What is a transmission jack
and how do you use it?
A
transmission
jack is what you need for installing a new transmission or
removing one on different types of vehicles whether you are a
do-it-yourself person or doing a professional job. A wide
variety of transmission jacks are available from different
manufacturers such as Kiene, OTC, Sunex, Ranger and many more.
Usually, selecting a transmission jack depends on the load you
wish to lift – lifting capacities range from 600 lbs. to 4,000
lbs. DIY persons may need only one specific type of jack, but
for a professional garage, a transmission jack with a wide
variety of options will be more suitable. It will allow
working on many different types of transmissions. As these
jacks are expensive, you must also consider its durability for
the volume of work expected.
The transmission forms an integral aspect of a vehicle’s
engineering and is extremely heavy. Whether you are working on
any kind of transmission of an auto, truck or a motorcycle,
using a transmission jack is advisable. These are usually made
of heavy-duty steel with easy roll casters on ball bearing.
The saddle tilts for easy positioning of the transmission
during repair.
Depending on the requirement, different types of transmission
jacks are available. Among them, you will find telescopic
types, hydraulic pressure lifts, high-lifts, low-profile types
of transmission jacks. There are also wide ranges of adapters,
including a number of useful add-on tools, which will turn a
standard jack into a transmission jack.
Two factors are important to consider when choosing the tool.
One is the weight capacity and the other inbuilt safety
mechanisms including stability and maneuvering options. The
transmission jack must be able to support the weight of the
transmission system of your vehicle. Jacks with a wide leg
base contribute to its stability, while a roll-under type
enables in easy deployment. For raising the vehicle rapidly
and accurately, you may also consider using air-assisted or
hydraulic transmission jacks.
How to Use a Transmission Jack
Use a car lift to raise the transmission of your car to
approximately 60-inches off the floor. Remove the transmission
fluid and close the valve body.
Position the transmission jack below the car and connect the
compressed air line to the air inlet valve of the transmission
jack. Center the jack so that its arm extends up to the fluid
pan of the transmission. Let the compressed air extend the
jack and push the transmission up slightly, so that its weight
is taken off the bolts that secure it to the vehicle. Secure
the transmission onto the top plate of the transmission jack.
Use accessory straps or shims to make a proper fit. Now you
can unsecure the transmission from the vehicle.
For installing or removing a transmission, you need to center
its weight onto the extending arm of the transmission jack.
The plate at the top of the extending arm is usually large
enough to secure the transmission. The jack thus makes it easy
to carry the heavy weight of the transmission for any repair
work and refitting on to the vehicle.