10 months on axle stands?

[Sportbilly]

Hi,

Quick question re axle stands. About to garage my car for up to 10 months as I'm working abroad and wondering if putting the car up on stands using the 4 side jacking points is a good idea for that length of time?

 

[Artful-Bodger]

What's the idea behind this?

 

[Sportbilly]

Want to avoid flat spots on tyres. Car will not be moved at all during that time.

 

[Artful-Bodger]

OK, it's an option I suppose, although I have had a car garaged for several months without issues, have you considered simply over pressuring the tyres whilst it's stored?

 

[Sportbilly]

Yes, I've done the same before but 10 months without being moved at all can't be good for the tyres even if they are inflated to 50psi.

Has anyone out there put their car up on all 4 corners for this long before?

 

[and7rp2]

I have a Triumph GT6 that gets used once a year for 2days then spends the other 363 days on axle stands, however I place them under the outer most suspension points so that the car sits with its full weight on the springs but the tyres are off the ground ( hope that makes sense ?) I havn't changed the tyres or suspension for 20 years. ( it also lives in a vacuum bag I might add ).
I think having the suspension un loaded is not a good idea but im sure plenty of people will have other ideas

 

[firebobby]

I have a Triumph GT6 that gets used once a year for 2days then spends the other 363 days on axle stands, however I place them under the outer most suspension points so that the car sits with its full weight on the springs but the tyres are off the ground ( hope that makes sense ?) I havn't changed the tyres or suspension for 20 years. ( it also lives in a vacuum bag I might add ).
I think having the suspension un loaded is not a good idea but im sure plenty of people will have other ideas

I have a GT6 too, a white 1972 MK3
You can get these type of things for your tyres
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fiamma-Wheel-Saver-cradles-ovalization/dp/B00BTI15DI

https://www.autopyjama.com/tireshoes-engl/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Race-Ramps-RR-FS-Flatstopper-Pack/dp/B003ZAGJAM

 

[Jackamory]

I just used to swap the wheels over onto ones I don't care about.. Maybe you could get some old battered e46 wheels with bald tyres to shove on? Would probably cost you £40 for a set and would save any stress on any part of the car

 

[firebobby]

I just used to swap the wheels over onto ones I don't care about.. Maybe you could get some old battered e46 wheels with bald tyres to shove on? Would probably cost you £40 for a set and would save any stress on any part of the car

Good call

 

[Baza]

I did have my z4 on stands for 8 months over last winter , I removed the wheels to take stress of the suspension . Over pressurised the tyres. when put back all good.

 

[Artful-Bodger]

I just used to swap the wheels over onto ones I don't care about.. Maybe you could get some old battered e46 wheels with bald tyres to shove on? Would probably cost you £40 for a set and would save any stress on any part of the car

 

[chris6]

I have a Triumph GT6 that gets used once a year for 2days then spends the other 363 days on axle stands, however I place them under the outer most suspension points so that the car sits with its full weight on the springs but the tyres are off the ground ( hope that makes sense ?) I havn't changed the tyres or suspension for 20 years. ( it also lives in a vacuum bag I might add ).
I think having the suspension un loaded is not a good idea but im sure plenty of people will have other ideas

Shame the car only gets used for 2 days a year but maybe safer if it's on 20 year old tyres . Recently did a tr register track day , couldn't believe 2 people on track with similar aged tyres.

 

[Beedub]

I did have my z4 on stands for 8 months over last winter , I removed the wheels to take stress of the suspension . Over pressurised the tyres. when put back all good.IMG_0599.JPG

those stands are awesome!!

 

[GuidoK]

I dont know if its good to take the stress of the suspension and storing the car with the wheels of the ground.
All rubber bushings are pretensioned for neutral stand. Raising the car will put more strain on it than when it sits on its wheels imho.

I'd rather go with those wheel savers, old tyres or drive the car on pieces of foam (also spreads the load). And of course lots of pressure in the tyres.

 

[and7rp2]

The GT6 goes 3 miles to the mot station another 3 miles to get polished and oil n filter changed , 6 miles back to the garage where the fuel is drained out , then vacuum packed up again
9820 miles from new, French blue , non rotor flex , full sunroof and rear seat in stunning condition.
I retire in 5years 10 months 1 day !! Not that I'm counting !!!! And I will be using and showing her during the summers of my Autumn years ..........I promise I will change the tyres then :driving:

 

[Sportbilly]

Hmmm looks like wasted money on axle stands. Oh well you live and learn. So 50 psi then?

 

[EdButler]

I would worry about the tyres less than the chassis/body. If storing a car in a damp/cold garage, the metal temperature stays very cold and condensation will form everywhere as there is no wind for evaporation.

If you want to leave it elevated, just jack it on the front/centre and rear/centre points (or even the wishbone pivot points) and place some wooden blocks under the jacking points. That's what i do when im going under the car - most axle stands wont work.

 

[Baza]

I dont know if its good to take the stress of the suspension and storing the car with the wheels of the ground.

As I said the wheels were removed from the car, so no weight and less stress

 

[GuidoK]

Its mainly the springs that push the suspension arms down, not the wheels I presume?

The bushings are tightened (or pressed in) at ride height, any other position than that from the suspension arms puts strain on them. So imho its best to store a car with the suspension arms at ride height/ride position.

 

[Baza]

Its mainly the springs that push the suspension arms down, not the wheels I presume?

The bushings are tightened (or pressed in) at ride height, any other position than that from the suspension arms puts strain on them. So imho its best to store a car with the suspension arms at ride height/ride position.

Fair comment, difficult to achieve if the car is stored on stands.