How the heck do you use the spare and Jack?

CHILI · CHILI's Garage

Ok, I'm sure some of you have seen my other thread about getting a flat on the freeway the other day. Well because of it, I have been checking out the spare, jack and tools I have in the car. I inflated the spare (or started to) and found this...

Am I safe to assume that the other side will eventually pop out? I have about 10lbs in it right now. But, it seems the right side keeps getting bigger while the other side stays folded. I've never seen one pumped up before.

also,
What's up with the jack? The thing that goes into the side of the car seems like it's on upside down. Otherwise, how do I use the crank? It will be right on the ground.

kach22i · kach22i's Garage

The 101 Projects for your Porsche book says: Don't use that jack Jack!

I am thinking of tossing out the spare, an estimated 35 lbs of dead weight. I took 35lbs out of the back with the A/C compressor- should balance out.

I have a can of "Fix-a-Flat" for the spare, but why not just use it on the flat? Dare I?

}{arlequin · }{arlequin's Garage

I have no experience with the spare, but just in case, I'd inflate slowly, wear eye protection, and try to make my arms as long as I can.

As for the jack, although at first it seems unnatural, your initial idea was correct. Once you shove it in there, you'll see that the folding part has no way of folding down, regardless how it appears. The car itself provides leverage which in actuality pulls that little arm upwards towards its "stop." Try it and you'll see it makes sense.

The crank should be your first and final clue of how the jack should be positioned. As far as usage, although I wouldn't use it while crawling under the car, it's perfectly fine for a tire change. Unless someone is willing to have a floor jack with them at ALL times, what other option is there?

ubiquity0 · 06-21-2004, 01:07 PM

ahhhhhh... German engineering.

ZCAT3 · 06-21-2004, 01:37 PM

Yes - the other side of the tire should pop out and give you a somewhat normal looking spare. When you deflate it, the sides should fold right back into place.

As for the jack - insert tab A in slot B and turn crank C. It actually works quite well for changing tires (just remember to loosen the lug nuts first before raising the car).

EdT82SC · 06-21-2004, 01:40 PM

Keep filling up the spare. It will even out. Yours does look like it's been used a quite a bit though. For short distances you are probably safe still. I've used mine twice in the six years I've had my car. One of those times I used the Porsche jack to lift the car. Neither the spare nor the jack gave me any problems. I don't have the factory air compressor. I picked one up for cheap at Costco. The spare magically returns to it's original, uninflated size when you release the air.

CHILI · CHILI's Garage

Ok, I'll try it out. Now my next question is how is the jack mounted? There's just a couple of flat tabs in the trunk that it sits on. Is there some magic? The PO had it bunji-corded in. Not cool.

CHILI · CHILI's Garage

Ok, you guys were right. The jack does work. Man, I wouldn't think it would the way it's built. Hmmm. Well, after some detailing I took a quick shot. I believe the bag is from the Boxter tool kit. The pump is from another P-head. I believe it was from a 993.

OldTee · 06-21-2004, 03:43 PM

I think it would be a good idea to use the spare on the front only. If the rear is flat, put the front tire there and put the spare in the front. You might just save a heat exchanger.

1973911s · 06-21-2004, 03:45 PM

Don't use the jack, mine bent and my car fell on the rotor.

Michael

fintstone · fintstone's Garage

The jack came with 2 small rubber straps to hold it in place.

afterburn 549 · 06-21-2004, 04:42 PM

throw the jack out and carry a couple cans of flat fix and puncture cure

fintstone · fintstone's Garage

PP has the jack straps: C-722-021-01

911pcars · 06-21-2004, 05:25 PM

I've found a lightweight alternative in an aluminum scissors jack equipped on 944s.

Sherwood

pwd72s · 06-21-2004, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 911pcars
I've found a lightweight alternative in an aluminum scissors jack equipped on 944s.

Sherwood

and a damned fine alternative it is! Used with a jack plate, much safer than the 911 original jack. Crank style, or the earlier pump style..both are death traps...I still carry a heavy NAPA scissors jack, purchased long before the 944 came along. My original jack? "for show purposes only"...

CHILI · CHILI's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by fintstone
PP has the jack straps: C-722-021-01

Ahh, thank-you! Now I get it. I see that I have a strap, but it's broken.

I hope I never have to use it anyway. To be honest it's only the second flat I've had (while driving. I've had a few in the garage) in my life. First for the P-car.

fintstone · fintstone's Garage

Replacing the two straps greatly cut down on the rattling of the jack for me. Yes, flats used to be much more commonplace. Modern radial tires are great improvement.