Hydraulic Cylinder / Backyard Buddy

[Adriatic Machine]

Hey everyone,

I have a tech question about the hydraulic cylinder on my Backyard Buddy 4 post lift.

When I raise the lift and it gets near the top, a bunch of fluid leaks from what I think is a relief valve. Other than this it operates and sounds fine.

I'm thinking there is an internal leak and fluid is getting to an area that is meant for air during the extension stroke. Does this make sense?

I appreciate any input and answers, thank you.

Disclaimer; I am not looking to get into a debate on which 4 post lift is best and blah blah blah. I love this thing and I trust it with my life.

Jimmy V

 

[NotOrganized]

I would give the manufacturer a call. It sounds like a leaking cylinder to me, but they might give you a definitive answer.

 

[seanb02]

Yes, you are right. You have an internal seal that is leaking and when it returns it pushes the oil out through the vent. Not really a big deal to fix, hydraulic cylinders are pretty simple. Just need to source the correct seals, tear it down and put the new ones in. Lube the seals up good with fresh hydraulic oil as you put it back together so that you don't damage them.

Being that you have a lift I assume you are mechanically inclined. You probably already know not to check for leaks with your finger once you have everything tightened back down, and also to make sure that the pressure is out of the system before you remove any of the lines.

 

[Adriatic Machine]

Well I guess it was time. I'll contact BB, I'm sure there is a rebuild kit for this.

Thank you

 

[tuttebenne]

Well I guess it was time. I'll contact BB, I'm sure there is a rebuild kit for this.

Thank you

Did you get the kit from BYB or as they are known now, Advantage Lifts? Did it solve your problem? I doubt it. This is a common problem with BYB cylinders. They actually sell a kit to route the fluid out of the vent and back into the reservoir. That would indicate they don't have a good fix for this issue. I think the cylinder bore/design may be defective. I'm dealing with this problem on mine now and a friend has one with the same issue. I put new seals in (from them) and it still leaks.

 

[My426hemigtx]

Hey everyone,

I have a tech question about the hydraulic cylinder on my Backyard Buddy 4 post lift.

When I raise the lift and it gets near the top, a bunch of fluid leaks from what I think is a relief valve. Other than this it operates and sounds fine.

I'm thinking there is an internal leak and fluid is getting to an area that is meant for air during the extension stroke. Does this make sense?

I appreciate any input and answers, thank you.

Disclaimer; I am not looking to get into a debate on which 4 post lift is best and blah blah blah. I love this thing and I trust it with my life.

Jimmy V

I added a plastic tank made from PVC pipe to catch and hold this fluid until I drain it. Here are some pics. Cost about $30.

 

[bigfunwmu]

I added a plastic tank made from PVC pipe to catch and hold this fluid until I drain it. Here are some pics. Cost about $30.

The seals that hold the fluid are starting to fail and let fluid bypass. The seals that hold the fluid that lifts the car above your head.

Your fix idea isn't to fix the seals and the safety problem, your fix is to build something to clean up oil that comes out?

It's a bold strategy, Cotton.

 

[zendriver]

A leaking hydraulic cylinder on a vehicle lift? Sounds a bit scary.

If the vendor is not able to offer much help, I suggest just take it to a competent hydraulic shop

I have an old Ford backhoe but the bucket tilt cylinders were leaking. I know for fact that they are the original but looking up on what the replacement seals are or four cylinder that were completely different size.

I took them to my local shop that said we’ll handle ithandle it. He can just look at it and know exactly what it needs.

 

[kenkerr]

Hey everyone,

I have a tech question about the hydraulic cylinder on my Backyard Buddy 4 post lift.

When I raise the lift and it gets near the top, a bunch of fluid leaks from what I think is a relief valve. Other than this it operates and sounds fine.

I'm thinking there is an internal leak and fluid is getting to an area that is meant for air during the extension stroke. Does this make sense?

I appreciate any input and answers, thank you.

Disclaimer; I am not looking to get into a debate on which 4 post lift is best and blah blah blah. I love this thing and I trust it with my life.

Jimmy V

Its probably the breather plug....purges air If it is leaking there seals are needed