3 replies to this topic

[CG1098]

Hi, bit of a rookie question but can someone give me a specific location to jack up the front of my mini and put axle stands under? I've read the forums and everyone seems to have a different opinion. The most popular opinion seems to be underneath the lower control arm, I tried doing this today and couldn't for the life of me figure out where to put the axle stands. When I jack using the subframe lower control arms it takes up all the space and I can't fit an axle stands in. Some say use the tie bar mounts (as long as you're careful not to touch the tie bars) to give more room for axle stands, others say avoid this at all costs.

Are the rear mounting bolts (where the front subframe attaches to the body) a safe place? I'm really conscious of doing some damage, I'd appreciate a bit of expert advice to put me at ease... Thanks.

[nicklouse]

i use the  underneath the lower control arm and put the stand on the other side and then adjust position to put a stand on the jack side. 

 

no point doing one side at a time.

[TheFabMini]

I find if I jack up one side of the sub frame on the big flat bit it ends up lifting both wheels so I put the axl stand under the other side of the sub frame. Let the jack down and usually both wheels are still in the air... bit of a wiggle and you can get the other stand under... Im sure this is wrong but it works for me.

Some people jack up on the bottom of the gearbox, although tempting and annoyingly convenient this is very frowned upon as the whole car is being held by the engine mounts and could potentially damage the gearbox/sump casing

[dyshipfakta]

I jack on the flats of the subframe then axle stands behind them again on the subframe. Using control arm is fine unless you need to work on it of course lol