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Since I’m new to vehicles, I’ll try to summarize the numerous discussion threads on when and how to utilize jack stands.
You should only use your scissors jack to change tires. According to the directions for the scissors jack, you should place them on the frame rail between the two notches. You cannot install your jack stands in the same frame rail location between the two notches if you elevate your automobile with a scissors jack. Unless you have special jack stand adapters (see below diagram) particularly built for the curvature of the frame rail, using jack stands on another area of the frame rail close to the notches may cause your frame rail to flex (see photos above).
A floor jack is required, which you can attach to the garage jack points or to the red positions in the aforementioned diagrams on the midline of the vehicle. After raising the vehicle, position your jack stands on the four frame rail regions located in-between the two notches.
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How can I place four jack stands under my 2018 Nissan Altima?
I cannot place my jack stand underneath the pinch weld between the two notches when using my low-profile floor jack (which I bought to lift the front and rear ends of Mustangs and Tauruses) to lift my Altima at Location B.
I have no clearance to pump the jack, therefore I can only access Location B from behind the pinch weld or from the front of the vehicle.
My current plan of action is to
1. Lift the automobile using the scissor jack to access the tire,
2. Lift the vehicle with the floor jack in place beneath Location B and in front of the pinch weld.
3. Subsequent the pinch weld, place the jack stand.
1. Can I hoist the car, place the jack stand under Location B, and position the floor jack under the pinch weld (Location A)?
2. Should I exercise any caution utilizing this method, if I can?
1. When the Nissan Automotive Engineers opted against adding a second rear lift/jack stand point, were their heads up their asses?
2. Can I raise the car, set the jack stand beneath the pinch weld, and position my floor jack with the middle of its arm about 10″ in front of the read pinch weld?
3. Can someone offer advice on how to put the back end on jack stands?
Jack Stand Altima Nissan Points
To perform maintenance on a component, I need to crawl underneath my automobile. Because cars are heavy, it’s best to research and do this carefully because if you go under them and they fall on top of you, this could result in amputation or death. Going to a garage and having someone else do it is the easiest and safest option, but this is more expensive.
I’ll try to explain the several forum threads on how and where to utilize jack stands on a 2 gen Nissan Altima 1993-2001 because I’m new to vehicles. Although it appears straightforward, the large number of people who have started forum discussions indicates that there may be some uncertainty, so I thought I’d try to clear things up.
You should only use your scissors jack to change tires. According to the directions for the scissors jack, you should place them on the frame rail between the two notches. You cannot install your jack stands in the same frame rail location between the two notches if you elevate your automobile with a scissors jack. Unless you have special jack stand adapters (see below diagram) particularly built for the curvature of the frame rail, using jack stands on another area of the frame rail close to the notches may cause your frame rail to flex (see pictures).
Update: Joe wrote in on September 16, 2010 to tell that he was unable to locate the jack stand adapters. Even though I looked, I was unable to locate them. Here are several studies:
- Using hard wood, some people are building their own jack stand adapters. Choose a piece of wood that will fit your jack stands and carve a slot through the middle.
- Harbor Freight sells two-piece rubber jack stand pads and 6 ton jack stands for $10 US each. Although not exactly as shown in the above diagram, they are affordable.
- Many jack pads are available from Protech Products. The size is appropriate for your jack stands. $23US
- According to flipper325 from this G35 forum topic, he is still producing the custom jack stand adapters for Harbour Freight jacks as of September 2010. A two-part polyurethane elastomer is used to cast them. $45US/pr
How is a 2008 Nissan Altima jacked up?
- Find the jack kit, the jack handle, and the lug nut wrench.
- Pre-Jack List: Actions to take prior to lifting a car.
- Position Jack: Put the jack handle together and place the jack beneath the jack points.
- Vehicle Lift: Carefully elevate the vehicle using the jack.
Where do you jack up a car’s front end?
Consult a service handbook to find the suggested lift points and support locations for your particular vehicle before learning how to jack up your truck properly. Repair guides are typically offered online or at auto parts retailers.
- Engage the parking brake and block the back wheels before you start the jacking procedure to stop unwanted movement.
- You should begin lifting the car up from the front. Trucks with four-wheel drive can have their front ends elevated by setting the jack under the differential.
- A helpful hint is to position the jack for two-wheel-drive trucks underneath the engine’s jacking pad.
How do you use a floor jack to jack up a car?
Now is the moment to begin lifting your car if you have figured out the jack positions. It is important to stop and replace your jack if it feels shaky at any stage during this procedure rather than risk damaging your car or yourself.
Put the floor jack underneath the jack point of the car. The saddle of the jack should make as much even contact with the frame of the vehicle as feasible.
With the handle, start pumping the floor jack. Pump away until the saddle of the jack touches the frame of the car. Take a break, determine how the saddle is situated with respect to the car’s frame and the jack points, and then restart if necessary. If not, keep pushing until your car is at a working height.
On an automobile, where are the jack points?
In order to safely lift the car, most automobiles have strengthened metal ribs that serve as the jacking points. There are typically four jacking points on each car. They are situated beneath the car’s rocker panels, close to the front wheels, and close to the back wheels.
How much should my automobile be jacked up?
A jack lift height of 20 inches is sufficient for the majority of autos. Unless, of course, you like lifted off-road vehicles with enormous tires, in which case you’ll need something with a bigger lifting capacity.
Can a car be jacked up by the crossmember?
A automobile can slide off the jack by traveling in an arc as you raise or lower it. The wheels of the car or the jack must roll when you elevate one end. It’s usually the jack’s wheels. Line the jack up with the crossmember or diff to make this easier, then roll it into place.
What three varieties of jacks are there?
Trolley jacks, bottle jacks, and scissor jacks are the three primary varieties of car jacks. Although they all carry out the same basic tasks slightly differently, some varieties are more stable than others (as we explain below)
Is jacking up an automobile via the differential acceptable?
Ask your friendly neighborhood mechanic, and he’ll probably tell you that he uses a floor jack against the differential all the time. Unfortunately, while this is one of the most-discussed topics when it comes to jacking up cars, everyone seems to have a different answer for what you “should be doing.” To determine which elements of a car or truck can withstand the force of the jack, he depends on expertise.
Others will just advise you to consult your owner’s manual or get in touch with the car’s manufacturer. Technically speaking, that’s a really good response. Why? It doesn’t follow that something is unquestionably safe just because it is probably safe. The tire shop workers are undoubtedly acting safely when they lift a car by the differential. Similarly, if you perform the same task at home using a reliable hydraulic jack, you are likely acting safely.
You are surely being safe if the differential is listed as a recommended lifting point by the manufacturer of your car. Your handbook, however, most likely instructs you to lift from the pinch weld or frame. If in doubt, refer to the book!
How safe are jack stands?
Jack stands: In a do-it-yourself garage, jack stands can be the most neglected piece of safety equipment. Jack stands cannot raise automobiles. Instead, they offer a lifted vehicle a secure, stable support. Every time you lift a vehicle, use a set of jack stands to greatly reduce the risk of getting hurt by a falling vehicle. Simply raise the vehicle’s jack stand(s) and drop it onto the stand(s). When it’s time to take them off, use a jack to raise the car a little bit, then take the jack stands off and lower it. Wheel chocks should always be installed before working on an elevated vehicle.
Ramps: Because they offer substantial, sturdy points of contact that are unlikely to fail, ramps are a secure substitute for jacks and jack supports. Ramps, however, are not as adaptable as jacks and jack stands. For instance, a ramp is useless if you have to remove a wheel to replace brake pads. But ramps are perfect for muffler replacement jobs.
Floor jacks: A jack included in a car’s spare tire changing kit is not appropriate for usage in other circumstances. These jacks are normally made to be compact and lightweight, making them perfect for minor roadside emergencies only. A good floor jack is a necessary item for routine lifting tasks around the shop or garage. Pick a floor jack with a lifting pad that has a minimum diameter of two inches. This will provide the jack point of the car with a lot of surface area to rest on. A floor jack will roll into a stable position when the car raises because it is on wheels. Before starting your task, make sure to lower the car onto jack stands.
Bottle jacks: Bottle jacks are more portable than floor jacks and frequently have higher weight ratings than floor jacks of comparable price. Bottle jacks, however, could not be as stable as floor jacks because they often have a smaller footprint. To reduce the danger of movement, use bottle jacks only on a stable, level surface, such as a garage floor. Just as you would with a floor jack, use jack stands when using a bottle jack.
Equipment for specialty lifting: Specialized tools make it easier and safer for both amateurs and professionals to complete particular tasks. To remove a transmission from a car safely, a transmission jack slips smoothly under the transmission. With the least amount of risk to you or your car, you can raise an entire engine out of its bay using an engine hoist or engine crane. A specialised lift is a terrific way to complete the task fast and safely if you conduct a lot of heavy wrenching.