I had a leak in my engine lift ram, and fixed the "O" ring that was leaking around the small plunger. Since the leak let quite a bit of Fluid out before I got to it, I figured that was the reason that the ram was not operating smoothly after the new ring was installed. I removed the small plug in the side of the ram, and some air escaped, but I still think I should add some fluid back to the system. Will power steering fluid work in this application, if not what can I buy in a small amount to do this job. This ram is a Harbor Freight lift, probably made in Taiwan. Dont shoot me, it was a gift.

 

You really need to try to find out exactly what fluid is already in it; not all fluids are compatible. It's quite possible what you have in there is ATF fluid; that's what runs in the hydraulic system of my wrecker.

 

You can buy little bottles of hydraulic jack oil [fluid] I think they come in pints or quarts. I think it is the same as the 2 gallon jugs of hydraulic fluid I buy for my tractor - at least I've used it one of my bottle jacks with no problem.

Probably best to find out fro sure. I haven't called in a long time but the tech reps for HF used to be quite helpfull.

 

If it is clear it is hydraulic jack oil. If it is red it is ATF as Tow Guy stated. Let the jack all the way down before filling it. Fill it, re-install the plug and run the ram up and down a few times. Re-check the oil. It should be good, but just in case there was some air trapped in there.
Hope this is helpful to ya,
Billy

 

I poured some out on a white bench, and it sure looks green to me. Any clues on THAT color?
Im the original owner, so its what was in it from the factory...