Jacking and axle stands

[Schmeeky]

Brief bit of history - I've only just bought my first car, have no experience of DIY car mechanics, and my Eunos didn't come with an owner's manual.

I need to get access to the underside to change the exhaust from the cat back, and am thinking these would do the job -

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...

I had thought of getting a pair of ramps

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...

..but this is a more expensive option, albeit probably safer. Although I don't know if she has the clearance to get up them properly.


My main question is, if I went for the jack/stands, where would I place the jack to lift, and likewise, where would I locate the stands?

[Gilhooligan]

Schmeeky said:

Brief bit of history - I've only just bought my first car, have no experience of DIY car mechanics, and my Eunos didn't come with an owner's manual.

I need to get access to the underside to change the exhaust from the cat back, and am thinking these would do the job -

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...

I had thought of getting a pair of ramps

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...

..but this is a more expensive option, albeit probably safer. Although I don't know if she has the clearance to get up them properly.


My main question is, if I went for the jack/stands, where would I place the jack to lift, and likewise, where would I locate the stands?

Considering each axle stand can cope with double the weight of the car I'm sure they'll be fine. I would also try Amazon as thats where I bought my axle stands and trolley jack. I managed to get better quality Sealey items for a similar price to the budget stuff Halfords were selling.

Jacking wise, google is your friend. Best place to jack it up is by the rear diff and the front subframe cross member. That allows you to stick axle stands at the ends of the chassis rails where it is reinforced. If you are apprehensive about the safety of axle stands stick the wheels under the car too, thats what I do anyway

[J.P.W.]

Stick a wheel under the lowest hard point of the car while it's elevated. Could save your life.

[Mr MXT]

Drve on ramps are a pain in the arse to get on and off.

[anonymous-user]

I bought 2 axle stands from Lidl last year for a tenner the pair - before you naysayers sneer, they are German TUV approved. I had the front of my MX5 up on them on the drive for about 2 months (don't ask!) and they were solid.

[Schmeeky]

Thanks for the replies folks.

Halfords was my first look about the place, just to get an idea on what was available. Will check out Amazon, and Machine Mart as well, as I've a branch close to me.

Already knew about the belt and braces thing with having a wheel under the sill, but it deffo bares repeating! With a tonne of metal just above my head I want it to stay there! And Gilhooligan, cheers for the advice on where to locate the various bits - will google as well.

Muchos gracias amigos!