point we had VISE GRIPS ON THAT BOLT)

Now the jack will not lift a load, but will lift it's own weight.

So I disassembled this jack and the pin under the pressure release bolt is cracked on the opposite side of the release bolt. Basically the bolt tightens down on this pin(about 3mm in diam and 6mm long) and that pin pushes against a ball bearing.

now that pin is distorted/cracked on the ball bearing end, it also has a indention into the face where the balls contacts the pin.

My question is I am planning on making a replacement pin, but is the indention in the end of the pin a design or is it just from wear?

 

[gw33gp]

I can't think of a function for an indentation in the pin. I would just make it without the indentation. You should take a look at the seat for the ball bearing. It may be damaged from over tightening.

 

[B&G_Automotive]

To be totally honest I would just scrap that made in china jack and buy a new one. I had the same exact one and for as little as it was used it did the same thing you are talking about. Take a look at some of the jacks listed here, http://www.asedeals.com/hydraulicjacks.html alittle pricey but I will guarantee they will probaly outlast you.

 

[OilPatch197]

Agreed, the jack is being dismantled... going to the "parts bins" for other projects.

Quite a complicated cylinder! I count like TEN check balls, I guess that quick lift feature complicates things.