How Should I Work UNDER the car safely?

[scotricker]

I was thinking of 4 jack stands, and raise it up, and keep it level.
Is that safe? will I kill myself?

[Rot 911]

I only use 4 jack stands if I need to get under both ends of the car while I am working. Say front and rear suspension work. If you are only working on one end of the car just need to use jack stands on that end. If I am removing the wheels I always just slide them under the car for a bit more insurance.

[WilsonTC]

Quality jackstands placed properly are relatively safe. In addition to jackstands, I'll place a bottle and/or floor jack underneath the area I'm working as a back-up. Wood blocking works, too. Avoid relying on concrete blocks.

[Gogar]

It's okay, +1 about throwing the tires under the car.

I'd suggest you get the back end off the ground first, and put the jack stands on the torsion bar covers. Then do the front. Doing one side, then the other side is a little sketchy. Also, make sure (if you're using a jack with wheels) that the jack will roll easily on the floor, so it doesn't pull the car laterally as you raise the jack.

[cgarr]

I always leave the lift jack against the engine even when on stands with just a bit of pressure, my wife needs me to keep working!

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by WilsonTC

Quality jackstands placed properly are relatively safe. In addition to jackstands, I'll place a bottle and/or floor jack underneath the area I'm working as a back-up. Wood blocking works, too. Avoid relying on concrete blocks.

Don't AVOID using concrete blocks, don't use them at all, period. 4 jack stands, 2 at the rear torsion bars and 2 in front under the a-arms is standard. However, the car will be very light at the front and can tip if you take out the spare, have no gas, etc. I use a 5th prop of any sort under the engine case. A scissors jack or similar is perfect. Don't put a lot of pressure there, just put it there to make sure the car can't tip backwards.

There are a couple of stories here about guys removing the front tires and brake rotors without any weight it the front and the car started to tip. There they are holding the car down looking around for some help or weight within reach. Sounds funny until you're the one looking around. IABTDT (I've almost been there, done that )

[docrodg]

Couple of other things... Do not use the jackstands on asphalt, they can punch through and tilt. Also, do NOT buy jackstanda that are rated less than you jack, buy them that will support more than your jack, this is an easy safety measure.

[plymouthcolt]

Unless you really need to have the whole car off the ground, work on one end then work on the other.

[longhornchris04]

4 good jackstands should do the trick as long as you keep the weight balanced (i.e. not removing a ton of weight from the front). One thing I found, probably because my jack doesn't have a huge amount of throw, is to work in increments and used wood blocks to get extra throw out of the jack.

Unless you are working on suspension, the rear torsion bar ends are perfect points for jackstands. They fit perfectly in the curved recess at the top of my jackstands.

Also, get the jack plug, its worth it. Raise the back from the jack plug - alternating sides to get it level and high enough. Then jack up the front end and put jackstands under. Hell, if you have a good buddy, you can probably just deadlift the front end and have a friend put the jackstand under (kidding, but when you remove the wheels it feels like that).

Also, at least with a 911, its tough to buy jackstands that aren't rated for the weight of the car. The lightest I've ever found are 2-ton jackstands.

Out of curiosity, what are you doing that needs the car up in the air & level?

[Zeke]

Raising the rear first can have it's problems. The front valance gets too low to get any kind of jack under it. I always start by raising the front just a few inches. When the rear comes up, I still have room in the front to finish the job.

Also, beware of jack creep. Your floor jack has to be able to move as it lifts or you'll pull the car off the stands you placed under. Do not raise the car up from one side too far because the angle at which the spring plate tube sits on the jack wants to slide off, especially due to jack creep, or lack of.

[m110]

Originally Posted by milt

Raising the rear first can have it's problems. The front valance gets too low to get any kind of jack under it. .

I jack the rear way up, then if I need the front up (to get the engine level for a drop) I put a stack of old carpet on the jack and slip it onto the sheetmetal next to the pedalbox from the behind. 2 more stands on front A-arms. When the engine is near clearing I drop the front back down to lift the bumper up.

This always keeps the car's rear higher like a teetertoller so it doesn't tip. A coworker of mine had done this for his entire career without damaging the car.

[scotricker]

good question chris, I guess I don't need to pick the whole car up. I'm just not sure about that lift the side up jack . Maybe one side at a time?

[Wyvern]

Originally Posted by milt

Don't AVOID using concrete blocks, don't use them at all, period. 4 jack stands, 2 at the rear torsion bars and 2 in front under the a-arms is standard. However, the car will be very light at the front and can tip if you take out the spare, have no gas, etc. I use a 5th prop of any sort under the engine case. A scissors jack or similar is perfect. Don't put a lot of pressure there, just put it there to make sure the car can't tip backwards.

There are a couple of stories here about guys removing the front tires and brake rotors without any weight it the front and the car started to tip. There they are holding the car down looking around for some help or weight within reach. Sounds funny until you're the one looking around. IABTDT (I've almost been there, done that )

THANK YOU !!!
Great advice ... I am newer to the 911 and although always "play safe" hadn't really put this set of dynamics together ...
Now ... I wont find out the hard way

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by Wyvern

THANK YOU !!!
Great advice ... I am newer to the 911 and although always "play safe" hadn't really put this set of dynamics together ...
Now ... I wont find out the hard way

You're entirely welcome, but there is a complete tutorial on the Pelican website in the tech articles section. You and everyone else would be surprised how much info is up on the site if you look for it.

[docrodg]

Using higher rated stands than the jack is rated helps if you ever try to lift anything else.

[scotricker]

Well, actually I want to re-finish the wheels. So... it would be more efficient if I had them all off at the same time. I guess I'll go get some jack stands.

I already searched for fuchs refinish info and found GOBS of ideas!

[gestalt1]

i have had the front pop a wheelie on jack stands when removing parts from the front - it really can happen. i would also suggest to take a moment before rolling under the car to try your reach/mobility and where to place your tools when under the car so you are not putting yourself in awkword positions.

one of the great things about the 911 is that there are very few times that you really need to get under the car - the fuel pump and changing the trans fluid are the only things i can think of. most work can be done from the side of the car and reaching in.

[adias]

Originally Posted by gestalt1

i have had the front pop a wheelie on jack stands when removing parts from the front - it really can happen. i would also suggest to take a moment before rolling under the car to try your reach/mobility and where to place your tools when under the car so you are not putting yourself in awkword positions.

one of the great things about the 911 is that there are very few times that you really need to get under the car - the fuel pump and changing the trans fluid are the only things i can think of. most work can be done from the side of the car and reaching in.

What about mounting the front jack-stands on the transversal pinch welds behind the front wheel wells? That should balance the car better.

To the question of why 4 stands? Brake flushing, rotor/caliper work.

[echecsqueen]

My friend shadow jack also taught me -

Throw a wheel/tire under the car just in case.

Don't work alone unless you have to and always keep your cell phone near for an emergency. Sounds basic but you can get in a bind where a phone is good to call for help. I am small (110 pounds) and weak, so I am a little afraid of getting pinned or trapped. The above measures make me feel more secure.

[tirwin]

Can I make a suggestion?

Look into getting a QuickJack (or similar). I bought one a couple of months ago and it has been hands down one of the best investments I have made.

I have used it an amazing amount since I bought it. I use it with all the family cars so it’s not just for the 911.

Maybe you only jack up your car(s) once in a blue moon. If you do any more than that then something like the QuickJack is easier and safer.