Jacking Up Front and Back

[irc]

Assuming I had two suitable jacks and wanted to swap wheels front and rear to even out wear. Is there any reason not to leave car in gear, handbrake on, chock both offside wheels, then use both front and back jack points to raise both nearside wheels and swap tyres?

[Rushjob]

Jacks are for lifting the car and then allowing you to put stands under the car to support it whilst you work on it. Jacks have a nasty habit of dropping the car on your toes at the most inopportune time, so yes, jack up the side but please put some solid supports under before you leave it up in the air.

[irc]

Noted. Thanks.

[breamster]

Rushjob said:

Jacks are for lifting the car and then allowing you to put stands under the car to support it whilst you work on it. Jacks have a nasty habit of dropping the car on your toes at the most inopportune time, so yes, jack up the side but please put some solid supports under before you leave it up in the air.

Absolutely. I've seen an OEM scissor jack fail and the car landed on someones chest. Axles stands are a must. I also position the wheels under the sills as soon as they are off as well and I have some old short pieces of sleeper I keep in the corner of the garage which I stack in the right places. Stating the obvious, but only lift it on solid flat ground. Not sure why I'm feeling like Mr H&S today

Edit to answer your actual question. I've frequently lifted one side with no issues. Yes to in gear and handbrake on.

I've always loosened and torqued up wheels on the ground to avoid the jiggling when the car is lifted.

Edited by breamster on Friday 2nd January 11:49

[paul_c123]

Would be fine with 2 decently-sized trolley jacks.

[E-bmw]

To add to the above, on a typical FWD car you can frequently get all of one side in the air using just the front jacking point.

[Pica-Pica]

I've always loosened and torqued up wheels on the ground to avoid the jiggling when the car is lifted.

Edited by breamster on Friday 2nd January 11:49

[/quote]
Indeed. Rookie error not to.

[Smint]

E-bmw said:

To add to the above, on a typical FWD car you can frequently get all of one side in the air using just the front jacking point.

Yes, if one jack won't lift high enough to clear both wheels an axle stand helps sometimes if placed to the rear end of the sill (or other suitably strong point), lower the jack slightly allowing the axle stand to take some weight, car levels up both wheels clear and Roberts your mums bruv.

I really don't like scissor jacks, ok for the odd emergency requiring one wheel off the ground with the vehicle firmly chocked plus park brake applied.
A good quality trolley jack (not a cheap toy with a egg-cup) is one of the best investments one can make.