Dumb newbie question

Post by **soulstealer** » 23 Sep 2007, 20:18

This ones gonna make a few of you laugh. Have got a 1982 2 litre Aircooled bus which I've had for a week now. I need to change a wheel and although I've located the spare (underneath the front of the van in a cradle) I can't seem to find the jack or even a likely location for it????? any pointers ! am I just being stupid or is it more likely that it's been removed at some point. Any help greatfully received.

Post by **Rozzo** » 23 Sep 2007, 20:51

mine was under the passengers seat in the compartment that appears when you slide the seat fully forward

Post by **HarryMann** » 23 Sep 2007, 20:55

A 1/2" sq. drive powerbar and 19mm flank-drive socket is a good idea with these vehicles (for removing and re-tightening the wheel nuts)

GSF or Halfords places to start for those..

See wiki for more info...

http://wiki.80-90.co.uk/index.php/Main_ ... _Syncro.29

Ditto a decent 2 ton trolley jack and a couple of short lengths of 4x2 timber can come in handy as well.

Post by **Nicola&Tony** » 23 Sep 2007, 21:34

HarryMann wrote: . . . and a couple of short lengths of 4x2 timber can come in handy as well.

Are these to put on top of axle stands? I've been trying to jack my van this wknd (with a trolley jack) but struggled to get the front wheels high enough.

(Apologies for the thread hijack, but at least it's relevant to the original post!)

Tony

Post by **Hacksawbob** » 23 Sep 2007, 21:48

Certainly not a dumb question and doing it wrong could cause some nasty crush injuries,or worse. It is possible to jack under the trailing arm so the spring doesnt unspring as you jack, the 2 tonne jacks dont have the lift to get the van up, I guess Clive was suggesting you place the block between the jack and the chassis cross member, all pretty dubious stuff, but it works, and would probably suffice to change a wheel over.I would invest in a decent set of axle stands 6 tonne from machine mart) and a High lift jack makes the jobs so much easier. remember to chock forward of the front wheels if lifting the rear, and rear of the rear wheels if doing the fronts. Untighten the wheel nuts just a few turns before you lift the van

Post by **soulstealer** » 24 Sep 2007, 20:25

Thanks guys have searched high and low for a jack in the van to no avail

Luckily I work at a college that has a motor vehicle department so borrowed a 3 tonne trolley jack and 19mm extended wheel brace. job done. Any recomendations for a decent jack to be left in the van permanantly for roadside emergencies?

Post by **trickydicky** » 24 Sep 2007, 20:43

Found this on Ebay, item No.270169229875
If someone can do the fancy link thing then appreciated

Post by **markeymagicbus** » 24 Sep 2007, 20:55

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... %26fvi%3D1

think that might work

Post by **FlowerPower** » 24 Sep 2007, 22:36

I finally (after 6 months) found my jack hidden under the back seat.

Post by **Mocki** » 25 Sep 2007, 12:01

i slung my t25 jack in the skip, they are dangerous things, a 2 tonne trolly jack is far safer, and lift high enough

Post by **irish.david** » 25 Sep 2007, 12:26

I totally agree. The jack supplied by VW is a death trap. If you're not lucky enough to get a puncture on ground that's totally flat then it's useless. I'm very careful about these things but a few months ago when changing a tire on a very slight camber (handbrake on and 2 wheels chocked) the van fell off the jack. Over a decade working on cars and that's the first time that has ever happened. Quite scary it was too.

Dave