what jack?

K

klarky

Active member
right after much cleaning of my z its time to get the wheels off, but have no tools for the job. what type of jack will do the job, only want to jack up a wheel at a time to take off and clean before replacing and moving onto the next. this will only be done in my garage which has a flat concrete floor, is it best to get a trolley jack and axle stands? or could i get away with something lesser?

previously ive used whatever is supplied with the car, but had a scary moment with a car where a jack failed whilst putting one of those awful space savers on, plus the z doesnt come with one!
 
While i cant recommend anything specifically i've been thinking of getting a trolley jack and axle stands and doing my wheels properly....with my Astra VXR i couldnt use my Dad's old trolley jack as the arm wouldnt clear the sideskirts so i guess it would be no good for the Z4 either, need a trolley jack with plenty of clearance! :?
 
don't cheap out too much on the jack. don't need the most expensive one, but a low profile one would be best since the Z4 is so low to the ground, even stock!!

axle stands are a must! not expensive at all, yet can save your life ... and you only have to buy once your entire life, no matter how many cars you own in the future

that's my adivce. you are driving a bimmer, don't skimp on something that is a 1 time purchase and under $100 :)

good luck with that
 
klarky - get a proper low level trolley jack. Machine Mart will have something or if not low enough any of the race car jacks will be perfect. You have to have axle stands too. Even a trolly jack relies on a seal smaller than your little finger nail holding half a car in the air while you have your head underneath or beating away at some component :thumbsdown:

Halfords, Machine Mart, Screwfix for a pair of stands for as little as £14.99 http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/...eId=10001&catalogId=10151&langId=-1&x=18&y=14

If you can't find what you want in low level jacks you can always use a normal trolley jack by driving the car on a thick plank first.
 
I got hold of one of the Michelin low-profile aluminium race-jacks on eBay last summer for about £125 delivered. Really good bit of kit, and gets under some very low cars (handy with the KWs!)!
 
Not sure many people know but the jack that comes with a Mercedes C-class has a square jack point that fits EXACTLY into the jacking point on the bottom of the Zed. Maybe a parts share or something.
Small and light and easy to use.
This one....
http://www.smartcarofamerica.com/forums/f11/mercedes-jack-sold-16891/
 
cheers everyone, think a trip to halfrauds is on the cards, I suspected jack & stands was the best route.
 
klarky said:
cheers everyone, think a trip to halfrauds is on the cards, I suspected jack & stands was the best route.
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Save your money. Buy a 2.5 ton trolley jack from Halfords/Machine Mart for £30, jack the car up & stick 3 or 4 house bricks under the car before you go under it!! :poke:
 
Banus333 said:
klarky said:
cheers everyone, think a trip to halfrauds is on the cards, I suspected jack & stands was the best route.
Click to expand...

Save your money. Buy a 2.5 ton trolley jack from Halfords/Machine Mart for £30, jack the car up & stick 3 or 4 house bricks under the car before you go under it!! :poke:
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I'm surprised you'd advocate 'house bricks'. They are weak, can crumble and unstable. For a guy who is clearly mechanically minded with your write up on CDV removal. I'm amazed you'd encourage someone not to spend £15 on a pair of axle stands and do things correctly.
 
cj10jeeper said:
Banus333 said:
klarky said:
cheers everyone, think a trip to halfrauds is on the cards, I suspected jack & stands was the best route.
Click to expand...

Save your money. Buy a 2.5 ton trolley jack from Halfords/Machine Mart for £30, jack the car up & stick 3 or 4 house bricks under the car before you go under it!! :poke:
Click to expand...

I'm surprised you'd advocate 'house bricks'. They are weak, can crumble and unstable. For a guy who is clearly mechanically minded with your write up on CDV removal. I'm amazed you'd encourage someone not to spend £15 on a pair of axle stands and do things correctly.
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After 20 years flying Fast Jets my life is cheap!! I agree with you reference OLD bricks. Not recommended. However, I'm old & learnt many years ago that my life is worth nothing. That will be confirmed today in the UK Budget when both you & I get shafted. :lol:
 
Banus333 said:
cj10jeeper said:
I'm getting old too. Wiser but no wealthier. Budgets don't benefit anyone as far as I can tell.
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Look after yourself CJ. Nobody else will. :thumbsup:
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Ain't that the truth,

my what a shock Fuel duty up again. :thumbsdown:
 
i think ill give the bricks idea a wide berth :roll:

as for the budget - not seen it yet but id imagine everything tax wise up, id suggest the government stops wasting money rather than tax the crap out of us for their mistakes, oh for an ideal world eh!
 
Trolley jack and axle stands if your going underneath. Trolley jack only if your just cleaning your wheels and like to live dangerously!
 
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