16 replies to this topic

[longbridge4life]

This is so nooby but i need help for safety's sake
I'm wanting to put my mini on axle stands but my drive has a slight incline. By the time it's on the stands it's not sitting evenly on it and concerns me, I don't trust it. Could i maybe put some wood between the top of the stand and the front subframe?

Im replacing the front knuckle joints so want it pretty steady. Any tips for jacking up and suppoting on stands would be really appriciated.

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[Ro3ert]

Do the stands have height adjustment?

[Broomer]

Just bring them forward a little bit so the sub frame sits in the flat of the axle stand. stick them anywhere on the sub frame which is strong enough and secure enough.

If you cant place axle stands correctly can you change knuckle joints safely?

[SA MINI]

I usually place the stands where yours are with a thin block of wood that fits between the two slopes in the head of the axle stands. Very sturdy & doesn't damage anything. I keep a jack & block of wood under the engine too just for extra support & make up some wooden wedges to go behind the rear wheels just so it won't shift back

[longbridge4life]

Hi Ro3ert yes the stands have adjustment. There from halfords but iv'e put them on minimum because there quite tall.

[Ro3ert]

oh so they have 1 position. okay go with the other guys advice.

[Carlos W]

The issue is, if they're not on flat ground the weight isn't going to be evenly distributed through the feet, and the stand may topple, be careful!

[longbridge4life]

Thanks SAmini that's handy advice :) Im pretty good with anything mechanical but for some reason iv'e always been nervous getting under cars! Not such a bad thing really it'll keep me safe.... anyhoo i'll try your advice and get these knuckles sorted! Rear wheel chocks in, up on stands, engine supported job done, Cheers

[conlad]

Watch your floor too! Try not to jack up on it as it will slowly cave in without you realizing

[longbridge4life]

Hey Conlad :) A garage did that already i wasn't amused!! a little soft hammering sorted that. Another garage i had an MOT and they took it over the rolling road rollers and the rear silencer Banged on the rollers Some garages are cruel to sweet mins.

[charie t]

you shouldn't be jacking the car up on an unlevel surface anyway

[conlad]

Hey Conlad :) A garage did that already i wasn't amused!! a little soft hammering sorted that. Another garage i had an MOT and they took it over the rolling road rollers and the rear silencer Banged on the rollers Some garages are cruel to sweet mins.

Hey dude A lot of people seem to have problems with 'non-mini' friendly garages! I spose you just gotta pick the best one ey? :) All the best with it!

[klivins]

I would park the car on the slope so the front is at lowest, even if it means you have to manuevre the mini to get to this position. Having slope sideways would need a lot wider acle stand base to secure the car!

Edited by klivins, 18 May 2012 - 04:46 AM.

[longbridge4life]

FOLLOW UP:

Thanks everyone for their great replies. I got the job half done today and was pleased i went to the effort! See pics for reasons why. After a struggle getting the knuckle joints out it was well worth it look at the cups worn right through. I've also removed the tie bar bushes and lower arm bushes to fit spanky new ones on their way soon. The hi/lows were seized and had to get a blow torch to free them but all back together and looking good.

It got advisories for the knuckle joints in a recent MOT so no more worries with that. Thanks again to all that replied it really helped.

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[SA MINI]

nice job those knuckles certainly are mullard