33 replies to this topic

[pusb]

In place of the rubber pads, I use pieces of MDF (do they have that in the UK and OZ?).  MDF is "medium density fiber board".  Though people in that industry will cringe when I say it, MDF is basically very thick, high-density cardboard.  It is a remarkably handy material for all sorts of uses around the shop... as long as you don't get it wet.

 

Without distracting from the OP's question, for some reason there is a real myth over here that MDF is banned in America. I can't understand where that myth has come from.

[Spider]

That's actually what we've been told here, so I was in fact a little surprised when I read Doug's post.

 

Not confirmed - what I've heard is that it can cause an illness similar to lung cancer, something in the dust from it when it's cut or sanded and that's inhaled.

 

Thanks for clarifying that it is available in the US.

[Tiny tom]

The glues in Mdf are the harmful stuff. The fact is when it is cut by hand there is minimal risk. When it is cut up with the likes of a chop saw or electric planed it becomes airborne and the particles are very fine. And for some reason the lungs can't get rid of the fine dust causing problems with breathing. Probally simaler to asbestos.

[dklawson]

There are lots of wood products that have been banned here over the years but so far MDF is not one of them.  Apart from the problems that arise from exposing it to water, I think it is amazing stuff.  What is particularly attractive to me is how darn flat and smooth it is without needing to be planed.  

 

Regarding the chemicals in MDF... I have no idea what's inside.  

[SPINNER673]

It's got formaldehyde in it.

[fenghuang]

Is a length of scaffold board across the rear subframe strong enough to support the rear of the car? Have just seen one used to help remove a rear subframe and it got me wondering.

[Tamworthbay]

Is a length of scaffold board across the rear subframe strong enough to support the rear of the car? Have just seen one used to help remove a rear subframe and it got me wondering.

if it's proper scaffold board that's the best part of an inch thick then yes. You can also use it across the rear of the floor with an axle stand each end when you need to drop the rear subframe.

[kangaroomadman]

I jacked up the front of my Mini for the first time yesterday (I've only had it for a week), using a low profile trolley jack and a couple of axle stands from Halfords. I used the front subframe for both the jacking and placing the stand but it took me numerous attempts to find a good jacking point that would then not interfere with the placement of the stands!

 

In the end I settled for jacking up befind the wheel where the lower suspension arm attaches and then placed the axle stands just behind where the front suspension tie bar attaches. This appears to work ok but when dropping the car back down a couple of times the trolley jack would roll itself into position on to the base of the axle stand meaning I couldn't remove it! It took me ages in the end to get it back down safely.

 

Forgive the crudeness of the example picture but hopefully it gets across the issue better than describing it.

 

Is there a better way to position the jack and stands?

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[Spider]

I jack them from under the sump and depending on what I'm actually jacking it for, sometimes place the stands where you have the Red circles in your pic.

 

The Sumps on these are very strong, cast alluminium, not like most cars were they are pressed, can't jack these!

[nicklouse]

I tend to axle stand where the red marks are. Jack on sump. Load spread with a plank. Or of the tie bar mounts depending how why and what.

Edited by nicklouse, 26 April 2015 - 09:42 AM.

[mister bridger]

I jack them from under the sump and depending on what I'm actually jacking it for, sometimes place the stands where you have the Red circles in your pic.

 

The Sumps on these are very strong, cast alluminium, not like most cars were they are pressed, can't jack these!

Surely that leaves the whole front of the car hanging from two rubber engine mounts?!

[Spider]

 

I jack them from under the sump and depending on what I'm actually jacking it for, sometimes place the stands where you have the Red circles in your pic.

 

The Sumps on these are very strong, cast alluminium, not like most cars were they are pressed, can't jack these!

Surely that leaves the whole front of the car hanging from two rubber engine mounts?!

 

 

Yeah and tests them at the same time!

 

<Edit: Murphy's Law no. 36;- If it Jams, force it. if it breaks, it needed replacing anyway!

 

Seriously though, I have had a couple of mounts let go, yes, but when looked at, they were about to go anyway. I'd rather have them let go in the workshop, where it's easier to do something about them then out on the road. Many of our local Rego Inspectors (like your MOT guys) actaully jack them to check the front end by this same way, to also check the monts at the same time>

Edited by Moke Spider, 26 April 2015 - 09:59 AM.

[kangaroomadman]

Jacking on the sump worries me a bit, I'm not sure I want to test the engine mounts as I'm really only just learning.

Is there nowhere else on the subframe that can be used?

I've noticed someone must have previously jacked it up on the floor as there appears to be dents either side.

[nicklouse]

We have been jacking on the sumps for years. For me since 1986.

[661]

In place of the rubber pads, I use pieces of MDF (do they have that in the UK and OZ?).  MDF is "medium density fiber board".  Though people in that industry will cringe when I say it, MDF is basically very thick, high-density cardboard.  It is a remarkably handy material for all sorts of uses around the shop... as long as you don't get it wet.

Ice hockey puck.

Do you play ice hockey in the States?