Trolley Jack / Axle Stands Question- 4200

[omar_little]

Hi Forum

I've decided to start getting my hands dirty by getting to know my car. For my first project I'm going to change the air filter and change the oil.

I plan to use a trolley jack and place the car on axle stands. Where is the best place to locate the trolley jack under the car? I've read a few articles on how some people raise the car. Most seem to raise the car from the manufactures jacking point and then place the axle stand on the raised point and then proceed to do the same on the other side of the car. Is this a safe approach? Is there a central point I could jack the car from using a trolley jack (please describe or send pictures if possible) and then place the axle stands? Also where is the best place to position the axle stands (again pictures or description would be greatly appreciated)?

I also understand that you should take the car out of sports mode before raising the car and also use a low profile trolley jack.

 

[CatmanV2]

Hi Forum

I also understand that you should take the car out of sports mode before raising the car and also use a low profile trolley jack.

Why? Curious, I've just used the jacking points and my bog standard Halfrauds jack, which fits with loads of room. Nothing un-toward as yet. Having said that, I doubt it was in sport mode anyway.

As for lifting both sides, its probably not ideal. Central point would be better, or buy another jack and lift both sides evenly. Only £30 from Halfords.

C

 

[omar_little]

I think the logic is that the car is slightly lowered when in Sports mode, so might be tight if you use a standard trolley jack as opposed to a low profile trolley jack.

Good suggestion re using two jacks. Where do you place the axle stands??

 

[RSM Masser]

Lots of 'strong points' under the car, front cross member, suspension connections - avoid engine and gearbox, sills, floor pan, beware fuel / brake lines other hoses and wires. Make sure the car is reasonably level and secure, all feet of the axle stands are on the ground, as the weight is transferred to them they may move a bit.

If you are unsure I would suggest a Maserati is not the car to learn on - not only for the risk of damage even a 1500kg car would smart a bit if it fell off the stands.
My 20 year old Halfrauds 2ton trolley jack and equally old axle stands easily raise my 3200

 

[omar_little]

Lots of 'strong points' under the car, front cross member, suspension connections - avoid engine and gearbox, sills, floor pan, beware fuel / brake lines other hoses and wires. Make sure the car is reasonably level and secure, all feet of the axle stands are on the ground, as the weight is transferred to them they may move a bit.

If you are unsure I would suggest a Maserati is not the car to learn on - not only for the risk of damage even a 1500kg car would smart a bit if it fell off the stands.
My 20 year old Halfrauds 2ton trolley jack and equally old axle stands easily raise my 3200

I think I'm ok. I love the challenge. I just wanted to ensure there were no major no go areas.

 

[QP4Me]

Hi,

I must inject a word of caution here.

Please be really carefull when working under a raised car. Support it, then double up on those supports. My partner, who loved to dabble with cars, was killed a number of years ago while working under a car supported on a jack only. The jack failed and she was crushed to death.

It happens so quickly, no warning, no second chances.

These days I use several axle stands, blocks and jacks before even contemplating going under a car. Even working under, 'ultra safe' 4 post lifts, fill's me with dread.

Regards,

Pat.

 

[CatmanV2]

I think the logic is that the car is slightly lowered when in Sports mode, so might be tight if you use a standard trolley jack as opposed to a low profile trolley jack.

Good suggestion re using two jacks. Where do you place the axle stands??

Well, I haven't done it on this car, yet

My jack is not low profile. There seems to be loads of room.

C

 

[conaero]

Hi,

I must inject a word of caution here.

Please be really carefull when working under a raised car. Support it, then double up on those supports. My partner, who loved to dabble with cars, was killed a number of years ago while working under a car supported on a jack only. The jack failed and she was crushed to death.

It happens so quickly, no warning, no second chances.

These days I use several axle stands, blocks and jacks before even contemplating going under a car. Even working under, 'ultra safe' 4 post lifts, fill's me with dread.

Regards,

Pat.

A lesson to us all.

I could not get the car high enough to use my transmission jack so i did this:



My brother went ballistic at me and quite rightly so, so I went belt and brasses:



It would have trashed the bodywork and probably brought the roof down too, but it would have given me vital seconds to get out if anything went wrong.

I strongly do not suggest you do anything like this.

 

[MAF260]

A lesson to us all.

I could not get the car high enough to use my transmission jack so i did this:

View attachment 15051

My brother went ballistic at me and quite rightly so, so I went belt and brasses:

View attachment 15052

It would have trashed the bodywork and probably brought the roof down too, but it would have given me vital seconds to get out if anything went wrong.

I strongly do not suggest you do anything like this.

Jeez! That looks incredibly unsafe. You must have had balls of steel to venture underneath that, Matt!!

 

[MAF260]

I think the logic is that the car is slightly lowered when in Sports mode, so might be tight if you use a standard trolley jack as opposed to a low profile trolley jack.....

Never heard that before. I thought Sports mode just stiffened the dampers?

 

[omar_little]

Hi,

I must inject a word of caution here.

Please be really carefull when working under a raised car. Support it, then double up on those supports. My partner, who loved to dabble with cars, was killed a number of years ago while working under a car supported on a jack only. The jack failed and she was crushed to death.

It happens so quickly, no warning, no second chances.

These days I use several axle stands, blocks and jacks before even contemplating going under a car. Even working under, 'ultra safe' 4 post lifts, fill's me with dread.

Regards,

Pat.

That's awful. I will definitely take the necessary precautions and more before even thinking about venturing under the car.

 

[dunnah01]

Either leave the wheels on or if removed push them under the car as something else for the car to land on before you..

 

[RSM Masser]

Hi,

I must inject a word of caution here.

Please be really carefull when working under a raised car. Support it, then double up on those supports. My partner, who loved to dabble with cars, was killed a number of years ago while working under a car supported on a jack only. The jack failed and she was crushed to death.

It happens so quickly, no warning, no second chances.

These days I use several axle stands, blocks and jacks before even contemplating going under a car. Even working under, 'ultra safe' 4 post lifts, fill's me with dread.

Regards,

Pat.

That truly is awful - I am sorry to read that. I was not trying to make light of the issues working under cars on driveways or anywhere else. Even when fully supported on the stands I often leave the jack just taking the strain as an extra precaution

Of course Chock the wheels that are still on the ground another vital safety point

 

[Geofflyn]

Matt that is seriously scary!!!