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Axle stands - where to put them!

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Angela Ward View Drop Down
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    Posted: 28 Jan 2012 at 10:11am
Embarrassed
Rather embarassingly I know that axle stands go under the car but am confused as to exactly where on Sylvia (Z3) I should position them to avoid hurting her.

With Silverstone on the way I want to remove the wheels for cleaning purposes.

As always your advice will be appreciated.

Thanks
Angela


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AShah View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AShah Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 Jan 2012 at 11:31am

It is difficult, but there are many opinions on this topic.

Personally, what i do, as i do it almost everyday, if you are just going to clean the wheels, and not work on the car, then using a jack is perfectly acceptable, as long as its a sturdy trolley type jack and not a scissor jack. Axle stands should be used when working close to or under a car where fear of the car falling is a problem.
 
If removing a wheel for cleaning, then i would loosen the wheel bolts first, then jack up and remove the wheel. Clean the wheel well away from the car and then do the opposite when refitting.

Also ensure your on level ground, if you have to do it on a slight angle, then chock the other 3 wheels so the car can't roll anywhere.
 
If you are using a scissor jack, i would urge you not to for a number of safety reasons, then yes a axle stand is better, i would place it on where the lollypop bushes meet the chassis as its a proper structural point and is easily accessable. On the rear, under the trailing arm bush mounting points.
 
I use different methods personally, but i have a large amount of kit at my disposal!
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Mike Fishwick View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Mike Fishwick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 Feb 2012 at 12:36pm
A lot of axle stands have a curved top -to fit around a (rigid type) axle.  These are of no use at all, but can usually be heated up and bent flat.  I don't like axle stands, having seena  Range Rover fall off them!

I use two trolley jacks, and use them to lift the car on the rear jack pads, then slip wooden blocks under the centre of the cross member. The car can then be lowered onto the blocks.

The front jack pads can then be used to lift the car, and small wooden blocks inserted intothe frames of the jacks as  safety device in case of hydraulic failure.
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Angela Ward View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Angela Ward Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Feb 2012 at 9:59am
SmileThanks both for all your advice.  Off to buy a trolley jack (or two) when the snow clears!

Happy driving - see you at Silverstone?

Angela
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Mike Fishwick View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Mike Fishwick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Feb 2012 at 10:19am
About the only time I jack the car at both ends is for changing the gearbox and final drive oils, when one needs to get underneath a level car - and while the wheels were being repainted.

Two trolley jacks are well worth having - but don't buy the smallest type, which lack enough lift - go for the middle-sized Halfords type, which will lift about 400 mm, and still fit underneath the car witha wooden pad on its platform.

For even moderately lowered car, first drive it onto a couple of pieces of two-inch wood to provide clearance for the jack.
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Phil Rosenbloom View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Phil Rosenbloom Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Feb 2012 at 5:51pm
I see you have started your preparations for Siverstone early.
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Angela Ward View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Angela Ward Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Feb 2012 at 8:42pm
Thanks Mike for the very useful advice.  Unfortunately I didn't get out to Halfords in time and now it's snowing again!

Maybe next week?

Angela.
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Angela Ward View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Angela Ward Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Feb 2012 at 8:44pm
Big smile
Phil - I have to start early as there's so much to do!

Angela
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