Best place to locate/ position axle stands?

[Nick45]

Lads, I need to change the slave cylinder. This is probably a good time to get some expert advice on where to position the axle stands when jacking the front of an E30 up.

I've done it loads of times but am always slightly nervous! I wouldn't use the jacking points or anywhere on the sills for sure


Can those of you who spend loads of time on your back give me the correct procedure please? Would also be helpful to have similar confirmation for the rear.

Cheers and Merry Christmas, Nick

[macas]

Im sure theres a pic in the wiki of an e30 on its side showing all the jacking points in painted colours.

[Grrrmachine]

Indeed there is:

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... ing_Points

[Grrrmachine]

Indeed there is:

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... ing_Points

[Nick45]

Ta for that.
But...Hmmm. I wouldn't want to trust the two points towards the front of the sills - if the car has rot they might go through there. Are the two locations on the front floor pans reinforced?

[bss325i]

That needs to be amended as the jacking on the diff (or why not to) is the same as putting jack stands on the rear beam.

In fact it's worse putting stands on the beam than jacking on the diff.

[bss325i]

Ta for that.
But...Hmmm. I wouldn't want to trust the two points towards the front of the sills - if the car has rot they might go through there. Are the two locations on the front floor pans reinforced?

The two places on the floor pans are the chassis rails and is the best place to jack and put stands.

[Fastroad]

Not sure I would put jackstands on the sills, where it shows the factory jack fits. I always feel somewhat comfortable on chassis (under a car on jackstands is never a good place)

[bss325i]

Both places on the sill are ok as they are riencorced inside the sill section at that point but you would have to use a suitable shaped stand as not to damage the sill or sill lip.

Flatish so the edges don't hit the sill but with either a dip or slight Vee to prevent the car sliding off.

Ideally thick rubber coated like a vehicle ramp/hoist arm's pad.

That is of course if you do not have a rotten turd in that aera.

[jimbom30cab]

Nothing wrong with putting the stands on the rear beam,

[pacerpete]

Nothing wrong with putting the stands on the rear beam,

Only if you like changing subframe mounts regularly .

[bss325i]

It puts strain on the OEM rear beam bushes by forcing the beam up and stretching the voids.

If the beam bushes are not in their first flush of youth it can spilt them and they the collapse down on the bush plate.

As the dif is bolted directly to the beam it can have the same effect.

[jimbom30cab]

Fair enough, i was assuming the beam bushes were decent

[bss325i]

Even if they are new they will stretch.

Why risk it?

[Nick45]

Good info lads - ta. Reinforced floor pan sections it is. Will still have wheels, sleepers etc in situ addition to the stands though. Can't think of a worse way to go than be squashed by an E30.

[G-Bear]

If working on the front. I like to put the rear wheels up on the little drive on ramps. Then jack the front up onto axle stands on the chassis rails.. Gives good clearance and keeps the car level..

[e30topless]

if you need to axle stand the rear, blocks of timber "4x2" or larger work well under the threads of the beam bush, pre-drill the centre of the block with a 10mm bit and sit the threaded part in there it will be solid,

most turds that end up on axle stands nowadays have a one way ticket to china so it doesn't usually matter,
but I would never put them under the sills,

[bss325i]

So tell me people, where do you put your stands at the rear of the car when replacing beam bushes or removing the axle/beam?

[ROC]

So tell me people, where do you put your stands at the rear of the car when replacing beam bushes or removing the axle/beam?

Once the exhaust etc is off, I use tall lorry axle stands on the rear chassis rails as close to the driveshafts as possible.

[bss325i]

So tell me people, where do you put your stands at the rear of the car when replacing beam bushes or removing the axle/beam?

Once the exhaust etc is off, I use tall lorry axle stands on the rear chassis rails as close to the driveshafts as possible.

Fair shout but what if the exhaust isnt coming off, ie you're only replacing the beam bushes?

[G-Bear]

This is a great little thread.. These are always help to people.. When I first got into playing with cars I used to crouch with gritted teeth whilst jacking my car up...

Hopefully this thread will help fix the fear of car jacking..

Carry on with the info..

[DanThe]

They are all in denial Barry, either that or they have 'repaired' them in the past

If the sill is solid there isnt a problem, rubber block, softwood, rag etc stops paint damage, there are reinforced sections on the sill for this very reason

[bss325i]

Exactly Dan, as long as you use the right shaped stand and something to protect the sill then its fine. Rubber is best imo as it moulds to the shape of the sill better and wont damage the paint/underseal.

The sill is a structural part of the monocoque shell after all.

Item number 6 is whats inside the sill at the factory jack points to reinforce the area.

[gooner1]

Sod axle stands


I now use the big feck off rubber blocks that are used to erect fencing, under
the sills. Weight is spread better, and more importantly I feel safer.

[bss325i]

Even better.

To be honest, i dont really use stands either. I have a ramp.

[ROC]

Even better.

To be honest, i dont really use stands either. I have a ramp.

Show off

[bss325i]

Even better.

To be honest, i dont really use stands either. I have a ramp.

Show off

[G-Bear]

Even better.

To be honest, i dont really use stands either. I have a ramp.

Show off

One day, if we stick at it.. we all might get one.. just have to do your time on the cold ground on your back first...

[DanThe]

I cant be arsed with the ramp most of the time, too much scrap in the way

[bmandy68]

Nothing better than lying on your back with your pride and joy just 6 inches away

[bss325i]

Been there done that, have the scars to prove it.

Hate working on stands now.

[gooner1]

Nothing better than lying on your back with your pride and joy just 6 inches away

Wait until you get fatter 6 inches becomes 3 and then you won't fit under the car after a few mixed grills

Wait till you pull your pride and joy off the axle stands, while
trying to undo a stubborn nut/bolt.
You'll fit under the car then.

[1001000010]

What i would say is don't improvise and try and build a ramp out of bricks cause that would be just be stupid and 1st tug on the oil filter wrench it will come off the bricks and you will have to move sharpish!

Cheers

Kaz