I just rooted through dads shed. Found a tenon saw which did the job, although a hacksaw would probably be just as good.
The top surface was very hard, like plastic, but it was just dense rubber. Didnt take much to drill or cut.
Safe use of axle stands
- Thread starter shauncr91
- Start date
I just rooted through dads shed. Found a tenon saw which did the job, although a hacksaw would probably be just as good.
The top surface was very hard, like plastic, but it was just dense rubber. Didnt take much to drill or cut.
Soldato
I must be the only person that feels rather cosy working under the car then. 
100%
I'M totally anal about that. A bit of wood between the Jack and car too to spread the load
Soldato
The puck thing is a genius idea! I'm always sawing up small pieces of wood in the garage for my trolley jack as i'm always splintering them or destroying them somehow.
I hate getting under a car no matter how confident i am its secure, just freaks me out a bit. i always give it a proper shove when its up on its stands to make sure and even then will generally throw a spare wheel under a sill just in case.
I hate getting under a car no matter how confident i am its secure, just freaks me out a bit. i always give it a proper shove when its up on its stands to make sure and even then will generally throw a spare wheel under a sill just in case.
i always jack up on the subframe or chassis legs and put the axle stands on the subframe or the chassis legs. never ever on the sill, it can damage them badly.
you can find the chassis legs quite easily as its like box section where the rear of the subframe bolts to and then runs for say half a metre along the floor pan.
you can find the chassis legs quite easily as its like box section where the rear of the subframe bolts to and then runs for say half a metre along the floor pan.
I always jack up from strong suspension points on the subframe when your under there it's fairly easy to judge where it's safe to do basically any point that takes the weight if the car. Avoid the swing arms but I normally aim at the base where the arm is bolted to the subframe. I then either place the axle stands near that point or under the reinforced sills if they are still strong. Also fling the spare tyre under there just for good measure and stick the trolley jack on the centre of the subframe for double measure!
Pretty much what I do.
Soldato
Cheers for the tip, received a delivery of ice hockey equipment today 
Caporegime
Jack on rear diff or front cross member then put a axle stand on either side of the front or rear sub frame. Normally put two scissor jacks on either side of the sills as a back up if I am going underneath. Never had the need to put a car off all four wheels but would use the hockey puck method for that.
You know really Axle stands are not that good for modern cars, It's actually hard enough to find good places to even jack FWD cars. Axel stands were really designed to go under the rear Axle tube of RWD cars where they would allow the car to safely pivot, when you have to start using them sideways with blocks of wood etc on suspension mounting points etc their fine if nothing is moved but generally you then go to the other side of the car and lift that with the jack, thats when they are dodgy.
First rule of safety is don't work under a car supported just by a jack but I have found the quickest and safest way is 2 proper trolly jacks one each side (there is normally only about one substantial suspension point each side for a stand or a jack anyway) either jack can articulate as you pump up each side and even if one fails the car would not fall far also a mentioned the sensible mechanic always puts the wheels under the Sills.
Your right to ask this question as I've seen cars fall of stands more times than jacks and generally when they are still being jacked the other end and no second person is watching the stands.
If you only have a little hobby jack you may be better getting some wheel ramps if it's only oil changes etc
First rule of safety is don't work under a car supported just by a jack but I have found the quickest and safest way is 2 proper trolly jacks one each side (there is normally only about one substantial suspension point each side for a stand or a jack anyway) either jack can articulate as you pump up each side and even if one fails the car would not fall far also a mentioned the sensible mechanic always puts the wheels under the Sills.
Your right to ask this question as I've seen cars fall of stands more times than jacks and generally when they are still being jacked the other end and no second person is watching the stands.
If you only have a little hobby jack you may be better getting some wheel ramps if it's only oil changes etc
A sensible mechanic who puts the wheels under the cars has never had a car drop on him. A wheel under the sill would not stop the car crushing you, maybe not to death, but you wouldn't be coming out under your own steam and would have significant rib damage. Most alloys / wheels are not wide enough (when laid down) compared to the mid waist and chest of your average slightly overweight mechanic.
Indeed, if possible get someone to assist to keep an eye on the stands when jacking the car to check for slippage.
I had to have the whole car in the air a few weeks back. I was changing the gearbox oil which meant having the car on 4 axle stands to keep it level. I did the front first, then the back. I have to admit, jacking a car is something I hate doing; it takes me ages because between each pump of the jack I'm listening for any nasty noises and checking for undue movement in the jack stands.
Soldato
How safe is it to jack a car onto 4 axle stands?
Wheels need a refurb and it would be much easier to drop off the wheels for the day, than take my car along, drop it off, and need transport there and back.
Wheels need a refurb and it would be much easier to drop off the wheels for the day, than take my car along, drop it off, and need transport there and back.
Soldato
This, I usually use the front cross member under the engine to jack up and either end of it where they meet the front lower wishbone to position the stands. Always chock the wheels that are on the deck and leave any wheels removed under the sills as a damaged wheel and car is way better than a dead owner!
If you decide to use ramps then hook a length of carpet around the bottom rung and lay it in front of the ramp so the weight of the car holds the ramp in place while you drive up onto it.
Soldato
Surely if you take the wheels off you will need alternate transport there and back anyway?
You can get wheel refurb companies that come to you.
Yeah its not good waggling jacks to get the stands to sit back on the ground squarely etc..Fine, but jack from the centre and make sure the floor is smooth enough for the jack wheels to turn. If the jack gets stuck you'll end up pulling the car towards the jack and risk toppling the stands at the opposite end.
Years back when there were empty milk bottles on every doorstep apparently people would lift the car and balance it on milk bottles and make off with the wheels
Before my time but I bet they would be strong enough.
No problem with stands used at minimum height to allow wheel removal, it's only tricky when you need to get the car up a couple of feet or so.