DIY underneath car - jacking up and supporting safely MSE style?

MORPH3US

Why would you want to lift all four corners of the car at once? Sounds like trouble to me....

Just get a set of ramps and use them at the front for the oil change and checking for rust and then turn the car round and use them for the back to check for rust etc....

Cheaper that way too!

M

Crabman

brazilianwax wrote: »

I do that when I take the wheels off to wash them!

You remove your wheels to wash them?? :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

anewman

MORPH3US wrote: »

Just get a set of ramps and use them at the front for the oil change and checking for rust and then turn the car round and use them for the back to check for rust etc....

Sounds like a good idea. I think the sump nut is in an angled bit of the sump plate which would make draining with one end in the air no problem. I guess I would also find out if I *really* do need the extra bits if I have a good set of ramps and try them out first.

anewman

Crabman wrote: »

You remove your wheels to wash them?? :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

It's actually probably not so crazy an idea as it sounds. With alloy wheels it would make it easier to clean the nooks and crannies without being restricted by the brake thingies, and gives an opportunity to clean the more likely neglected bit behind the wheel. + if you were a real car clean nut or put your car in shows, it would make painting your tyres black easier too

brazilianwax

Crabman wrote: »

You remove your wheels to wash them?? :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

when I'm doing them properly, yes!!!! the brake calipers get in the way otherwise, and I don't wanna damage them with wheel cleaner.

otherwise i'm on my hands and knees scrubbing!!!!

I am a car detailing nut as well as a petrolhead!

Crabman

Hmm good point with the alloys, I was aware that if you leave road dirt/grime on them for too long they can do bad things to the shine/finish. Anyway, sorry for taking this thead off-topic, I should really know better

reheat

anewman wrote: »

Is it safe to use axle stands at all 4 jacking points at the same time?

A word of warning, from bitter experience. I once jacked up my car on a sloping bit of my garden, left side of the car lower than the other. I jacked up both front wheels together, a pair of axle stands at the ready ... and before my very eyes the whole front end slid sideways off the trolley jack before I could get the stands in place. So be very careful.

And the other important thing I was taught a long time ago in the forces, never ever use bricks or building blocks as supports ~ although they are very hard they are also very brittle and easily crack/crumble. Many years ago a friend of a friend of mine did this and ended up with a cracked skull and permanent brain damage, so it's a real danger. Always use axle stands or good substantial timbers; if timber then ensure support runs across the grain never along it.

david29dpo

dig a pit if you have room. there great!

brazilianwax

I didn't think you were allowed to have those anymore.

Dave_Brooker

brazilianwax wrote: »

I didn't think you were allowed to have those anymore.

That's pit bulls...