6 replies to this topic

[chrscmbs]

Hello,

Please dont shout, i'm still learning but am I right in thinking to raise my car (A reg. 1984 - Mk4 Mini)

I need to place a piece of wood under the front subframe and raise it with at trolley jack, then place Axle stands as wide as possible underneath, doing the same at the back? as the wood pieces (solid/thick) will help to spread the load.

From what I understand, because the top of axle stands are shaped and not flat like the surface on the subframes, using wood elimintes this issue as the shaped metal bites into the wood nicely.

And to also remove the wheels and place them under the car too, just in case the car drops, thus it will land on the wheels and not flatten me like a pancake.

I have looked for some pictures of where to place axle stands and trolly jacks but I cant find many, but that's just my luck (If I didnt have bad luck, I wouldnt have any) I also know not to try and lift the car on the body or from under the engine/sump otherwise. See I am learning by reading and asking, lol

Chris.
chrscmbs

[charie t]

using the useless search function i found these as a quick search

http://www.theminifo...ni#entry1913437

http://www.theminifo...ni#entry2091945

http://www.theminifo...ini#entry184527

[tractor]

A lesson in what not to do, I once jacked my mini up and placed it on paint pots, proberly one of the most stupid things you can do, while I was underneath I got p*ssed off with something and threw a spanner out in frustration which hit one of the pots and creased it so it folded and dropped the car right on top of me. Needless to say I was very lucky....

I now use your method, although I tend to use 4 individual pieces of wood on top of 4 axle stands as opposes to two long bits, it helps with access.

Trac

[sonikk4]

If its any help i used one section of wood across the rear heelboard (no subframe fitted) and another full width under the floor cross member (no engine or front subframe fitted) These were sections of 40mm oak worktop with slots cut in them to go over the conduit.


But if you have subframes fitted then doing what you have done should be fine.

[chrscmbs]

Thanks charie t, tractor and Sonikk4.

I just wanted to double check I was on the right track, thank you and I certainly wont use plant pots! sounds scary, glad you were OK.

Chris.
chrscmbs

[Barman]

I glued some thick foam to the wood (6 x 3) to avoid damaging the car....

Attached Files

•  SAM_0671.JPG   45.49K   24 downloads

[tiger99]

I don't know what job you are doing on the car, but one thing you can do is to jack it up under the front subframe (it is very strong right under the drive shafts, where there is a doubler plate) and then support it on a long piece of 4x2 timber across the floor, as close as possible to the toeboard, as it is stiff at the bulkhead/floor joint. You would use an axle stand under the 4x2 at each side. Only snag is that the exhaust hangs too low and has to come off first, but it is a good way of supporting the shell while dropping the subframe, either fully, or just a little bit to do the steering rack.

But as to your basic question, wood is always a good thing to interpose between stands or jacks and the car, to avoid damage. You could glue on some rubber to make it even better. And, some offcuts of large timber e.g. 9x2 or 9x3 can stack up nicely to make extra supports.