Lifted the 560SEL using the left left point (driver's side) using a Sears 3 ton floor jack. Left it overnight, then installed the wheel and tire. TThis afternoon, the floor jack refused to release....so, placed a large set of vice grips on the handle near the base. Kicked the vice grips gently until the jack released. the handle had to make at least a 3/4 turn before the jack released. I've had this jack around fifteen years (maybe longer). I don't like it when a jack starts acting up.

Should I replace the floor jack with a new one?

I vote thumbs up. Doesn't need to be a 3-ton, so I would estimate $50.

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Prost!

Well, look at the release gear (at the base of the handle and on the hydraulic part of the jack), maybe you just need to grease the 2 "star" wheels and oil the shaft that goes through the handle. Tools need to be serviced occasionally just like vehicles do. You may even see a few grease zirks on the jack if you look for them. Oil up the wheel axles and swivels while you're at it.

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Has the hydraulic oil ever been changed out in that thing? (if it can be)

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-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

No, and I am looking at the owner's manual and it says the oil can be replaced.....so me thinks I should replace the oil pronto! Also, the manual says the following;

Rust Prevention

Check ram and pump plunger every two months (or sooner, based on usage) for any signs of rust or corrosion. Clean as needed and wipe down with an oil cloth.

When storing the jack, always have the saddle and pump lunger all the way in the down position. (I always store the jack in the down position).

ALWAYS USE A GOOD GRADE HYDRAULIC JACK OIL. DO NOT USE HYDRAULIC BRAKE FLUID, ALCOHOL, GLYCERINE, DETERGENT, MOTOR OIL OR DIRTY OIL. USE OF AN UNRECOMMENDED FLUID CAN CAUSE DAMAGE TO YOUR JACK.

I am thinking that the hydraulic oil should be available at Sears?

Any auto parts store should have it. Maybe Sears. Hard to say. I would call and ask.

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1998 C230 330,000 miles (currently dead of second failed EIS, yours will fail too, turning you into the dealer's personal human cash machine)
1988 F150 144,000 miles (leaks all the colors of the rainbow)
Previous stars: 1981 Brava 210,000 miles, 1978 128 150,000 miles, 1977 B200 Van 175,000 miles, 1972 Vega (great, if rusty, car), 1972 Celica, 1986.5 Supra

Sounds like you are about 14 yrs 10 months late on the inspection and at least 10 yrs late on the service. lol

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Sent from an agnostic abacus

2014 C250 21,XXX my new DD ** 2013 GLK 350 18,000 Wife's new DD**

- With out god, life is everything.
- God is an ever receding pocket of scientific ignorance that's getting smaller and smaller as time moves on..." Neil DeGrasse Tyson
- You can pray for me, I'll think for you.
- When you understand why you dismiss all the other possible gods, you will understand why I dismiss yours.

Sears does carry the oil.

__________________
-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

I should add that if the star wheels at the base of the handle are really worn out, you probably should replace it, unless you can find a source for the star wheels. Possiby your design is different tho.

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Click here to see the items I have up for auction at EBay

Click here to see a photo album of my '62 Sprite Project Moneypit (Now Sold)

You might want to check out this site, lots of good floor jack info on the forum:

http://garagejournal.com

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BENZSTER

W123, '81 240D, Pastel Grey/Blue Tex
W126, '88 300 SEL, Artic White/Grey Leather

yeah, I found information from the site that shows how to rebuild a 'built in taiwan or china' floor jack. The thought of lifting a 4200 pound classic benz with a 'made in taiwan or china' floor jack doesn't sit well with me. I'm thinking about looking for a higher quality floor jack.

for sure, the question is whether to try and install a seal kit (around 3 - 4 hours labor) plus new hydraulic oil or just purchase a new one. I'm leaning towards replacement, there is increased risk to both me and the car using a jack that is beginning to malfunction.