Proper way to jack a car up?

[Corbic]

I expect to spend some time working on my car now. However how should I go about jacking it up in a way so I don't kill my self. Digging a pit in the yard isnt possible and I don't have access to a lift.

I'm thinking of using some sort of cynder blocks or those large concrete outdoor tiles. Jack each wheel up at a time, place the blocks under it and go all the way around the car.

Any better or safer ideas? How do you guys do it?

Thanks

 

[CyberEye]

I expect to spend some time working on my car now. However how should I go about jacking it up in a way so I don't kill my self. Digging a pit in the yard isnt possible and I don't have access to a lift.

I'm thinking of using some sort of cynder blocks or those large concrete outdoor tiles. Jack each wheel up at a time, place the blocks under it and go all the way around the car.

Any better or safer ideas? How do you guys do it?

Thanks

buy a good jack (not the crappy one thats with the car) and 4 jackstands. Do not use cynder blocks, use the jackstands, thats what they're made for.

 

[IHeartTurbo]

And don't put said jack stands under the wheels. Use the jacking points of the car. There's one behind each front wheel, one in front of each rear wheel, any of the crossmembers under the motor, the rear diff (if awd), or any part of the pinch weld.

 

[Corbic]

Sounds expensive.

 

[igopoopy]

not really

$36=4 http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=38846

$90=1 http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=34271

 

[Toshiro]

Don't forget to make sure your car is stable on the jackstands before you get under it. Lower it onto the jackstands slowly, then push on the car and try to rock it to see if it sways a lot or anything like that. Better for it to fall over when you're standing next to it than when you're lying underneath it.

 

[hystericfox]

Yeah, that and block the wheels, put the car in gear, and put the parking brake on. You definitly don't want it to roll on you when you're underneath it.

 

[igopoopy]

http://www.ehow.com/how_1864_jack-car-safely.html

http://www.ehow.com/how_16351_jack-stands.html

http://www.advanceautoparts.com/english/youcan/html/ccr/ccr20041001js.html#

 

[rodwa4]

block the wheels? when the car is UP ON JACK STANDS, it can't "roll" anywhere!

 

[hystericfox]

block the wheels? when the car is UP ON JACK STANDS, it can't "roll" anywhere!

It can while it's being raised. No one specifically said that, but knowing how stupid people can be, I figured it was worth mentioning.

 

[ClevSilverEclip]

The proper way to do things (good jack, 4 jackstands) may "sound expensive," but it's both an investment in your safety and the safety of your vehicle, and will easily return the investment in overall time saved if you work on your vehicle with any regularity at all, even if it is just changing the oil.

Just think how expensive your medical bill would be, and how expensive a repair on your car could be - should improper jacking cause problems.

The ONLY reason I have a standard jack, and not a high-dollar one is because I live in an apartment building and I don't want to get the jack stolen from the garage (which has happened several times to others with "good" jacks).

Trust me, just put in the money, you WILL NOT regret it.

-A
/

 

[95RedRS]

Man Jackstands Whats that. Guess I'm spoiled that my Dad works for Land Rover and I can use his Lift on His Off days and After he Leaves....Good to be the master Techs Son

 

[Attack Eagle]

umm... seek experienced help if you have to ask this question.

 

[Corbic]

not really

$36=4 http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=38846

$90=1 http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=34271

Much cheaper then the local Autozone. They want 350 for a 3-ton jack. Must be made of gold.

 

[LaserDad91]

Jack stands work great, as long as you are on a paved surface....... Otherwise they sink into gravel and are not to stable.

So, if you are on a gravel surface, cement blocks work fine, as long as you position the block so the "holes", are staight up and down, just as they are when installed in your fondation. If you have the "flat" side of the block in contact with the car, you risk breaking through the cement. I learned this the hard way.......but nothing got hurt.

Not saying blocks are better then jackstands, just be careful of what you use, and on what surface. I usually prefer to place the jack under a suspension member, since then I get the wheels off the ground quicker then jacking on the frame, and having to wait for the suspenion to relax.

 

[Corbic]

umm... seek experienced help if you have to ask this question.

I thought that was what I was doing, unless your saying no one around here has experience?

If you where trying to make a joke it sounds funnier when you say...

..Seek mental health therapy btw

 

[CyberEye]

Much cheaper then the local Autozone. They want 350 for a 3-ton jack. Must be made of gold.

Unless your jacking up a fully loaded full size truck, you really don't need a 3-ton jack. A 1-1/2 ton will do.