Jack Points?

[Elanlover]

Not knowing what category this question might properly fit in I thought I'd try here. Jacking points for the hand jack are pretty obvious. The various manuals and guides show secondary jack points under the body which I assume are for hydraulic lifts at the shop. But, would you jack the car on a lift using the handjack points?

I told a guy NOT to use those points for the hydraulic lift and to stick with the points under the car even though he assured me it would be fine. Anyone have any experience with this issue? Thanks!

[Specky]

does the FED have two jack points or four...

TTFN

[Elanlover]

I don't think the jack points are different between models. I recall 4 hand jack points and 4 "other" (presumably for hydraulic lifts and/or jack stands) jack points under the body.

[Specky]

I thought the S2's only had two...

TTFN

[L.G.]

Elanlover,

I've always used the jacking points marked with a's in the picture (hope I've done it right and it can be seen, if not it's the pic on page 4 in the manual the beginning of introduction) be it a hand jack or a lift. I've never experienced a problem so far.

L.G.

[Elanlover]

Hi L.G., my concern about using the wheel jack points shown ("A" points) was that you might get body panel cracking or the like. If you've never had problems at all then perhaps its acceptable to use them afterall (and I won't need to sound like "jack"-ass next time I take the car in with a snarl on my face and demand they use the other jacking points).

[rip]

I would not use my trolley jack under the hand jack points unless I was just taking a wheel off. You can get to them with any old jack.
I got a low reach jack so I could get to some decent jacking points. The car lifts much more evenly from there. I have never seem the above diagram before, but those places are exactly where I place my jack.

Jack.

[RayD]

....But, would you jack the car on a lift using the handjack points?

You are right to be cautious, and to get involved.

The 4 outer jacking points were intended to hold a ¼ of the weight of the car with plenty left over. If two of them are being used to lift ½ the car there would be no problem. Likewise, all four of them on the appropriate hydraulic lift.

I think the problem is more likely to come by them choosing the ‘wrong’ places underneath. We should all paint them a striking colour.

Although the idea of jacking the whole of one side up with one jacking point has been mentioned on occasions, there’s probably more to be said for limiting it to one wheel at a time.

Ray

[GeoffSmith]

As it says in the Wiki only the front jacking points should be used in the S2 - both wheels come up at about the same time on mine.

[Elanlover]

My biggest fear in using the handjack points on a lift is this:

The handjack has a cutout so that the dowel fits in and secure the jack properly. In doing so, the weight being lifted is actually distributed to the plate that surrounds that dowel - not to the dowel itself. If you use those points with the hydraulic lift, there's no "cutout" and so the weight is borne entirely by the dowel resting against the plates on the lift.

I've no idea how these points are constructed but if those dowels aren't capable of supporting the weight of the car (and only the plates are) then something's got to give.

[RayD]

Sorry Geoff, with mine having 4 points I assumed they might all be the same.


Elanlover, the Lotus sketch shows it being used on the dowel, I imaging it’s just as strong either way.

[GeoffSmith]

Sorry Geoff, with mine having 4 points I assumed they might all be the same.

That's OK Ray - the S2 has the same four jacking points but the manual says only the front shall be used. [/quote]

[Elanlover]

I saw that Ray - and was a bit surprised really. But, so be it. If that's what the pictures say then they must be true. I believe anything in black and white.

[paulwatkins]

Blair,
I use the outer jacking points with a hydraulic jack...... but I've got a couple of hockey pucks with the centre drilled out (19mm IIRC) that I place onto the jacking dowel, between the jack and the car.

It gives a larger surface area for the jack to press against.

I even take them to the tyre place / garage so they can use them.

I hope this makes sense!

[rip]

I've got a couple of hockey pucks with the centre drilled out (19mm IIRC) that I place onto the jacking dowel, between the jack and the car.

Hockey pucks. Never thought of those. Good idea. May get myself some next time I find a 'genuine' sports shop.

Jack.

[Elanlover]

Blair,
I use the outer jacking points with a hydraulic jack...... but I've got a couple of hockey pucks with the centre drilled out (19mm IIRC) that I place onto the jacking dowel, between the jack and the car.

It gives a larger surface area for the jack to press against.

I even take them to the tyre place / garage so they can use them.

I hope this makes sense!

I'll bet you said that just because I'm in Canada! I have plenty of pucks around and they're cheap as chips here.

Now, were you using the official, vulcanized rubber puck, the foam rubber puck, the orange road hockey puck, the hollow orange floor hockey puck, the lighter junior blue puck, the heavier red training puck or perhaps the good old Bobby Hull speed puck???????

[Sy V]

Who gives a puck!

[Elanlover]

Who gives a puck!

Hey, that's our official national animal you're talking about!

[Dico]

Puck off!

Group buy on pucks anyone?

[Specky]

Puck off!

Group buy on pucks anyone?

No Pucking chance...

TTFN