livelarge
07-13-2005, 12:32 PM
I want to rotate my own tires as well as be able to put winter wheels on and off with the season and I searched for info on jacking up the car with no success.
I have the jack that came with the car for one end, but I need another jack in order to rotate the tires. What type of jack are others using to lift the car?
I have a floor jack that just fits under the side of the car with no additional clearance, but I don't dare lift on the edge without the cut block like on the stock jack. Is there an aftermarket jack that lifts on the edge our are you guys using a lift point under the car? Really afraid of messing up the car by lifting in a spot that can't handle the weight.
QBallz
07-13-2005, 12:38 PM
Just put it on the frame and lift away!
RX8_Buckeye
07-13-2005, 12:47 PM
I want to rotate my own tires as well as be able to put winter wheels on and off with the season and I searched for info on jacking up the car with no success.
I have the jack that came with the car for one end, but I need another jack in order to rotate the tires. What type of jack are others using to lift the car?
I have a floor jack that just fits under the side of the car with no additional clearance, but I don't dare lift on the edge without the cut block like on the stock jack. Is there an aftermarket jack that lifts on the edge our are you guys using a lift point under the car? Really afraid of messing up the car by lifting in a spot that can't handle the weight.The lift points for a floor jack are shown in the owner's manual and these are the points I have used with no problems. Using these points, both front tires (or both rear tires) are lifted off the ground at the same time. Place jackstands under the weld flanges (the edges you describe) in the reinforced areas, and lower the car onto them. If you have 4 jackstands you can get all 4 tires off the ground by first lifting the front end and setting on jackstands, then repeating for the rear. Keep in mind that other people have used their own methods for jacking the car and seemed to be successful. For instance, some use the jack that came with the car to lift one corner at a time. Others have used a floor jack to lift one corner at a time (but as you mentioned, over time this could buckle the weld flange).
So, my recommendation is to use the floor jacking points listed in the manual in conjuction with at least 2 jack stands.
WaterLogged
07-13-2005, 12:48 PM
Two words: Jack stands. They come in pairs, so buy at least one set. Just last weekend I was wondering the same thing (where to put the jack and what-not) but after having a look under the car and a bit of advice it became apparently obvious.
1) Break the lug nuts prior to lifting the car (safety first!)
2) Lift one wheel of the car at a time with the floor jack using the lip just on the inside. If you lift the front first the rear will most likely come up when the jack gets high enough to fit the stand under.
3) Place the jack stand under a secure location (can't remember exact location, but it's relatively obvious)
4) Lower the jack slowly and test for stability
5) repeat steps 2-4 for the other corner
For better jack stand placement, you might try the DIY forums. I believe the oil change or tranny/differential threads have some suggested locations. Hell, there might even be a "rotate tires" DIY. If not, take pictures while you're doing it and make one! :)
WaterLogged
07-13-2005, 12:49 PM
Bah, someone beat me to it.
Dark8
07-13-2005, 01:03 PM
http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=49562&page=2&pp=10&highlight=floor+jack
See post #11