Jack a car by subframe

RobAMerc · 01-08-2020 10:56pm #1

I want to jack my car by the subframe as I think the sills might be a bit too delicate to hold her up and the original jacking points are famous for ending up in the footwell of the passenger cell.

My intention is to jack it at one side and place an axle stand under it.

my question is, is it ok to simply put the trolly jack saddle directly to the subframe ? It would be metal to metal, will it not slip ? Is there something I could buy / make to stop this happening ?

TIA

traco · 02-08-2020 3:50pm

A block of hard rubber if you could find one but I do a lot of moving of machines and timber is always a good bet.

I find that the timber will dent or compress little, soaks up any high points and tends to stay put. Make sure it looks solid as you don't want it splitting. A decent square of ply is very good in compression and low profile if space is an issue.

extra-ordinary_ · 02-08-2020 4:30pm

RobAMerc wrote: »

I want to jack my car by the subframe as I think the sills might be a bit too delicate to hold her up and the original jacking points are famous for ending up in the footwell of the passenger cell.

My intention is to jack it at one side and place an axle stand under it.

my question is, is it ok to simply put the trolly jack saddle directly to the subframe ? It would be metal to metal, will it not slip ? Is there something I could buy / make to stop this happening ?

TIA

https://tinyurl.com/yxsl3hte

Stoolbend · 02-08-2020 5:12pm

It depends on the car too. I'd be wary of some subframes that are more round. Even with a block of timber they sometimes don't get a good grip.I'd be inclined to jack them on a subframe or wishbone bolt.

RobAMerc · 02-08-2020 9:29pm

I am considering using these as jack stands - I will drive her up as here then jack her up enough to get the wheels off them - remove the wheels and push these inwards under the subframe and let it back down.

What do ye think ?

greasepalm · 02-08-2020 9:37pm

My thoughts its a heavy car and would like something stronger,are you planning in going in underneath car then metal axle stands.

RobAMerc · 02-08-2020 9:47pm

I was under it :eek::eek:
but the next task is new disks so not too much under it.

You dont think these would hold its weight ? I have metal ones, I presumed these stronger !

greasepalm · 02-08-2020 9:56pm

Is it worth new discs if it is rotten with rust underneath you might be throwing money away?

RobAMerc · 02-08-2020 10:04pm

greasepalm wrote: »

Is it worth new discs if it is rotten with rust underneath you might be throwing money away?

I never said that ! I said they are famous for pushing the jack points through the floors and the sills may be a bit delicate - not something I want to chance when I can jack it up by the subframe !

rottent with rust ? 2 + 2 ≠5

greasepalm · 02-08-2020 10:07pm

If a car cannot use its own jacking points i would be worried.

monseiur · 04-08-2020 12:14pm

RobAMerc wrote: »

I am considering using these as jack stands - I will drive her up as here then jack her up enough to get the wheels off them - remove the wheels and push these inwards under the subframe and let it back down.

What do ye think ?

I'd feel safer under this car with a couple of chocks behind the rear wheels:mad:

RobAMerc · 04-08-2020 12:34pm

there is a chock under the offside rear wheel, she is also in park (rwd) and has the handbrake on.

Lots of comments on my car being a rust bucket and folks pointing out issues on the photo, any more actual advice on the question asked ?

traco · 04-08-2020 2:56pm

A bit of thick carpet or a thick mat might also reduce the risk of slipping. Anything that will deform somewhat to give as much contact as possible if your friend. If you had more timber you could keep slitting it in under the wheels until you reach the height needed for the jack stands.

I lifted the front of the S280 with the blades and block of timber between them and the center lift point. It never moved, slotted in the stands and lowered. I'm paranoid so I left the forklift in position, with the jack under the blades and put the wheels underneath when I was reaching in underneath to do the tie rods.

kirving · 04-08-2020 4:21pm

traco wrote: »

I'm paranoid so I left the forklift in position, with the jack under the blades and put the wheels underneath when I was reaching in underneath to do the tie rods.

No such thing as paranoid when you're under a car! Nice approach!

Jack a car by subframe

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