Axle Stand Pads and Slightly Sloped Drive

[Monsterlime]

Two questions!

Are these DIY pads for my axle stands a terrible idea -



They are left over foam insulation from some plumbing that I do not need anymore. Should I just buy some rubber ones (that generally don't see to fit very well from all the pictures I've seen)?

Secondly, my drive slopes slightly -



Garage (which is flat) is currently full, but I need to jack the front up, put on axle stands etc. Is this level of incline ok? Should I chock the rear wheels both sides (front and back)? Would still stick hand brake on (but its a TVR so it is laughable), and leave in gear.

Thanks!

[E-bmw]

Foam on the stands is pointless, I use 2" thick blocks of wood to spread the load myself.

Drive angle shouldn't be too much of an issue but make 100% sure that the weight is bourne within the footprint of the stands & that the wheels are adequately chocked.

[Dave.]

As above, and if your stands are the 3 legged ones, orientate them so the third leg is pointing down the slope.

[LarJammer]

My drive is a similar slope and I have no problems. I ALWAYS give the car a jiggle when on the stands to check how stable it is. And have a secondary support just in case, even if its just the wheels placed under the sills.

[PositronicRay]

I used to have a steeply sloping drive. In a way quite useful, the car sat level while on stands or ramps.

[Monsterlime]

The pads are more to protect the chassis paint/waxoyl than spread any load. Was more a case of making sure they are unlikely to slip off using them.

Some wood to spread the load though is a good idea, thanks.

Would it be advisable to have the car face up hill when jacking it up and changing oil or just leave it as is (usually park facing down/towards the house).

Thanks!

[PositronicRay]

Monsterlime said:

Would it be advisable to have the car face up hill when jacking it up and changing oil or just leave it as is (usually park facing down/towards the house).

Thanks!

Depends which end you keep the engine.

[Dave.]

PositronicRay said:

Depends which end you keep the engine.

[Monsterlime]

I asked for that.

Engine is at the front.

[Coilspring]

Call that a slope ? Being a mobile mechanic I often get called out to breakdowns and situation, when real slopes are involved.

Chock the wheels, at least 2 should be firmly on the ground. Chock them to stop movement in either direction.

Make sure the stands are safe and secure. Use 2 on 1 corner of the car if needed. Put an old wheel or similar under as an emergency safety net. If it falls it still might hurt you, but you should survive it. Try the stands with the foam, or wood. But ONLY if you are sure the vehicle cannot slip or slide on it. Especially if any physical pushing, levering, hammering etc is involved.

Other than that, no issues thats only just a noticeable slope.

[WIL35]

Monsterlime said:

The pads are more to protect the chassis paint/waxoyl than spread any load. Was more a case of making sure they are unlikely to slip off using them.

I got some sticky backed rubber to put on my axle stands, about 3mm thick and wide enough to cover the top surface of the axle stand. That way you still retain the recessed top of the axle stand to locate the chassis rails. I too didn't want my outrigger replaced TVR chassis to get scratched!

[PositronicRay]

WIL35 said:

Monsterlime said:

The pads are more to protect the chassis paint/waxoyl than spread any load. Was more a case of making sure they are unlikely to slip off using them.

I got some sticky backed rubber to put on my axle stands, about 3mm thick and wide enough to cover the top surface of the axle stand. That way you still retain the recessed top of the axle stand to locate the chassis rails. I too didn't want my outrigger replaced TVR chassis to get scratched!

I cut up an old rad hose.

[Gerradi]

I just hit the stands with a lumphammer , they dont move great!
I put mine up onto ramps , & turn one side one way & leave the other...can't roll either way.
Iyou need a wheel off just jack up & put a stand there, I also chock the rear wheels !

[Moviestar]

You could always try these.

Been using them for years with no problem:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/For-Halfords-Advanced-R...