A question car DIYers
Discussion
How high off the ground can you get your car without the use of a lift?
I need to raise it high enough to be able to get a breaker bar (possibly a 3 foot one) on to a number of subframe nuts/botls. My 18" bar isn't going to hack it as some are done up to 180nm and I can do without a hernia!
My only option are the two sets of axle stands I have, though I'm not sure which set goes highest.
I need to raise it high enough to be able to get a breaker bar (possibly a 3 foot one) on to a number of subframe nuts/botls. My 18" bar isn't going to hack it as some are done up to 180nm and I can do without a hernia!
My only option are the two sets of axle stands I have, though I'm not sure which set goes highest.
Seems to me like a perfect opportunity to go tool shopping.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Silverline-Hi-Spec-427727-...
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Silverline-Hi-Spec-427727-...
LandingSpot said:
How high off the ground can you get your car without the use of a lift?
I need to raise it high enough to be able to get a breaker bar (possibly a 3 foot one) on to a number of subframe nuts/botls. My 18" bar isn't going to hack it as some are done up to 180nm and I can do without a hernia!
My only option are the two sets of axle stands I have, though I'm not sure which set goes highest.
use your imagination...I need to raise it high enough to be able to get a breaker bar (possibly a 3 foot one) on to a number of subframe nuts/botls. My 18" bar isn't going to hack it as some are done up to 180nm and I can do without a hernia!
My only option are the two sets of axle stands I have, though I'm not sure which set goes highest.
I'm assuming the bolts are parallel with the floor rather than facing downwards towards the floor? If that's the case i'd be very careful putting 200 odd nm of force into a car that's balanced on a set of stands.
Personally I would lift the car just enough to get the bar underneath and just keep ratcheting it back to undo the bolts a little bit at a time.
Personally I would lift the car just enough to get the bar underneath and just keep ratcheting it back to undo the bolts a little bit at a time.
NOt high enough to get a 3ft breaker bar clean under it!
I can get it to the full height of my axle stands - about 40cm ish.
You only need the breaker bar to "crack" the nuts off though. After that a much shorter spanner will do the job, so it's perfectly possible to use a long breaker bar under car that's only a couple of feet off of the ground. Just be careful it can't drop off of its stands.
I can get it to the full height of my axle stands - about 40cm ish.
You only need the breaker bar to "crack" the nuts off though. After that a much shorter spanner will do the job, so it's perfectly possible to use a long breaker bar under car that's only a couple of feet off of the ground. Just be careful it can't drop off of its stands.
warch said:
As high as you can jack it up I imagine. I wouldn't use axle stands, I prefer wood blocks, or ramp stands with wood blocks on them wedged under the sills. Much safer especially with high torque bolts to undo.
I would like a set of railway sleepers, but the wheels are going to need to be off the car which means they're no use. I might opt for four stands at different points... 
miniman said:
Seems to me like a perfect opportunity to go tool shopping.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Silverline-Hi-Spec-427727-...
I already have a Clarke one coming for Christmas http://www.amazon.co.uk/Silverline-Hi-Spec-427727-...
Corsair7 said:
use your imagination...
Ponk said:
I'm assuming the bolts are parallel with the floor rather than facing downwards towards the floor? If that's the case i'd be very careful putting 200 odd nm of force into a car that's balanced on a set of stands.
Personally I would lift the car just enough to get the bar underneath and just keep ratcheting it back to undo the bolts a little bit at a time.
Yes, parallel to the floor. Don't worry, I have contingencies for it falling off! Hopefully that won't be an issue though. Personally I would lift the car just enough to get the bar underneath and just keep ratcheting it back to undo the bolts a little bit at a time.
WeirdNeville said:
NOt high enough to get a 3ft breaker bar clean under it!
I can get it to the full height of my axle stands - about 40cm ish.
You only need the breaker bar to "crack" the nuts off though. After that a much shorter spanner will do the job, so it's perfectly possible to use a long breaker bar under car that's only a couple of feet off of the ground. Just be careful it can't drop off of its stands.
With the wheels off and a bar that is not restriction to 90 degree angles should allow enough access. I can get it to the full height of my axle stands - about 40cm ish.
You only need the breaker bar to "crack" the nuts off though. After that a much shorter spanner will do the job, so it's perfectly possible to use a long breaker bar under car that's only a couple of feet off of the ground. Just be careful it can't drop off of its stands.
LandingSpot said:
I need to raise it high enough to be able to get a breaker bar (possibly a 3 foot one) on to a number of subframe nuts/botls. My 18" bar isn't going to hack it as some are done up to 180nm and I can do without a hernia!
My only option are the two sets of axle stands I have, though I'm not sure which set goes highest.
Think about using a shorter bar and the car's weight. Put the bar on so that the end rests on a block. Then lower the car a bit and the bolt will be 'broken' free.My only option are the two sets of axle stands I have, though I'm not sure which set goes highest.
Hope this idea helps...
miniman said:
Seems to me like a perfect opportunity to go tool shopping.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Silverline-Hi-Spec-427727-...
This. I bought one just over a year ago and have never looked back.http://www.amazon.co.uk/Silverline-Hi-Spec-427727-...
Sam_68 said:
Ponk said:
...I'd be very careful putting 200 odd nm of force into a car that's balanced on a set of stands.
^^^ This. If you need a breaker bar that size, you want the car supported on a proper 4-post lift. Axle stands would be borderline Darwin Award material.LandingSpot said:
How high off the ground can you get your car without the use of a lift?
I need to raise it high enough to be able to get a breaker bar (possibly a 3 foot one) on to a number of subframe nuts/botls. My 18" bar isn't going to hack it as some are done up to 180nm and I can do without a hernia!
My only option are the two sets of axle stands I have, though I'm not sure which set goes highest.
With a 750mm bar most will come undone with a fairly short lift.I need to raise it high enough to be able to get a breaker bar (possibly a 3 foot one) on to a number of subframe nuts/botls. My 18" bar isn't going to hack it as some are done up to 180nm and I can do without a hernia!
My only option are the two sets of axle stands I have, though I'm not sure which set goes highest.
Your other option is a decent electric impact wrench + impact sockets - they are getting very good now.
Else if you want the nut off, try a nut-splitter.
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