How to Maintain a Pneumatic Balloon Jack

Editor:Lituo Machinery │ Release Time:2025-04-23 

A pneumatic balloon jack, also known as an airbag jack, has been a popular lifting tool in recent years in the fields of automobile maintenance, off-road rescue, and industry. It uses compressed air to inflate quickly to lift vehicles or equipment. It has a simple structure, is lightweight, and is convenient to operate. However, even the most advanced equipment cannot do without reasonable maintenance. This article provides a comprehensive guide on scientifically maintaining a pneumatic balloon jack to maximize its service life and ensure safe, reliable operation.

1. Why should you maintain a pneumatic balloon jack?

Maintenance is not a trivial matter. It is related to safety, performance, and cost:

Ensure safety: prevent the airbag from deflation, bursting, or instability under load to prevent personal injury.

Extend life: reduce rubber aging, valve wear, and accessory failure to make the equipment more durable.

Improve performance: keep the inflation and deflation rapid, and the lifting stable, and avoid the problem of "slow" or "one side high and one side low".

Reduce maintenance costs: Discover and solve problems in advance to avoid more serious damage or the high cost of replacing the entire machine.

pneumatic balloon jack

2. Daily maintenance inspection points

Spend a few minutes doing a "health check" before and after each use to effectively prevent most problems:

1. Appearance inspection

  • Carefully check whether the airbag is damaged, scratched aging cracked;

  • Check whether there are sharp objects on the bottom of the airbag and the contact surface with the ground;

  • Observe whether the shell is deformed and whether the welding is loose.

2. Air pipe and interface

  • Gently pull the air pipe to check whether it is cracked or stiff;

  • Whether the joint is firm and whether there is any leakage;

  • Whether the air valve switch is flexible, whether it is stuck or rusted.

3. Inflation test

  • Connect the air source and observe whether the airbag can be inflated normally and evenly;

  • Whether there is a "hissing" leakage sound;

  • Whether it can be stably supported after inflation, without automatic leakage or decline.

3. Weekly/monthly in-depth maintenance recommendations

In addition to daily quick inspections, more systematic maintenance should not be ignored:

1. Clean the surface of the airbag

  • Wipe with a damp cloth, and clean with neutral soapy water if necessary;

  • Avoid using highly corrosive detergents such as gasoline and alcohol to avoid damaging the rubber.

2. Lubricate moving parts

  • Apply special lubricants to metal parts such as air valves and switches;

  • Prevent rust and jamming, and extend service life.

3. Check the air system

  • If a compressor is connected, remember to drain the accumulated water in the air tank regularly;

  • For optimal protection and performance, we recommend using our best-in-class air filter to effectively eliminate water vapor and impurities from the air, safeguarding the jack’s internal air system.

4. Correct storage is also critical

Don't underestimate the storage method, which directly affects the "life curve" of the equipment:

  • Deflate thoroughly before storage to avoid the airbag being in an inflated state for a long time;

  • Place in a cool and dry place, avoid direct sunlight to prevent rubber aging;

  • Avoid heavy pressure or folding the airbag to avoid damage to the inner structure.

Pneumatic Balloon Jacks

5. Common faults and solutions

Common faultsPossible causesSolutions
Unable to inflateInsufficient air supply/blocked air valveCheck the compressor and clean the air valve
Slowly leakingRubber damage/poor air valve sealingFind the leaking point and repair or replace it as appropriate
Unbalanced liftingUneven ground/uneven air flowClean the working surface and check whether the air valve is blocked
Air pipe leakageAir pipe aging/loose jointReplace with a new pipe or reconnect and tighten

6. Safety maintenance instructions

  • Never disassemble and repair in the inflated state;

  • Replace damaged parts with original accessories;

  • It is strictly forbidden to exceed the maximum load and pressure marked in the manual;

  • In uncertain places, it is better to suspend use than to force it.

7. Practical tips to extend the service life

  • Use multiple units in rotation to share wear and tear;

  • Make a maintenance record sheet, check and record the situation regularly;

  • Train operators to ensure standardized use.

8. When do you need to replace the pneumatic balloon jack?

If the following situations occur, it is recommended to replace it in time:

  • The rubber shows widespread signs of aging, with frequent bubbling and air leaks;

  • The airbag responds sluggishly, resulting in a noticeable decrease in lifting speed;

  • The bracket structure is deformed and the welding is loose;

  • The load-bearing stability test has failed.

Summary

The pneumatic balloon jack is a labor-saving and efficient lifting tool, but if you want it to "run well", you must maintain it regularly and carefully during use. From daily inspection to deep cleaning, from fault response to reasonable storage, every link cannot be ignored. Only in this way can you use your jack longer and more safely.

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