How do you repair a GoJak® that has spread apart fully?

If a GoJak has spread apart completely or beyond its normal operating range, stop using the unit and inspect the end stop assembly and lifting mechanism before attempting to put it back into service. When a GoJak spreads farther than designed, simply pushing the unit back together may not correct the underlying problem.

Depending on how far the unit separated, the end stop, end stop clip, inner and outer frame sections, rollers, axles, ratchet components, pedal mechanism, and related hardware should be inspected for damage or misalignment.

Why does a GoJak spread apart?
The GoJak is designed with an end stop that limits its outward travel. The end stop clip keeps that stop properly positioned. If the end stop or retaining clip is missing, damaged, displaced, or no longer functioning correctly, the GoJak may be able to travel beyond its intended operating range.

When this happens, the inner section can extend farther out of the main body than intended. A complete overextension can also place abnormal forces on other parts of the lifting and ratcheting mechanism.

What should be inspected?
Before repairing or using the GoJak again, carefully inspect the unit for:

• End stop: Confirm that the end stop is present, undamaged, and positioned correctly. The end stop prevents the GoJak from spreading beyond its intended range.
• End stop clip: Check that the retaining clip is present and properly securing the end stop. The clip itself may not necessarily appear bent or damaged even if the end stop has become displaced.
• Inner and outer frame: Look for bending, distortion, cracking, or other damage caused by overextension.
• Rollers and axles: Make sure the rollers remain correctly positioned and that the axles have not shifted, bent, or become damaged.
• Ratchet mechanism: Inspect the ratchet and working pawl to make sure they engage correctly and have not become damaged or misaligned.
• Foot pedal mechanism: Check the pedal, pivot points, springs, and related hardware for anything that appears loose, displaced, or damaged.
• Hardware and retaining components: Confirm that clips, cotter pins, fasteners, and other retaining hardware are present and correctly positioned.

Can the GoJak simply be pushed back together?

If the frame and operating components are undamaged, the unit may be repairable by correctly repositioning the mechanism and replacing the damaged or missing OEM end stop and/or retaining components. However, the exact repair required depends on what occurred when the unit spread apart.

After the repair:
Before placing the GoJak back into service, operate the pedal mechanism without a vehicle load and verify that the unit opens, closes, and ratchets smoothly. Confirm that the end stop limits outward travel correctly and that the rollers, pedal, pawl, and ratchet mechanism remain properly aligned throughout their movement.

If anything binds, slips, catches, appears misaligned, or does not engage normally, do not use the GoJak under a vehicle.

Need assistance?
If the GoJak has completely separated, the cause of the overextension cannot be identified, or there is any question about whether additional components were damaged, contact Zendex Tool Support at 203-778-0400 or support@zendextool.com before returning the unit to service. The GoJak model number should be available when contacting support so the correct OEM replacement parts and repair information can be identified.