Author Topic: Using the factory jack (Read 3849 times)

locknload · « **on:** March 18, 2012, 10:13:59 PM »

Exactly how does one orient the factory jack? Is it positioned so that it's up on the "toe" and the main body vertical or with the "heel" on the ground and the main body pointing away from the car? The owner's manual doesn't specify & a search for "jack placement" brings up about 14 pages of posts to go through.

5m1dy · « **Reply #1 on:** March 19, 2012, 02:19:45 AM »

I have a great place for the factory jack. The bin

Much prefer scissor jacks.

The times I've used the factory jack though, I've placed the entire foot flat on the ground, not just the little toe.

DesktopDave · « **Reply #2 on:** March 19, 2012, 06:23:50 AM »

The jack tends to rotate as it lifts the car, so I put it flat on the ground to start and it tends to tilt a bit. I have seen them fail at the 'heel' once the rust gets into them (bad design IMHO), so be aware...

Gabs · « **Reply #3 on:** March 19, 2012, 02:16:40 PM »

I also use it as flat on the ground as possible, and Its funny Dave should mention the jack rotation, I figured I was just improperly using the Jack, but couldn't figure out a way to rectify the jack rotation. As Dave mentioned the heels do tend to rust, So I wouldn't trust it to to much. I've always slipped axle stands underneath as soon as possible, just in case. I wouldn't trust this jack to support the cars weight even while changing a tire, I always set it down onto axle stands. Better safe then sorry. And remember (I'm sure we've all listen to this 1,000's of times), Never work under a car held up by a jack.

DesktopDave · « **Reply #4 on:** March 19, 2012, 04:21:33 PM »

I had one rotate (the bad way) on me. I used it as a demonstration lesson for my children:
1. Why not to trust yourself to a $10 jack built by the cheapest contractor...
2. How much fun controlled destruction can be. Fatigue testing is very entertaining!

Having said that, it's a clever design and I do trust them...in a very limited way.