Raising & Mounting on Axle Stands..
Discussion
Ok, this might seem a daft question and apologies if I appear 'thick' but I want to remove the wheels to clean behind them and change the centre caps for Holden ones.
What I would like to know (because I really do hate using the factory jack) is it OK to raise the car by placing a trolley jack under the Rear diff casing and then place the stands under the recommended jacking points and same for the front using the front cross member for raising?
I just don't want to damage the car by raising and supporting the car in the wrong places or worse case scenario - have it come crashing down. Both cases I've seen done in the past even by experienced mechanics.
It's just a bit of a shame that we lack a decent workshop manual like Haynes that were very good at under car photo's of the correct jacking/mounting points.
It would just be nice to have the car completely raised and supported so that all the wheels are off the ground and be done in one go and also throughly check and clean the rear arches etc.
As I say, apologies if the answer is obvious, but I don't want to wreck my pride and joy.
Thanks.
What I would like to know (because I really do hate using the factory jack) is it OK to raise the car by placing a trolley jack under the Rear diff casing and then place the stands under the recommended jacking points and same for the front using the front cross member for raising?
I just don't want to damage the car by raising and supporting the car in the wrong places or worse case scenario - have it come crashing down. Both cases I've seen done in the past even by experienced mechanics.
It's just a bit of a shame that we lack a decent workshop manual like Haynes that were very good at under car photo's of the correct jacking/mounting points.
It would just be nice to have the car completely raised and supported so that all the wheels are off the ground and be done in one go and also throughly check and clean the rear arches etc.
As I say, apologies if the answer is obvious, but I don't want to wreck my pride and joy.
Thanks.
I know Ive jacked them under the diff, and for most cars it would be a normal jacking point.
It is quite a long way under the car though for some jacks.
Pretty sure I just supported the car on the main suspension beam at the rear anyway.
Although no doubt there are other places you could suport it. Depends what items you need access too as well.
It is quite a long way under the car though for some jacks.
Pretty sure I just supported the car on the main suspension beam at the rear anyway.
Although no doubt there are other places you could suport it. Depends what items you need access too as well.
Edited by stevieturbo on Sunday 13th August 09:06
"What I would like to know (because I really do hate using the factory jack) is it OK to raise the car by placing a trolley jack under the Rear diff casing and then place the stands under the recommended jacking points and same for using the front cross member for raising"
The rear diff is the first place most people go for as the car gets raised quickly and on the level.
Boosted.
The rear diff is the first place most people go for as the car gets raised quickly and on the level.
Boosted.
I use axle stands on the jack points, or at least the support structure next to them. Jacking under the diff makes it a little wobbly.
Stands on each corner are more sturdy, especially if you want to lye underneath.
I put a chock of wood on top of the trolley jack so the metal jack cup doesn't mangle stuff. Ive thought ramps might be good, but I'm not sure on ground clearance.
The front cross member on mine has a skid plate bolted to it, which is oily, so not really safe to use, plus it would mangle the skid plate.
Stands on each corner are more sturdy, especially if you want to lye underneath.
I put a chock of wood on top of the trolley jack so the metal jack cup doesn't mangle stuff. Ive thought ramps might be good, but I'm not sure on ground clearance.
The front cross member on mine has a skid plate bolted to it, which is oily, so not really safe to use, plus it would mangle the skid plate.
Edited by ringram on Sunday 13th August 10:21
If you jack the car up using the rear diff (which is fine by the way) make sure you place the jack under the steel part of the diff and not under the diff cover, as the cover is an alloy and you might disturb the seal and start a leak.......
As for the front if you look just behind the front wheel there is a point on the sub frame with a bolt through it into the body which makes for a good jacking point.
As "Ringram" says ALWAYS USE AXLE STANDS AND BLOCK THE WHEELS...............
As for the front if you look just behind the front wheel there is a point on the sub frame with a bolt through it into the body which makes for a good jacking point.
As "Ringram" says ALWAYS USE AXLE STANDS AND BLOCK THE WHEELS...............
between jack and diff to absorb"profile" of the housing and protect itMany thanks for the help.
So in short, Trolley jack fine under rear diff, with piece of wood (thanks for the measurement B055, I was wondering what the best width/depth would be etc) and axle stands under jacking points on either side will be fine. But as Ringram says, what if you have skid plate on the front cross member? This would be my preferred place to raise the front of the car (as I used to on my Capri) and then place the stands under the jacking points.
Would you also recommend woodblocks on the axlestands to protect these areas are will it be ok to use them as they are?
The reason I posed this in the first place is because when I tried to remove the rear wheels yesterday I found that they were (or rather still are) siezed on solid to the hub. On trying to 'waggle' the wheels off, it was clear that the factory jack was not a solid option and it was clearly unsafe despite being on level ground etc.
So, er, any suggestions for un-siezing the wheels now??
So in short, Trolley jack fine under rear diff, with piece of wood (thanks for the measurement B055, I was wondering what the best width/depth would be etc) and axle stands under jacking points on either side will be fine. But as Ringram says, what if you have skid plate on the front cross member? This would be my preferred place to raise the front of the car (as I used to on my Capri) and then place the stands under the jacking points.
Would you also recommend woodblocks on the axlestands to protect these areas are will it be ok to use them as they are?
The reason I posed this in the first place is because when I tried to remove the rear wheels yesterday I found that they were (or rather still are) siezed on solid to the hub. On trying to 'waggle' the wheels off, it was clear that the factory jack was not a solid option and it was clearly unsafe despite being on level ground etc.
So, er, any suggestions for un-siezing the wheels now??
I would be cautious about placing wood between jack and diff....
The jack's lifting cup is usually shaped, so slippage wont occur easily. Wood isnt. Just make sure whatever setup you intend to use, is secure.
Also, I prefer to have the handbrake OFF when jacking a car up. That way both car and jack are free to move, so neither ends up getting pulled/pushed whilst jacking.
The jack's lifting cup is usually shaped, so slippage wont occur easily. Wood isnt. Just make sure whatever setup you intend to use, is secure.
Also, I prefer to have the handbrake OFF when jacking a car up. That way both car and jack are free to move, so neither ends up getting pulled/pushed whilst jacking.
Yeah and you will need that bit of wood to hold against the inside rim when you wallop it with a hammer to get the wheels off!
Thats what I had to do.
Smear some anti seize on after to prevent future repeats.
If you want some more fun, try taking the brake disks off too! (After the calipers of course!)
Thats what I had to do.
Smear some anti seize on after to prevent future repeats.
If you want some more fun, try taking the brake disks off too! (After the calipers of course!)
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