Working under your car - jacking, stands, ramps

[adamc11]

Hi,

I was wondering what people prefer - working under there car with ramps or jacking the car up and putting axle stands underneath?

I have a set of axle stands like this:

http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/online-store/products/SCA-Car-Stands-Ratchet-Pair-3000kg.aspx?pid=221636#Description

Today i am planning on buying a trolley jack while super cheap have a 20% off sale, one of the following:

http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/online-store/products/SCA-Trolley-Jack-Hydrualic-2000kg.aspx?pid=215073#Description
http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/online-store/products/SCA-Trolley-Jack-Hydraulic-1400kg.aspx?pid=215072#Description
http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/online-store/products/SCA-Trolley-Jack-Hydraulic-2500kg.aspx?pid=218606#Description

Or, alternatively i could get a set of ramps:

http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/online-store/products/Stanfred-Car-Ramp-4WD-Single-1000kg.aspx?pid=4169032#Description

but i may need these extensions..

http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/online-store/products/Stanfred-Car-Ramp-Extensions-Suit-2114.aspx?pid=222716#Description

Usually i place axle stands at the jack points, but due to the V shape of the stand i have to place the stand so that the jack point runs across the 2 top points of the stand - if that makes sense?

Anyway, what do people prefer? What do you think it safer?

Also where is the centre front/rear jack point on my 05 euro?

Thanks.

[hondapop]

I have the pin type stands, I would have preferred the ratchet type but avoided them because of the deep V. I would strongly advise against supporting the vehicle across the the top of the V as you say you have been doing because of the very high risk of the car sliding sideways off them. A better solution would be to get some short pieces of angle iron cut to sit in the V, say 25-30mm angle, even possibly 2 pieces each to reduce the depth.

As for a jack, my advise would be to go for the large one with the twist turn handle as it has a lower "down" height and is easier to use. (I've got the other sort)
http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/online-store/products/SCA-Trolley-Jack-Hydraulic-2500kg.aspx?pid=218606#Description

Your owner's manual (if you got one with the car) should show the jacking points if there are any front and back.

[marquee]

I do like ramps but was hard as couldn't find anything to fit under the car so i resorted to jack stands

[adamc11]

As for a jack, my advise would be to go for the large one with the twist turn handle as it has a lower "down" height and is easier to use. (I've got the other sort)
http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/online-store/products/SCA-Trolley-Jack-Hydraulic-2500kg.aspx?pid=218606#Description

Are you happy with that jack - has it leaked or anything? I've read some people complaining about super cheaps crappy jacks. I could spend more and get a kincrome jack, not sure if it is worth it though?

[hondapop]

Are you happy with that jack - has it leaked or anything? I've read some people complaining about super cheaps crappy jacks. I could spend more and get a kincrome jack, not sure if it is worth it though?

This is the 2nd of this type that I've had. 1st one was bought in NZ, lasted for years, eventually leaked at the pump. Didn't have a shed when I got the 2nd and wanted something I could cart around if necessary. The nuisance with them is you have to use the handle on the release valve which is below the pump, so it's not combined like the larger model, and it tends to fall out of it's seat in the pump when you're moving it about. Something that was common to both of these also was, after not being used for a while you have to pump it up and down a couple of times to expell air out of the system so they work properly. Don't know if the larger model does the same.

All depends on how much you're going to use it, but definitely wouldn't bother with the small one.

[dougie_504]

Also if you can use their display models, test how many pumps it takes to jack to the top.

My SCA was (cheapo) takes a lot of pumping to get up. Doesn't clear any slammed car (had to drive onto some wooden planks before I could jack it up, then lower it down onto them again) and is also really quite heavy.

[hondapop]

Also if you can use their display models, test how many pumps it takes to jack to the top.

My SCA was (cheapo) takes a lot of pumping to get up. Doesn't clear any slammed car (had to drive onto some wooden planks before I could jack it up, then lower it down onto them again) and is also really quite heavy.

Sounds like either the oil (shocky oil, not atf) is low (remove the metal plate and unscrew or unplug if rubber bung, the filler. Oil should be just below the hole with the jack lowered) or it's got air trapped. Pump it up and release with a bit of pressure applied to the end of the arm a few times. None of these sorts of jacks will get under a lowered car, have seen aluminium "racing" types advertised that have a slim roller at the front instead of wheels and a low jacking pad. I have to get mine up on 2" blocks to get my jack under. Dreading getting a flat tyre and the "pumpup" stuff not working.

[dougie_504]

Thanks Ray will have a look some time :)

[Mikecivic78]

Don't get ramps

[xjm]

Well i got a SCA 1400 Trolley Jack & I wouldnt recommend it, as at its highest point, it sags abit/looses pressure (like 1cm-1.5cm due to the weight of the civic eg) & was quite disappointed at its height limit as my standard car jack could do higher.

Im not sure if those Ratchet Type axel stands if you can comfortable lift your cars height higher once youve lifted your car with the trolley jack? My axle stands where just the pin type and had no lever on it, so I could only get to use the first pin up, which was a useless height the same - (im 5'8ish and it wasnt comfortable working under the car at all.)

Dont know how frequent you want to work under your car in the future, but Id recommend a bigger heavy duty trolley jack + Axle stands. I prefer Ramps instead of Axle stands - due to more stability in my opinion.

Tip though: using ramps make sure you have someone checking you go up it, I always sh*t bricks going up mine in my civic (without that extension for lower cars)

[Lazarus]

The jack from Costco is alright =]

[aaronng]

I've got ratchet jack stands. Prefer those and they have the proper profile to support the car at the jack points.

I also have ramps but have not used them for ages (4 years now)

[grifty]

Supercheap sometimes has a good deal on the 3T jack stands for $20. But you need a jack that goes high to get them under the car.

[adamc11]

Thanks for the feedback. Went to super cheap preston on sunday. They are supposed to close at 4.30, i got there at 4.20 and the pricks had closed the door. When someone walked out i got in, and at exactly 4.30 they turned all the lights off in the shop, then a guy complained and they turned a few back on. Didn't have enough time to look at the jacks, so got some meguiar's scratch X and gold class leather cleaner & conditioner :)

Will have to go back and check them out, but they are no longer 20% off :(

[TODA AU]

Stay away from pin stands,
They're dangerous & can collapse sideways.
If this happenes & you're under the car, you're dead.

[boboz81]

I used the scissor jack that comes in the cars boot for the last 2 years, finally bought a costco jack, top ten purchase of my life lol

[JohnnyJohnJohn]

The jack from Costco is alright =]


I used the scissor jack that comes in the cars boot for the last 2 years, finally bought a costco jack, top ten purchase of my life lol

Agree! The costco jack is probably the best jack ive bought haha cheap, looks sick! and works a treat, clears all the slammed cars ive use it on so far aswell.

[NeedVtec]

Well i got a SCA 1400 Trolley Jack & I wouldnt recommend it, as at its highest point, it sags abit/looses pressure (like 1cm-1.5cm due to the weight of the civic eg) & was quite disappointed at its height limit as my standard car jack could do higher.

Im not sure if those Ratchet Type axel stands if you can comfortable lift your cars height higher once youve lifted your car with the trolley jack? My axle stands where just the pin type and had no lever on it, so I could only get to use the first pin up, which was a useless height the same - (im 5'8ish and it wasnt comfortable working under the car at all.)

Dont know how frequent you want to work under your car in the future, but Id recommend a bigger heavy duty trolley jack + Axle stands. I prefer Ramps instead of Axle stands - due to more stability in my opinion.

Tip though: using ramps make sure you have someone checking you go up it, I always sh*t bricks going up mine in my civic (without that extension for lower cars)

i got the exact same jack as you i think, got it for $20.

Does the job fine, hasn't sagged or lost pressure on me.

my method of working under the car isn't safe for shit, but does the job.

i jack up 1 side, put a few yellow page books underneath, remove jack and jack up other side. thats it lol. OH&S whutttT?

[Tekkenforce]

manage to pick up the ratchet type jack stands from sca for $20 instead of those pin type. cheering

[mocchi]

i always put 2 steelies or whatever wheels that car have under the car.
if it fall down, id probaly die of heart aytac

[trism]

i always put 2 steelies or whatever wheels that car have under the car.
if it fall down, id probaly die of heart aytac


what you did there, i see it.

[AK Type R]

Whatever u do, put proper old school heavy duty type jack stands under any car before going underneath, i had a very bad incident struk me and am lucky to be alive, i went under the car with a scissor jack on my Radiator support and it collaped while me being under if it wasnt for my extractors being off, i wouldnt have been so lucky my idiotic mistake well learnt from! Becarefull guys

[dougie_504]

Personally I keep my pin-style jack stands on the lowest level (not actually utilising the pin). They just don't look tough enough with the pin lol.

[Sexc86]

personally i prefer stands and a good quality hydraulic jack. It always seems difficult to drive a fwd car up onto ramps.

[Mikecivic78]

personally i prefer stands and a good quality hydraulic jack. It always seems difficult to drive a fwd car up onto ramps.

+ ramps are useless for almost all suspension/brake work. Carnt lower the car, rotate tyres etc...

[mocchi]

+ ramps are useless for almost all suspension/brake work. Carnt lower the car, rotate tyres etc...

i thought that its actually good for suspension work. so after you work on your sussy parts
load car on ramp and then tighten bolts so you dont stress bushes much.

[Mikecivic78]

yea true, good for tightening bolts while the car is static but useless for removing sussy

[adamc11]

For anyone interested, the current super cheap catalogue has the 2500kg trolley jack for $100, which is 45% off.

http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/online-store/products/SCA-Trolley-Jack-Hydraulic-2500kg.aspx?pid=218606#Description

[adamc11]

Can anyone show me where i should position my stands under my 87 accord?

I have jacked up from the front centre:

http://img848.imageshack.us/img848/8528/photo1ta.jpg

http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/7373/photo2rd.jpg

I have jack stands at front side jack points. They are 3000kg each but i cant say the car looks that secure!

http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/2824/photo31a.jpg

This is some photos of under the car, where should i place the stands?

http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/3814/photo21vo.jpg

http://img594.imageshack.us/img594/2702/photo11xe.jpg

Thanks heaps,

Adam

[Bludger]

place stands on front jacking points. behind the front wheels.

turn your jackstand 90 degrees so it down't slide off.

if the valley is too deep, put something solid enough in there so it's a bit higher.

[na-118]

i just use scissor jacks both sides

[Bludger]

i just use scissor jacks both sides
cos you're vietnamese.

[senna]

Lol sammy