Putting a Fabia on axle stands...

Leeum · 14 Apr 2010 at 22:49

Bit of a n00b question, but what's the best way of jacking a Skoda Fabia up and placing the front on axle stands? The sills are stupidly filmsy on these, so it's hard to see what's solid and what's not. :confused:

I'm thinking if I jack it up at the correct point on the sill (with wood so it doesn't bend) and stick the stands under the metal console mounts? Do I want wood between the stands and these mounts or will metal to metal be ok?

Cheers

Clarkey · 14 Apr 2010 at 23:29

Just jack it from the front and stick the stands under the sill jacking points.

BigglesPiP · 15 Apr 2010 at 00:45

I would jack it up from the jacking points on the cills, then put the stands under the chassis rails. By which I mean the 2 parts running the length of the floor pan which look like box section.

Dogbreath · 15 Apr 2010 at 01:44

BigglesPiP said:
I would jack it up from the jacking points on the cills, then put the stands under the chassis rails. By which I mean the 2 parts running the length of the floor pan which look like box section.

The ones covered with a plastic undertray that could be hiding pipes and cables you mean?

In this case I'd go for a suspension mounting point; the metal bracket with the bolt head just showing looks like a possibility but I'd want to check its bolted up to a structural area of the floorpan first as that photo doesn't give much detail.

BigglesPiP · 15 Apr 2010 at 01:46

Dogbreath said:
The ones covered with a plastic undertray that could be hiding pipes and cables you mean?

No, not those ones, stupid. :rolleyes:

Gaverick · 15 Apr 2010 at 01:50

I just use the two console bushes you showed on my vRS. Just jack it up, put the stand under the bush and gently lower it.

Clarkey · 15 Apr 2010 at 01:50

BigglesPiP said:
No, not those ones, stupid.

I can't see any others...

Either way, you'll end up with the stands inboard and they will be in the way if you want to get under the front of the car, better off under the sills, it will be more stable that way too.

Oh and I deffo wouldn't advise dumping the full weight onto a bush, certainly won't do it any good.

BigglesPiP · 15 Apr 2010 at 01:57

I've never found using inboard members as jacking points to be a problem, even taking a gearbox off. I'd say it's a more stable place to support the car too, IMO.

Just take the sodding under tray off if it's in the way, there's no need to be a defeatist pedant and say "Oooh but there's an under-tray and stuff hidden behind it, I'll have to give up and buy a push-bike instead." Would you give up changing an interior lamp because the doors are all closed? (Not directed at you Clarkey)