How bad is the factory jack?

[Solamar]

Bilstein Green Dot Jack -



I don't have a jack, car didnt come with one. It's on my short list of things I need to buy (as opposed to the "long list"). I've read mention that it is soo bad that your better off bringing something else (944 alum scissor jack?).

Is it really THAT bad?

I will only use it for the very rare flat tire, I'm fully versed in using dangerous jacks (Hi-Lift Jack anyone?). Securely prevent the car from rolling, solid base for jack and NEVER climb under car supported by jack.

I really like that it has a built in storage bracket for it in the trunk...

[gtc]

No, it's fine. I've used mine many times.
I think some people carry the 944 jack because it is lighter.

[Matt Monson]

It’s only bad if you have rocker or sill rust.

[Noah930]

Used it for the first time last year. Worked just fine.

[Solamar]

Great, glad to hear it!

[darrin]

Originally Posted by Solamar

Great, glad to hear it!

solamar, just be sure to familiarize yourself with its use in a controlled environment -- important to keep the car (relatively) level when jacking and secure wheels so it can't roll forward/back while jacked

[GH85Carrera]

I used the one on my 914 zillions of times. The one on my 911 has never been used, but I know it will work.

The biggest thing is make SURE the car is in gear, the the parking brake is fully applied. Chock the wheels if there is any forward or backward movement of the car. You want to be 100% sure the car can't move forward or backward while in the air. And for sure don't get under the car if that is the only thing holding it up.

If you are on dirt or soft ground you will have a difficult time. And find a level place.

For any real maintenance get a regular floor jack, and a jack pad.

[RWebb]

It’s only bad if you lack a good orthopedic surgeon.


Get the scissors type 944 jack and carry a piece of plywood in the car.

[darrin]

Originally Posted by RWebb

It’s only bad if you lack a good orthopedic surgeon.


Get the scissors type 944 jack and carry a piece of plywood in the car.

RWebb -- care to elaborate? I used my green dot jack for around a decade to switch between winter and summer wheels (yes, less than optimal, but never had a problem -- have now supplemented with a floor jack and adaptor that fits in the receiver hole for the blue dot jack) and while I have a good ortho for my knees, never had an issue with my car or myself stemming from using the green dot jack. Further, since Porsche specifies that the spare should only be used on the front wheel, would your scissors jack and plywood require jacking the car up twice to change out a flat rear tire?

Since I'm familiar with how to use the jack (make sure it's positioned so that it's vertical when you start lifting the car with it and make sure the car's secure so it doesn't shift while lifting the car with it), I trust the jack for its intended purpose.

What am I missing?

[Solamar]

Dont worry, I'm a professional

[RWebb]

The base of the jack is far too small to be safe in any perturbation from absolute vertical.

It's been called the "widow-maker" - some concours guys carry one to shows to get points (along with the scissors type to use).

[spuggy]

i used to use the 944 scissor jack all the time when working on my 944. It was just pretty unremarkable - did the job.

I thought I needed a factory jack for the 911 years ago. I bought a green-dot one (not correct for my car - apparently better than the one that would be), and jacked the car up to swap the wheels, on a level concrete floor. I stopped before I could get a jack stand under the car, lowered it and used the trolley jack and lollipop adapters instead. Haven't touched the green-dot since.

I suppose I'd use the factory jack to put on the spare if it was all I had. But a small 3500 lb trolley jack is more stable, raises the car faster for less effort, cost $50 or so and wedges perfectly well in the front of the trunk/doesn't move around at all. Cheaper and works better.

I also find my FLAPS 4-way wheel brace has a lot more leverage than the factory one in the toolkit.

I thought I needed a Porsche-branded air compressor. Turned out generic ones work better (faster/quieter) & are cheaper too...

i mean, if you've almost got a concours-worthy time capsule with the disposable gloves, original fanbelt, matching factory luggage and all that noise, then sure, go for it. But if you want tools to do a job (or more than one) - better value to be had than replacing the missing factory items, IMO.

[darrin]

Originally Posted by RWebb

The base of the jack is far too small to be safe in any perturbation from absolute vertical.

It's been called the "widow-maker" - some concours guys carry one to shows to get points (along with the scissors type to use).

appreciate the clarification -- thx!

[Trackrash]

Those jacks are scary. Only for emergencies with the wheels blocked. Even then I had my car fall using one of those.

[David Inc.]

I used mine a bunch until the gear threads jammed, but otherwise it's fine so long as you, make sure the car is secure, move slowly and make sure to do all of your wrenching on the wheel lugs only before and after raising the car.

That reminds me that I need to buy another.

Edit: Christ, why are they so expensive?!

[RWebb]

they are expensive because they are de rigueur for concoursmobiles

why do you want one?

the scissors type is smaller, safer & weighs less

use a floor jack at home

[gtc]

Originally Posted by David Inc.

I used mine a bunch until the gear threads jammed, but otherwise it's fine so long as you, make sure the car is secure, move slowly and make sure to do all of your wrenching on the wheel lugs only before and after raising the car.

That reminds me that I need to buy another.

Edit: Christ, why are they so expensive?!

You can get a brand new one from Sunset Porsche for $136. That doesn't seem too bad... but maybe i've just owned a porsche for too long.

[tobluforu]

If your car is very low, like mine, it works great to get the car off the ground a bit so you can slide a floor jack under.

[Flojo]

this jack is rock solid and does it's job probably longer than we live.

Originally Posted by RWebb

The base of the jack is far too small to be safe in any perturbation from absolute vertical.

a little common sense at times gets one through life!

this jack is just there to lift and make a tire change!
not to hold the car up when restoring it!

Originally Posted by tobluforu

If your car is very low, like mine, it works great to get the car off the ground a bit so you can slide a floor jack under.

ok. so I'm not the only one, haha :-)

[RWebb]

tire changes must often be done on surfaces that are not completely flat or slanted

even if a "perfect flat surface" any small bump can cause the car to come down in any direction

please don't encourage unsafe work practices