Axle Stand positioning - clarification

[BigJakk]

Hello guys,

 

In the past I've always used the jacking points on the sills, using the "widowmaker" jack to lift and then bunging the axle stand directly next to the jack on the sill. I've read countless horror stories about jacking up on the sills and don't really want to continue this practice on sills which are 10yrs old, as its only a matter of time before I bend one of them.

 

I've read a few comments about placing the axle stands under the chassis rails, I take it that the chassis rails are what is pictured here?

 

 

The underside of my motor is covered in anti-corrosion treatment however in terms of the front of the car these look to me to be the two boxy rails behind the engine bay area, the drivers side one of which has what I believe to be brake/fuel lines into it?

 

Am I right in this assumption and are these areas really strong enough to support the weight of the car as the last thing i want to do is crush a brake/fuel line! If so, is there a specific point on the rail that is reinforced etc. that I need to place the stands specifically at?

 

Cheers again

Edited 11 July, 2014 by BigJakk

[Sissipaska]

I always use those chassis beams for placing the car on axle stands and I lift there with the vehicle jack too.

 

Look where you have an indent in your sills just behind the front tyres. Use that as an reference where to jack the car since the beam is strongest there.

 

Use caution on the side with the plastic fuel lines so you don't lift too far back.

 

My issue is that my jack is not low enough and to lift and place the axle stands on virtually the same place is a bit of a pain in the ***. But I have no problems with placing the axle stands a bit further back on that beam

 

Be careful on the rear lift points since at least my car has been lifted on the floor and not the beam, hence bulging the rear passenger floor. Not so nice. :clap:

[Shadows Entity]

I have audi tt jack pads and then place axle stands as that picture shows, that way you don't have the issue that your jack is where you want your axle stand....

 

They're about £20 and worth it imo

[BigJakk]

Sods law struck today anyways, went to get the trolley jack out to find that its kaput! Had to crack out the widow maker but this wont raise the car enough to allow me to get my axle stands to the chassis rails.

 

As such, had to do as I have in the past, fortunately no damage!

 

Might invest in those jacking pads, not to mention a decent low profile trolley jack

 

Cheers chaps

[Liverpool-Lad]

They arent jacking pads. they are for location onto a lift

[hondeano]

I have to say my mk1 vrs is the worse car I have ever had to jack up. I try and use the correct locations to jack and the chassis rails still start squashing under the weight. I don't think I would trust anyone else to jack it up.

[Shadows Entity]

Well I use my jack pads to jack up and no problems

[Liverpool-Lad]

Your best bet is to find a jack with a large plate so spread the load which is also rubber.