Wierd looking jack...

Post by **sezicoolcat** » 17 Oct 2008, 10:54

So, come on then guys - this VW jack - how does it work?
I can see the bar fits onto the holes on the side of my van, and the foot gos on the floor and I wind the handle, but I can't see how that bar remains up under load? Unless my jack is missing something or other.

SArah

Post by **GAML** » 17 Oct 2008, 10:57

I agree is does look strange but works well - just make sure the jacking point is clean so that the bar can go all the way in.

Post by **1664** » 17 Oct 2008, 10:59

It can't fold down because the hole (tube effectively) in the van holds it in the upright position I think

Post by **Titus A Duxass** » 17 Oct 2008, 11:17

Just make sure that when you get it up, hold it up on axle stands or similar if you are working underneath.

Post by **sezicoolcat** » 17 Oct 2008, 11:30

Yeah, thanks for the advice. Used the jack - the chassis kept on going up and up and up - but would that wheel!? No chance. It groaned like mad that chassis - I thought thats high enough for me to get under there, so under I went.

Anyway, giving this van mechanics thing a miss now I've got all this black grit all over me - off to shower and do some house work instead - suppose I'll have to miss the Fox and Goose meet this weekend if I can't get the ruddy vans slave cylinder fixed.

thanks for all the advice in all my posts today everyone

Sarah

Post by **joshb** » 17 Oct 2008, 11:38

sezicoolcat wrote:Yeah, thanks for the advice. Used the jack - the chassis kept on going up and up and up - but would that wheel!? No chance. It groaned like mad that chassis - I thought thats high enough for me to get under there, so under I went.

Anyway, giving this van mechanics thing a miss now I've got all this black grit all over me - off to shower and do some house work instead - suppose I'll have to miss the Fox and Goose meet this weekend if I can't get the ruddy vans slave cylinder fixed.

thanks for all the advice in all my posts today everyone

Sarah

PLEASE DONT go under any vehicle that is just supported by a jack!! your just asking to be a star of hobly city that way!!! if you havent got axle stands some solid wood or at a push some bricks may save you from major owchyness should the jack fail!

Post by **sezicoolcat** » 17 Oct 2008, 11:42

I also went under without jacking so there was clearance.

Post by **joshb** » 17 Oct 2008, 11:44

sezicoolcat wrote:I also went under without jacking so there was clearance.

yeh i do that too, but not when its raised on a jack... its just a general safety thing. if its raised and the jack fails it will bounce on you, and if a wheel is removed at the time it will squish you

Website · Post by **CovKid** » 17 Oct 2008, 12:03

I confess to driving around permanently with a 2-ton trolley jack on board. Its heavy and awkward to find room for but just feel more confident if I need to get under there or change a wheel miles from home. I have NEVER forgotten seeing a scissor jack collapse when I was changing a wheel....

Post by **Ian Hulley** » 17 Oct 2008, 13:24

If you're changing a wheel put the new one under the van till the old one's off then swap ... NEVER venture uner the van without blocks or an axle stand or better still both. I knew people who're not here anymore because of jacks failing.

Ian.

Post by **Rozzo** » 17 Oct 2008, 17:33

sezicoolcat wrote:Yeah, thanks for the advice. Used the jack - the chassis kept on going up and up and up - but would that wheel!? No chance. It groaned like mad that chassis - I thought thats high enough for me to get under there, so under I went.

Anyway, giving this van mechanics thing a miss now I've got all this black grit all over me - off to shower and do some house work instead - suppose I'll have to miss the Fox and Goose meet this weekend if I can't get the ruddy vans slave cylinder fixed.

thanks for all the advice in all my posts today everyone

Sarah

ignore the creaking and just keep winding, eventually the wheel will lift.
don't miss out on a camp for something as simple as a slave cylinder

Post by **Mocki** » 17 Oct 2008, 17:39

the only place them jacks are good for is the skip......

i wouldnt jack a quaver up with one of them..........skip it and get a bottle jack or a trolly jack.......

single leg jacks are dangerous

Post by **Pepperami** » 17 Oct 2008, 17:44

I have a trolley jack and axle stands. I can't get under mine without them and it's not coz i'm a fat barsteward. The standard jack is great but buy some axle stands. You know it makes sense

Post by **jpee** » 17 Oct 2008, 17:46

Agree with rozzo keep jacking nearly all the way to the top. You only get enough ground clearance to remove wheel

Post by **DiscoDave** » 17 Oct 2008, 20:36

the jack will do the job, but that does not mean it is not crap!

bin it off and get a trolley jack, i've always had a cheap argos type on in a case in the back, i've had the vw on fall over in the past, luckily the disc didn't seem to be damaged!

by the very same i also nearly lot my had a few weeks ago - had it not been for the axle stand!!!! use one! simple!