Jump to content
  • When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

Are you comfortable working under two jack stands? 4 stands?


Samplemaven

Recommended Posts

I see photos all the time of a car on two to four jack stands while it is being worked on.

As I have never worked under a car at the extent I am planning to now, I'm going to be a bit nervous pulling a wrench while I'm under floor jacks.

My wash bay has a slightly angled floor for water drainage which has become my "shop". I'd like to get under my car and remove some of the parts before painting and undercoating but am just nervous about it.

Are my fears justified?

Thanks,

Samplemaven

BMWCCA #420368

'72 2002 Tii Inka restoration project

'07 550i Titanium Silver, steptronic...ED 2006

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I keep my jack under the crossmember at the end I'm working on, for back up.

That is a very good idea...and one I will use.

I was trying to think of something (thicker than me) to put under the crossmember in case of failure...a floor jack sounds good.

Thanks,

Samplemaven

BMWCCA #420368

'72 2002 Tii Inka restoration project

'07 550i Titanium Silver, steptronic...ED 2006

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Put the floor jack under there too, good advice.

I also slide the wheels under the car *somewhere* after I've removed them. Makes me feel at least a little better it's not going to hit the ground anyway when it falls. Probably just crush my skull a little bit. :-)

Kidding. Don't worry, sounds like you are the cautious sort. Take it easy and you'll be fine. Haven't you seen those Internet emails showing the guys welding under a truck propped up at crazy angles only by a tree stump?

My 2 cents,

Jason

1973 2002tii (2764167), Baikal, Rebuild blog here!

In the past: Verona H&B 1973 2002tii (2762913); Malaga 1975 2002; White 1975 2002

--> Blog: Repro tii cold start relay;   + --> Need an Alpina A4 tuning guide? PM me!

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Haven't you seen those Internet emails showing the guys welding under a truck propped up at crazy angles only by a tree stump?

The tree stump was actually my first choice, however there are not any close to a power source at my home!

Thanks,

Samplemaven

BMWCCA #420368

'72 2002 Tii Inka restoration project

'07 550i Titanium Silver, steptronic...ED 2006

Link to comment
Share on other sites

if you use GOOD jackstands, no problem working with the car on them. my 02 just came off of 6+ months on 4 jackstands while i reworked everything under the car.

work under a car on the cheesy sheetmetal jackstands without a back up jack? no way...

2xM3

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You ask the right question. If you are uncomfortable under there, it is hard to enjoy the work. You say the area is on a slope or a bit of grade. If necessary tie off the uphill end so it cannot move. I like four properly placed stands and give the car a shake once secured. I too leave the jack under the rear end. When the car was going to be up for long periods, I raised it and set it back down on a few concrete blocks on the wheels. Chock each tire. Height is up to you. Common sense and a healthy skepticism is step one. If it doesn't feel right find another way.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You ask the right question. If you are uncomfortable under there, it is hard to enjoy the work. You say the area is on a slope or a bit of grade. If necessary tie off the uphill end so it cannot move. I like four properly placed stands and give the car a shake once secured. I too leave the jack under the rear end. When the car was going to be up for long periods, I raised it and set it back down on a few concrete blocks on the wheels. Chock each tire. Height is up to you. Common sense and a healthy skepticism is step one. If it doesn't feel right find another way.

The slope is only to drain water into the center of the bay and is not that dramatic. Each end of the garage and the sides next to the wall are at the same level.

I'm really more concerned about the stability of the stands. By leaving the jack under the frame, I think I'll be fine.

Thanks,

Samplemaven

BMWCCA #420368

'72 2002 Tii Inka restoration project

'07 550i Titanium Silver, steptronic...ED 2006

Link to comment
Share on other sites

There will be times when you cannot have a jack under there because it will be n the way. 4 well place stands will not more easily if properly placed. Put the car up on stands and try pushing it over (leave the wheels on.) You would have to try- really hard- to get the car to fall. Give is a good shake and see how you feel about it.

As for me usually place the stands under the frame rails with long 2x4's or bigger to spread the weight. The rears usually go under the rear subframe as far out as possible from the center with squares of cardboard on the tops of the stands to keep the sub frame tube from getting beat up.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

There will be times when you cannot have a jack under there because it will be n the way. 4 well place stands will not more easily if properly placed. Put the car up on stands and try pushing it over (leave the wheels on.) You would have to try- really hard- to get the car to fall. Give is a good shake and see how you feel about it.

As for me usually place the stands under the frame rails with long 2x4's or bigger to spread the weight. The rears usually go under the rear subframe as far out as possible from the center with squares of cardboard on the tops of the stands to keep the sub frame tube from getting beat up.

All of this makes a lot of sense...especially having the jack out of the way at critcal times. BTW...I was already going to do a "push over" test...just to make sure.

Thanks,

Samplemaven

BMWCCA #420368

'72 2002 Tii Inka restoration project

'07 550i Titanium Silver, steptronic...ED 2006

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Upcoming Events

  • Supporting Vendors

×
×
  • Create New...