Question re trolley jacks / axle stands.

[BRG/Blk Cooper S]

HI all,
Would like to add a nice Draper trolley jack and Draper axle stands to my growing tool collection - Draper, really nice tools and easy to find heavily discounted on the web.

Anyway, the main reason for this purchase will be to remove, clean and wax my S-Spokes every 3 months or so and also keep the wheel arches and underbody clean and wax-oiled where necessary.

Wondering how I should use a trolley jack with the Mini.
Do I use the same jacking points as with the supplied jack?
Where exactly should I place the axle stands - I will only be lifting one corner at a time, the axle stands are more for safety than anything.

Thanks, Geoff.

[Ady]

i use a trolly jack on the original jacking points, the tabs on the "cup" on the jack fits nicely into the rubber jack points. Can#t jelp you on where to put axel stands though, when changing wheels i just leav it on the trolly jack as it seems stable enough.

Ady

[mph999]

Not looked, but axel stands should be ok under part of the suspension, the lower swinging arms should be fine. Better safe than sorry.

Martin

[GTT 280]

Quote: Originally Posted by drainaudio (original)

HI all,
Would like to add a nice Draper trolley jack and Draper axle stands to my growing tool collection - Draper, really nice tools and easy to find heavily discounted on the web.

Anyway, the main reason for this purchase will be to remove, clean and wax my S-Spokes every 3 months or so and also keep the wheel arches and underbody clean and wax-oiled where necessary.

Wondering how I should use a trolley jack with the Mini.
Do I use the same jacking points as with the supplied jack?
Where exactly should I place the axle stands - I will only be lifting one corner at a time, the axle stands are more for safety than anything.

Thanks, Geoff.

If you are using axel stands, you should really use them as pairs (that is why they are sold in two's and not singles). They generally hold the car higher and it would not be too great for the flex if you just left one corner raised all day - well in my mind that is the reasoning.

As for where to position them on the mini - i still don't know, but i really must find out. You don't want to rest the car on any suspension part on the jack stands as this won't be any use for attending to suspension fixes etc. they must be used on the chassis somewhere, but a structural part that is able to bear the load of 500kg. - i'd ask BMW, they'll know.

[BRG/Blk Cooper S]

HI all,
I'm not looking to leave the car sitting on the axle stand for any length of time - just while I clean and wax each wheel, clean the wheel arch etc.

The function of the axle stand in this situation is purely as a safety measure in the event the trolley jack fails.

That being the case can I assume it's ok to place the axle stand under the sub-frame or something like that considering it won't actually be taking any weight?

I can't imagine no-one on this forum removes their wheels for cleaning - are you all just relying on a jack and hoping for the best?

Cheers, Geoff.

[GTT 280]

Quote: Originally Posted by drainaudio (original)

I can't imagine no-one on this forum removes their wheels for cleaning - are you all just relying on a jack and hoping for the best?

Cheers, Geoff.

Hi again,

I use a pnematic trolley jack (£20 from halford) and it is 1) easy to use for lifting and lowering, and 2) more reliable and stable than the manual wind jack in the boot.

I only use jack stands if i am working onthe underneath, checking for damage or corrosion.

[russyellocoops]

Jacked the backe end of the car up the other night to swap wheels and fit an S filler cap using the standard jack and stuck an axle stand under for safety!

I postioned this on the rear at the pivot where the suspension joins the body!

(But now I know it's ok to use a trolley jack on the std jacking points i'll use that from now on!)