axle stand advice

[RichardN]

taking series 1 OTS on rally 1st time ( "Blue train")
On advice have ordered sealy 1.5 ton jack ( it fits)
Is it possible to use axle stands on an E,
and if so...what size?
I am not keen to jack without some safety


also: any advice on spare list for touring rally welcome ( I have good list from "Rally Round" website)

BW to all...my first post!

[Hugo]

Zip ties. And WD40 for when the ignition gets soaked. Small multi-meter also.

[chrisfell]

The most useful tool I've ever encountered on the road is an electric jack. Less bulky than the sealey trolley jack, but oh so much easier to use. I always take an axle stand, it is collapsible, saving space when stowed, and an electric tyre pump.




This is what I packed into my 2+2 for a two week trip around France. There were some mandatory items, like the warning triangle, hiviz vests, first aid kit and in date breathalysers. Spares include a fuel pump, alternator and belt, dizzie spares, tube and tyre irons and a patching kit. Tow rope, jump leads. Electrical tape wire terminals and crimper. Ovvies gloves and cleaning rags. Oils and fluids in small bottles. Most of this fitted in the spare wheel well, in and around the spare. It's surprising what can be stowed under the boot board.

[cactusman]

All I can say is never ever venture under a car supported only by a hydraulic jack. You are putting your faith in an O ring and a non return valve in most cases. If either fails the Jack drops and you get squashed. At best you will be seriously injured. At worst it is the undertaker for you.

[alfazagato]

I am not for one moment suggesting that one only uses a jack to support a car whist working underneath but I wonder how many of us have suffered an hydraulic failure? I haven't so far! And BTW two axe stands are needed.

[cactusman]

I knew someone who did while under a landrover. He didn't make it...just not worth the risk.

[JagWaugh]

Two axle stands AND a wheel chock (Ideally you won't need them, at worst a wheel change, and for that I just use the hydraulic jack).

I've never had a hydraulic jack fail suddenly, but I've had a couple with leaks, and had people release the valve at an inappropriate moment.

Oh, and a hardwood insert for your picture frame.

[Hugo]

Hydraulic jacks don't fail suddenly, but they do topple over or sink into the ground (and then topple over!). I am not a cautious person by any means, but I do have a strong sense of survival and I am always alert to anything that might go wrong. I will quite happily venture under a car as long as the wheels are on it - I might end up with a broken nose if it falls off the jack but I can live with that ;0

[chrisfell]

Sorry guys, but I have to disagree. The thread is about practical advice for travelling, not working safely under a car whilst removing an engine or rear cage. One stand will suffice for all but the most serious road side repairs. And a wheel chock can be provided by something else repurposed, such as a copper hide mallet. Any repair that requires two stands will be either power train related or whole axle related and would be better done in a workshop after a flat bed journey. So, something confined to one quarter or where access from one side is required such as a flat tyre, a wheel bearing or inner control arm adjustment, or changing a leaking hose can all be done perfectly safely with just one collapsible axle stand and three wheels on the ground. Keep the space saved by not carrying two stands and a wheel chock for a bottle or two of wine and a corkscrew. The trip is, afterall, through France.

[Series1 Stu]

Although, I have had a bad experience with a collapsible axle stand and will never use them again in the workshop. They're fine when used as described by Chris.

Regards

[Heuer]

Chris

Why on earth do you carry that hunk of firewood for the spinners? A lead mallet (or even the standard Thor) is all you need. Alternative is one of Lionel's tools.

[chrisfell]

Chris

Why on earth do you carry that hunk of firewood for the spinners? A lead mallet (or even the standard Thor) is all you need. Alternative is one of Lionel's tools.

I usually travel with others, and they like to borrow the spinner saver to save their concours spinners. (Mine are hacked to bits). I use it as a wheel chock, or a steady for a jack on loose surfaces.