9 replies to this topic

[miniboo]

I always have trouble when i put the front of my car on axle stands.

What way is the best to get both sides up?

I generally jack up on one side then put the axle stand on the other and then vice versa.

Can i use the jack and a bit of wood and jack it up from the gear box or is this a big no no?

[Jordie]

Not sure. I always do it yourway.

I have seen cars on a plank of wood with axle stands but that was across the floor.

[A_SERIES_SUPPLIES]

NO NO NO
dont put a jack or axle stands under the gearbox
or the floors , plank of wood across floor is ok if no engine is in the mini ,but make sure its under the cross beam.&
ONLY USE AXLE STANDS ON THE BOTTOM OF THE FRONT SUBFRAME,
jack the mini up by one side of the subframe then wedge an axle stand in ,then the other side .until the mini is high enough.

[miniboo]

yeah thats what i do now.

its just difficult to get an axle stand when the jack is there.

will just have to keep doing it that way then i guess

[nev_payne]

Oh C**p..you say not the gear box? (Starts to perspire)

Been doing that with the trolley jack since day 1....

Any particular point of the subframe (ie strong point if the subframe appears to be old?)

[Jammy]

The strong points of the subframe are where the suspension towers meet the bottom of the subframe.

[jack_marshall]

I use a piece of wood thats just larger than the bottom of the sump. I then use a trolley jack to jack it up.

Im careful and I go steady but Im sure theres a better way. I just dont like the idea of jacking up one side and axle standing it... then jacking up the other side and it tipping off the stand.. Lol.... But Im sure thats the proper way.

[Jammy]

DO NOT use the sump/gearbox to jack up the front of your car, it will be putting stress on the engine mounts in ways they aren'y designed to take.

[1984mini25]

Do not use the sump as a jacking point
Not just on minis but all cars

it will be putting stress on the engine mounts in ways they aren'y designed to take.

the jacking points are :smartass:

[nev_payne]

Good ol' Haynes...can't go wrong

Mind you Jacking points 4,5 and the opposite sides are the weakest points on my mini. Tried changing a tire on those points and split just underneath the seem, forcing the jack up through the body...not a pretty sight.